MUSCAT: Oman’s Dhofar region, particularly the area surrounding Salalah, has been renowned for millennia as the cradle of the world’s finest frankincense. The Boswellia sacra trees native to this region thrive in the unique climate of the southern Arabian Peninsula, producing resin of unmatched purity and fragrance. This prized natural product was historically more valuable than gold and played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s culture, economy, and trade links. Frankincense from Dhofar became an essential element in religious rituals, medicinal practices, and perfumery across ancient civilizations, helping establish Oman’s global legacy as a hub of the incense trade.
The harvesting of frankincense in Dhofar is a time-honored tradition passed down through generations, requiring skill and intimate knowledge of the trees. Skilled harvesters carefully make incisions in the bark to allow the resin to ooze out, harden, and be collected weeks later. The seasonal monsoon, known locally as the Khareef, provides the ideal environment for the Boswellia trees to flourish, and the combination of soil, rainfall, and winds in Dhofar creates a resin unmatched elsewhere in the world. This process has remained largely unchanged over thousands of years, demonstrating the sustainability and continuity of Oman’s traditional practices.
Frankincense from Oman formed the backbone of the ancient incense trade routes that connected southern Arabia to Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Levant, and even as far as Rome and India. Caravans transported this valuable resin overland to ports on the Arabian coast, where it was then shipped across seas to distant markets. This long-standing trade not only brought prosperity to Dhofar but also positioned Oman as a key player in the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures throughout the ancient world. It is a legacy that continues to be celebrated today, reflected in UNESCO’s recognition of the Land of Frankincense as a World Heritage Site.
In modern times, Oman’s frankincense remains a symbol of heritage and quality, used in perfumery, aromatherapy, and traditional medicine around the globe. The government and local communities are working to preserve the natural habitats of Boswellia trees and protect the cultural practices associated with frankincense harvesting. Tourism in Salalah and the broader Dhofar region has grown as travelers seek to experience this rich heritage firsthand, visiting plantations, markets, and museums dedicated to frankincense. This enduring connection between the land, its people, and their iconic resin ensures that Oman’s frankincense story continues to shape both its economy and identity in the 21st century.
