First coffee farm opens in Jabal Shams
The project began with the planting of 300 seedlings of the Yemeni Udaini variety, one of the world's oldest and most prized Arabica strains. The number is expected to rise to 5,000 seedlings in 2026 and reach 6,000 the following year. The crop is being cultivated at elevations considered critical for specialty-grade coffee, with Jabal Shams offering the right combination of altitude, temperature and humidity.
'The climate in Oman's highlands is more suitable for coffee than many people realise', said Al Wardi. 'This isn't about hobby farming, it's a serious agricultural and economic opportunity aligned with national goals'.
The project is among the first of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman. While coffee is not native to Oman, the country's mountainous regions, especially in Al Dakhiliyah and Dhofar — have shown promising results in experimental cultivation.
One of the early challenges faced by the company was acquiring viable coffee seedlings. 'Most countries classify coffee as a strategic crop and restrict seed exports', Al Wardi explained. 'We overcame this by propagating seedlings locally in Salalah and Bahla'.
To ensure sustainable expansion, the company has partnered with Nakheel Oman Development Company and the Agricultural Research Centre in Qummah, which are supporting the development of tissue-cultured plants to scale the operation. In parallel, Coffee Farm Company is investing in agri-tourism infrastructure. Plans are underway to establish a coffee visitor experience site in Jabal Shams, where tourists will be able to tour the plantations, participate in harvest activities and visit a Coffee Museum located near the popular viewpoint Shurfat Al Nakhr.
'This initiative is not just about agriculture. It's about integrating farming, tourism and heritage into one value chain', Al Wardi said.
The company will market its coffee under the name Bunn Al Madar, inspired by the traditional clay dallah used for brewing coffee in Oman. The brand already produces roasted beans and capsules; and aims to build a strong 'Made in Oman' identity.
The project supports Oman Vision 2040 objectives, which prioritise agricultural innovation, economic diversification and the development of non-oil sectors, particularly in rural and mountainous areas.
'This is just the beginning', Al Wardi said. 'With the right support and continued experimentation, Omani coffee can become a recognised name in the regional and global market'.
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