Muscat – Jabal Akhdar is currently witnes-sing a notable surge in tourism activity driven by its pleasant weather and the annual rose harvest, according to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.

Ahlam bint Hamad Al Qasabi, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in Dakhliyah, said visitor numbers to Jabal Akhdar have been rising steadily as tourists seek nature-based experiences during the spring season.

She noted that the increase in visitors has boosted tourism-related activities, with hotels and restaurants in Jabal Akhdar reporting high occupancy levels, particularly during April when the famed rose harvest takes place.

Ahlam said the number of visitors to Jabal Akhdar grew by around 10% in 2025, reflecting the continued expansion of the tourism sector in the area. The destination currently hosts 51 hotel establishments offering about 1,028 rooms, underscoring the scale of tourism and economic activity in mountain destination.

She added that the rose harvesting season has become a key driver of agritourism, allowing visitors to observe traditional harvesting and rosewater distillation processes. “The season offers tourists a unique opportunity to witness the journey of roses from farms to the distillation stage, transforming agricultural activity into a comprehensive tourism experience,” she said.

According to Ahlam, the season generates tangible economic benefits for local communities through the sale of rose-based products, while hotels, restaurants and tourism operators benefit from higher occupancy rates and increased visitor spending.

She pointed out that interest among local residents in expanding rose cultivation has been growing due to its strong economic potential and rising demand. Efforts are also being made to enhance visitor experiences through organised farm tours and booking programmes during the season.

Estimates indicate that around 6,000 rose bushes are cultivated in Jabal Akhdar, producing nearly 30,000ltr of rosewater annually, with an estimated market value of RO210,000, highlighting the crop’s increasing economic significance and its close link to Oman’s cultural heritage.