MUSCAT – The Governorate has reinforced its standing as a primary engine of tourism and local economic development through its integrated stewardship of the Spring of Roses 2026 season in the Wilayat of Jabal Al Akhdar. The season, which concluded successfully, showcased exemplary planning and execution while enhancing the governorate’s appeal as a premier tourist destination during the first half of the year.
Guided by a strategic vision to transform seasonal events into sustainable economic platforms, the governorate capitalised on the region’s unique natural assets and deep agricultural heritage, most notably the mountain rose—a signature emblem of local identity and a growing catalyst for tourism and economic vitality.
The governorate orchestrated a comprehensive ecosystem uniting tourism, agriculture and manufacturing industries through a rich programme of cultural, artistic, sporting and tourist events. These included heritage performances, a cultural theatre, exhibitions of local products, visual arts initiatives and professional photography competitions designed to document the season’s beauty and amplify its media footprint.
Ahmed bin Salim Al Tobi, Director General of Administrative and Financial Affairs at Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, said the Spring of Roses season represents a sophisticated national model for advancing economic diversification. He noted that the governorate has evolved the event into a fully integrated platform empowering small and medium enterprises, productive families and rose-related industries, while generating direct and indirect employment.
Speaking to the Oman News Agency, he added that local content indicators underscore the season’s direct economic impact. More than 65 small and medium enterprises and productive families participated in the accompanying exhibition, and over 75 direct and indirect job opportunities were created – affirming the season’s role in empowering national talent and energising the local economy.
He noted that signature events organised by the governorate, most notably the Rose Trail linking villages with the participation of approximately 400 contestants, fostered community engagement and connected the tourist experience to environmental and educational dimensions, reflecting the season’s integrated developmental character.
Reinforcing the scientific dimension, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate convened a specialised seminar examining the present and future of rose cultivation, affirming that this sector represents a promising economic resource with substantial opportunities to maximise added value and enhance competitiveness in local and global markets.
The seminar traced the entire value chain – from agricultural production through distillation and manufacturing to quality standards and marketing—while addressing production and export challenges and exploring ways to develop rose-linked industries and integrate them with agritourism, contributing to the creation of a national brand for Omani roses.
Al Tobi explained that the governorate was committed to delivering a seamless tourist experience, from rose farms and morning harvests to traditional distillation techniques, reflecting the profound agricultural heritage and enhancing the added value of the local product.
At the public events level, the governorate transformed the Jabal Al Akhdar celebrations arena into a central hub for the season’s accompanying activities. The diverse programme included theatrical performances, live painting initiatives and professional photography competitions, in an interactive experience that strengthened the season’s cultural and artistic presence.
The season revitalised traditional rose-related industries, particularly rose water and essential oil production, while boosting hotel occupancy rates and demand for tourist services, positively influencing the governorate’s economic activity.
Data indicates that Jabal Al Akhdar is home to approximately 6,000 rose trees, yielding an annual production of around 30,000 litres of rose water valued at an estimated RO 210,000, with promising potential to multiply this value through expanded manufacturing and marketing.
Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is forging an advanced national model in tourist season management—one that harmonises economic, cultural, and social dimensions and strengthens its position as a key driver of sustainable tourism development, aligned with the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040.