MUSCAT: A five-day Frankincense Festival will showcase the Sultanate of Oman's incense-based heritage, the centrestage of which is Salalah in Dhofar Governorate.
From November 28 to December 2, there will be many events in Salalah and places which are known for frankincense production.
Organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the festival will open on November 28 and continue for a week, until December 2, at different locations, including Land of Frankincense inside Al Baleed Archaeological Park, Samharam Archaeological Park, and Wadi Dawka Nature Reserve.
Khaled bin Abdullah al Abri, Director-General of the Directorate-General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, said, "The event aims to highlight the historical features of the sites of the Land of Frankincense and the civilisational role it played by building bridges of cultural and commercial exchange with various ancient civilisations of the world, as well as attracting tourist traffic flow during the winter season."
He explained that the festival would include a presentation on how farmers extract frankincense and products based on it are manufactured involving traditional and modern methods.
"It will also share insights into caravan-based exports of aromatic resin through historical ports in ancient Dhofar."
Other activities planned during the 'Frankincense Season' will include an exhibition of perfumes and Omani frankincense products from leading local companies.
An exhibition of photos of Khor Rori depicting the wildlife of Samharam Archaeological Park will be staged as well.
Al Abri referred to the events accompanying the frankincense season, including the establishment of a corner for restaurants and a children's theatre, in addition to allowing visitors to experience the leisure boats in Khor Al Baleed.
Besides, around 1,000 frankincense trees will be planted in the Wadi Dawka Nature Reserve on December 2, to celebrate the inclusion of the sites of the land of frankincense in the World Heritage list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).
Frankincense played an important role in trade in the south of the Arabian Peninsula in the past, and it is still an important source of income for many in the country.
The Sultanate of Oman is known for producing the best quality frankincense in the world, as there is a suitable climate for frankincense trees at certain places in the Dhofar Governorate.
A local Omani official assisting in the organisation of the festival added, "This event will help stimulate domestic tourism in the country, as well as provide opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their products and services, and thereby augment their incomes. Local communities will also have the opportunity to showcase potential and distinctive cultural identity. Besides, the festival will enhance the broader appeal of Dhofar's winter tourism season."
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