Muscat – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Wealth & Water Resources has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Amouage, the Omani High Perfumery House, to implement a sustainable Frankincense harvesting project at Wadi Gazelle in the Governorate of Dhofar. Supported by the Agricultural and Fishery Development Fund, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the long-term sustainability of Oman’s Frankincense sector while creating greater value from one of the Sultanate’s most important natural resources.

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries Wealth & Water Resources, and Sayyid Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Chairman of Amouage.

The project will be implemented across approximately 1,500 acres in Dhofar and will establish a comprehensive framework for sustainable Frankincense harvesting at Wadi Gazelle, combining responsible harvesting practices with scientific monitoring, resource management, and local participation. Through this approach, the partnership seeks to support the long-term viability of Frankincense populations while contributing to the continued development of the sector and reinforcing Oman’s position as a source of sustainably harvested natural ingredients.

Commenting on the partnership, His Excellency Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries Wealth & Water Resources, said: “This partnership represents an important step in the development of Oman’s Frankincense sector through an approach that brings together environmental sustainability and economic opportunity. It supports the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 by encouraging investment in industries linked to national resources, creating new avenues for economic diversification, and strengthening the contribution of value-added sectors to the national economy.”

His Excellency went on to highlight the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in developing sustainable industries and creating long-term value. In this regard, the Agricultural and Fishery Development Fund plays a vital role in supporting initiatives that contribute to sector development while promoting sustainability and innovation.

Sayyid Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Chairman of Amouage, added: “The House of Amouage wishes to respectfully source Oman’s most iconic natural ingredients. By bringing them to the world’s attention through our perfumes, we allow people around the world to discover or to better understand Oman’s natural wealth and agricultural potential. We are delighted to launch this key strategic initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural and Fishery Development Fund and contribute to the shaping of Oman’s future as a custodian of its natural heritage.”

The programme will include field surveys, harvest monitoring, production tracking, and quality assessments. Harvesting activities will be carried out in accordance with recognised international standards and best practices in sustainability, transparency, and responsible sourcing, ensuring the long-term health and productivity of Frankincense trees.

A central component of the project focuses on developing local expertise through training, qualification, and employment opportunities for surrounding communities. Working alongside specialists and technical experts, local teams will participate in harvesting and monitoring activities, building skills that support long-term employment and strengthen community participation across the sector.

The programme will also generate valuable production, quality, and field-performance data, creating a stronger knowledge base for the sector. These insights will support future planning, strengthen resource management, and help inform investment and development decisions.

In parallel, the project is expected to support the continued development of Oman’s Frankincense value chain by improving product quality and creating opportunities for downstream processing and value-added applications. Following the opening of Ayn Dawkah, the Visitor Centre and Manufacture currently under development at Wadi Dawkah, Frankincense harvested at Wadi Gazelle will be distilled in Oman for use in the production of essential oils.

The initiative builds on the progress achieved at Wadi Dawkah, which received FairWild certification in 2025 in recognition of its compliance with internationally recognised standards for sustainable and ethical wild harvesting. The experience and knowledge gained through this work provide a strong foundation for expanding sustainable harvesting practices across other Frankincense-growing areas in Oman.

The first harvest at Wadi Gazelle is expected to commence following the completion of training programmes for Omani teams, marking an important milestone in the continued development of a sustainable and resilient Frankincense sector.

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