Latest news with #ThaerYaseen
Muscat Daily
06-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman to open first camel cheese plant in Dhofar
Salalah – Oman is set to open its first camel cheese production facility in Rakhiout, Dhofar, as part of a broader initiative to develop the camel milk sector and support rural livelihoods. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources signed an agreement on Tuesday with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with funding from the Al Jisr Foundation. The project is part of the initiative titled 'Strengthening the Camel Milk and Derivatives Value Chain through Empowering Women Producers'. The plant is expected to begin operations in the first quarter of 2026. It will initially process between 500 litres and two tonnes of camel milk daily, with production projected to rise to five tonnes by the end of the first year and more than 15 tonnes in later phases. Output will include fresh and semi-hard cheeses in various flavours, with future plans to produce hard cheese, condensed milk, milk candy, and ice cream. Officials said that producing one kilogram of camel cheese requires between eight and twelve litres of milk. The project will directly involve 20 rural women from the Omani Women's Association in Rakhiout, who have undergone capacity-building programmes covering dairy production, food safety, quality control, finance, and marketing. 'This project represents a strategic investment in human capital and the infrastructure of the food sector in Oman, particularly Omani camel products, which have the potential to compete in regional and global markets when the environment is favourable,' said Dr Thaer Yaseen, Acting FAO Representative in Oman. He added that the facility will be built by a local company in Dhofar and meet international standards of quality and food safety. The agreement was signed in the presence of H E Dr Ahmed bin Nasser al Bakri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources for Agriculture. The project aims to promote sustainable rural employment and improve the marketing and production of camel dairy products in the sultanate. Dhofar Governorate is a major centre of camel breeding in Oman.
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Model agritourism project starts in Balad Sayt
Muscat – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has launched a project called 'Agricultural Ecotourism in Aflaj Systems' in Balad Sayt, a village in the wilayat of Rustaq, South Batinah, in collaboration with Zubair Enterprises Development Centre and the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO). The project aims to revitalise rural areas and position these as contributors to Oman's economic future. It is also expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives, supporting tourism while promoting sustainability and cultural preservation. FAO stated that the pilot programme in Balad Sayt is the first of its kind in Oman. Its success could lead to expansion of agricultural tourism across the country, including the use of electronic marketing strategies for such sites. Dr Thaer Yaseen, interim FAO Representative in Oman, informed that Balad Sayt was selected from among three locations due to the presence of aflaj, which play a key role in the area's agriculture and economy. 'The village meets the standards of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme, setting the stage for its protection and recognition globally.' He added, 'This project is not only important for the local community but also sets a precedent for conservation and sustainable management of Oman's more than 3,000 aflaj systems. It will serve as a model to support agricultural heritage systems and local farming.' The project will promote sustainable agriculture by showcasing locally produced goods and adding value to these, strengthening the local economy. It will also provide opportunities for farmers to develop certified products that can positively impact their livelihoods. Ali Shaker, Head of ESG and Sustainability at Zubair Corporation and project supervisor, said the project will foster innovation in agricultural tourism and raise awareness about sustainable farming practices. 'This, in turn, will contribute to building a robust and sustainable local economy.' Located in the Al Hajar mountains, Balad Sayt has a distinct agricultural heritage. The village is home to about 650 people from 80 families who rely on farming and livestock. The village has 2,800 date palms of 14 different varieties spread across 8.8 hectares of terraced fields. Its agricultural land consists of 385 fields divided into six terraced systems covering 4.6 hectares. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
03-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Model agritourism project starts in Balad Sayt
Muscat – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has launched a project called 'Agricultural Ecotourism in Aflaj Systems' in Balad Sayt, a village in the wilayat of Rustaq, South Batinah, in collaboration with Zubair Enterprises Development Centre and the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO). The project aims to revitalise rural areas and position these as contributors to Oman's economic future. It is also expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives, supporting tourism while promoting sustainability and cultural preservation. FAO stated that the pilot programme in Balad Sayt is the first of its kind in Oman. Its success could lead to expansion of agricultural tourism across the country, including the use of electronic marketing strategies for such sites. Dr Thaer Yaseen, interim FAO Representative in Oman, informed that Balad Sayt was selected from among three locations due to the presence of aflaj, which play a key role in the area's agriculture and economy. 'The village meets the standards of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme, setting the stage for its protection and recognition globally.' He added, 'This project is not only important for the local community but also sets a precedent for conservation and sustainable management of Oman's more than 3,000 aflaj systems. It will serve as a model to support agricultural heritage systems and local farming.' The project will promote sustainable agriculture by showcasing locally produced goods and adding value to these, strengthening the local economy. It will also provide opportunities for farmers to develop certified products that can positively impact their livelihoods. Ali Shaker, Head of ESG and Sustainability at Zubair Corporation and project supervisor, said the project will foster innovation in agricultural tourism and raise awareness about sustainable farming practices. 'This, in turn, will contribute to building a robust and sustainable local economy.' Located in the Al Hajar mountains, Balad Sayt has a distinct agricultural heritage. The village is home to about 650 people from 80 families who rely on farming and livestock. The village has 2,800 date palms of 14 different varieties spread across 8.8 hectares of terraced fields. Its agricultural land consists of 385 fields divided into six terraced systems covering 4.6 hectares.
Muscat Daily
28-01-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
FAO's portfolio in Oman grows 83% to $4.27mn
Muscat – Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has deepened its collaboration with Oman achieving an 83% increase in the value of its projects. In 2024, FAO's portfolio in Oman grew to US$4.27mn, up from US$2.33mn in 2022, reflecting its expanded commitment to food security and sustainable development in the portfolio in Oman FAO's initiatives, developed in partnership with the Omani government and private sector, target key areas such as climate resilience, apiculture, agricultural improvements, and value-added projects in fisheries and livestock. These efforts aim to strengthen local capacities and address food security challenges. Dr Thaer Yaseen, interim FAO Representative in Oman, said, 'This year, as we celebrate FAO's 80th anniversary, we are proud to launch and implement numerous initiatives in close collaboration with the Omani government, private sector and civil society. These efforts underscore our steadfast commitment to supporting Oman in achieving sustainable development and food security.' In its drive to tackle climate challenges, FAO is working closely with Environment Authority to align its climate resilience programmes with Oman's National Environmental Strategy. These initiatives include restoring degraded land, promoting water conservation in agriculture, and integrating advanced technologies for climate adaptation and mitigation. FAO's efforts not only safeguard Oman's ecosystems but also bolster the resilience of communities to climate risks, setting a model for sustainable development in arid regions. FAO continues to promote initiatives such as the International Year of Camelids, highlighting the critical role camelids play in food security and livelihoods in arid regions. The organisation emphasises the sustainable use and preservation of these animals, which are vital for the well-being of communities that depend on them. FAO's achievements in Oman are a result of strong partnerships with entities such as Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Environment Authority and Sultan Qaboos University, and collaborations with private-sector stakeholders.
Zawya
28-01-2025
- General
- Zawya
FAO Oman projects see 83% surge in value
Muscat: The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has significantly enhanced its collaboration with the Sultanate of Oman, achieving an 83% increase in the total value of its projects. In 2024, FAO's project portfolio in the Sultanate of Oman reached a value of $4,276,985, compared to $2,335,819 in 2022. FAO's diverse range of projects, developed in partnership with the Omani government and private sector, aims to bolster food security and strengthen local capacities. Key initiatives focus on climate resilience, apiculture, improving agricultural practices, and implementing value-added projects in the fisheries and livestock sectors. Dr. Thaer Yaseen, interim FAO Representative in Oman commented: 'This year, as we celebrate FAO's 80th anniversary, we are proud to launch and implement numerous initiatives in close collaboration with the Omani government, private sector, and civil society. These efforts underscore our steadfast commitment to supporting the Sultanate of Oman in achieving sustainable development and food security." As part of its commitment to addressing climate challenges, FAO is collaborating closely with the Environment Authority to align its climate resilience initiatives with Oman's National Environmental Strategy. Through innovative programs, FAO supports the restoration of degraded lands, promotes water conservation in agriculture, and integrates advanced technologies to improve adaptation and mitigation practices. These efforts not only protect Oman's unique ecosystems but also enhance the resilience of communities to climate-related risks, setting a benchmark for sustainable development in arid regions. In addition to its work in Oman, FAO continues to promote global initiatives such as the International Year of Camelids. This celebration emphasises the vital role camelids play in enhancing food security and livelihoods in arid regions. It also highlights the importance of preserving and sustainably utilizing these animals to improve the well-being of communities that rely on them. FAO's success in Oman is driven by its close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MAFWR), the Environment Authority (EA), and Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), as well as its strong partnerships with private sector entities such as Al Jisr Foundation, Oman India Fertiliser Company (Omifco), and Al Zubair Corporation. Together, these partnerships amplify FAO's impact and support Oman's vision for a sustainable and food-secure future. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
