Bahla – Omani farmer Salim bin Hamad Al Hinai has transformed his long-standing passion for grape cultivation into a promising investment project in the village of Sint in Bahla, Dakhliyah. 

His pioneering venture has successfully introduced and localised dozens of international grape varieties, achieving high-quality production and strong market success.

The project began expanding significantly in 2022 following years of research, field visits and consultations with grape growers. Al Hinai imported more than 100 grape varieties from Yemen, Egypt, Morocco, the Kurdistan Region, Spain, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, drawing on scientific studies and the experiences of farmers in those countries.

After extensive trials to assess their suitability to Oman’s climate, the 1.5-acre farm settled on 74 varieties that proved fully adaptable to local conditions. The farm now grows black, red and green grapes, including several seedless varieties with distinct flavours, producing nearly three tonnes annually.

Al Hinai said the project generates attractive returns, with grape prices at the farm ranging between RO2 and RO3/kg. Demand for the produce is high in the local market, with the entire harvest marketed through social media platforms during the harvest season from mid-June to the end of August.

He noted that grape cultivation requires relatively little water but depends on regular irrigation, cleanliness and continuous pruning. While the crop is occasionally affected by pests such as powdery mildew, these issues can be managed effectively, ensuring the quality of the fruit.

Al Hinai hopes to secure additional agricultural land under the usufruct system to expand the project and develop value-added industries, including grape juice and ice cream production. He has also gained recognition for propagating grape seedlings from successful varieties, which are in high demand among farmers in Oman and abroad, making his farm a trusted source for quality grape plants.