Farmer turns Jabal Shams village into fruit haven with 32 varieties
Muscat – An Omani farmer has grown more than 32 varieties of fruits in Jabal Shams, Oman's highest mountain, in what is being seen as a unique agricultural feat in the Middle East.
Situated 2,000m above sea level, villages in Jabal Shams are known for their distinct climate – cool in summer and cold in winter – that supports growing stone fruits such as peaches and apricots. Asaad bin Nasser al Khatri, a resident of Dar al Souda village, has tapped into this environment to establish a thriving orchard on the mountain's rugged terrain.
'I've managed to grow a wide variety of fruits here, including grapes, apricots and different types of plums – black, yellow and blue,' Khatri said. 'The trees typically live for two to three years. I've also visited several European countries to import rare fruit varieties and learn advanced techniques like drip irrigation.'
The mountain's cool climate and fertile soil create ideal condit-ions for fruit cultivation. 'Februa-ry is one of the most beautiful times of the year when apricot and peach trees come into blo-om,' he said. 'This beauty lasts through April and May, when the fruit are ready to harvest.'
According to Khatri, each apricot tree on his farm yields between 30kg and 100kg of fruit, depending on age, water availability and seasonal factors. His peach trees produce large fruit that are juicy and sweet.
Mountain communities of Jabal Shams have traditionally grown grapes, berries and pomegranates, supplying produce to tourists and Al Hamra market, a regional hub for agricultural trade.
Khatri opts for eco-friendly methods to ward off pests. 'I use environmentally safe pesticides that are effective and don't harm the ecosystem.'
Khatri now plans to develop agricultural tourism, inviting visitors to experience fruit farming at high altitude. His initiative includes guided farm tours, fruit-picking activities during harvest season, and trekking through the surrounding mountains.
'Jabal Shams offers a full sensory experience – fresh mountain air, stunning landscapes and fresh fruits. It's a new chapter in Omani agri-tourism.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
9 hours ago
SHANGRI-LA MUSCAT UNVEILS BAB'S BRUNCH AT BAIT AL BAHR
Muscat -As Shangri-La Muscat celebrates 20 years of heartfelt hospitality in Oman this 2024, the resort introduces a fresh weekend ritual to mark the occasion: BAB's Brunch at Bait Al Bahr—a relaxed yet refined dining experience that captures the spirit of the sea, the warmth of the sun, and the serenity of coastal dining. Launching this summer, BAB's Brunch is served every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm, inviting guests to unwind with spectacular cuisine and majestic panoramic views of the beach, all from the elegant indoor temperature-controlled setting of Bait Al Bahr. Perched along the resort's iconic lazy river, the venue offers one of Muscat's most breathtaking dining locations—where gentle waves and ocean breezes frame every bite. For the first time, Bait Al Bahr opens during the day to welcome brunch lovers with a shared-style concept comprising of a selection of appetisers, followed by live-grilled premium cuts (beef, lamb chops, chicken) , and the freshest seafood—including lobster, king prawns, octopus, and seasonal fish—are all served directly to the table, encouraging convivial dining and memorable moments alongside live entertainment. To complement this indulgent Saturday afternoon, free-flow beverages are included, and other premium options are also available. BAB's brunch starts from OMR 30 net per person, with complimentary beach and pool access included for brunch guests. Bait Al Bahr commonly known as BAB has long stood at the heart of Muscat's vibrant community, and this new offering brings together the spirit of coastal dining with the warmth of Omani hospitality—reimagined in a setting that blends a relaxed atmosphere with an elegant brunch.
Observer
20 hours ago
- Observer
More youth to be trained for hospitality sector
A number of Omani youth will be trained and prepared to work in the hospitality sector, thanks to the ongoing efforts to boost inbound tourism, according to Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) sources. An agreement to train Omani youth in various fields of hospitality starting with hotel reception was signed by the MoHT with Mitsui E&P Middle East to finance and implement training programmes for the youth. The training programme will be implemented in cooperation with the Muscat Hospitality Academy, which is part of the internationally accredited Swiss School of Business, Hospitality and Hotel Management programmes. The three-month programme aims to qualify Omani staff to work in the hotel reception and front office management sector, enhancing the quality of tourism services provided and keeping pace with developments in this vital field. This agreement comes within the framework of joint efforts to enhance national empowerment in the tourism sector by developing the skills of Omani youth and preparing them for work in the hospitality sector. This agreement represents a model step for Public and Private Partnerships (PPP), reflecting the ongoing efforts to support the sustainable development of the tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman by providing advanced training opportunities that open new horizons for Omani youth to work and contribute to strengthening the national economy. The ministry affirmed that this initiative is part of its plan to enhance national skills, commending the cooperation with Mitsui E&P Middle East and Muscat Hospitality Academy to achieve these shared goals. This agreement is part of a series of projects the ministry is implementing to support and develop the tourism sector and achieve its vision of building a sustainable tourism sector that contributes to comprehensive development in the Sultanate of Oman.
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Oman launches first tourist hot air balloon project in Türkiye
Muscat, June 3 The Sultanate of Oman launched its first tourist hot air balloon as part of the 'Oman Balloons' project in Cappadocia, the Republic of Türkiye, during the promotional phase of the project. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's efforts to develop and diversify the tourism product while enhancing Oman's position as a unique regional and international destination. Salim bin Sultan al Abri, founder and CEO of Oman Balloons, announced that the hot air balloon will arrive in Oman by September, with operations starting in October at Stars Gate Camp in Bidiyah. 'Our objective is to make Oman an attractive hot air balloon destination. We plan to participate in all the tourism festivals conducted in different governorates of Oman. We would also like to have a school to train hot air balloon riders. We will also be the agents for the Pasha Balloons to be represented in other GCC countries,' he said. Al Abri emphasised Oman's heritage, unique features, nature and tranquillity, noting that hot air balloon adds entertainment and adventure to the tourism experience. The project aims to bring international expertise in hot air balloon tourism to Oman, enhancing tourism experiences for both domestic and international visitors. "Oman Balloon No 1" will begin flights from the Wilayat of Bidiyah in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, offering passengers a unique opportunity to explore Oman's diverse tourism attractions from the sky. The hot air balloon has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority in Oman and is designed to withstand Omani weather conditions, with a capacity for up to 20 passengers and a technical crew consisting of a pilot and an assistant. The "Oman Balloons" project is supported by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for its role in promoting experiential tourism and providing panoramic views of tourist sites. This initiative showcases Oman's natural and cultural heritage from an innovative perspective, attracting a wider range of visitors seeking unique travel experiences.
