MUSCAT: Oman’s popular holiday destination, Jabal Akhdar, known for rose farming and cool weather, will host Rose Harvesting Festival in April 2020.

Speaking to the media, Khalifa bin Saleh Al Busaidi, Deputy Governor of Nizwa, said that the green mountains have exceptional tourism components due its moderate weather. “The temperature here dips to below zero degree Celsius during winter. This creates an environment suitable for various types of agricultural activities.”

He said that roses farming was one of the most popular activity in Jabal Akhdar, resulting in financial returns for the community. “During the season, tourists flock to the area and get first-hand experience of how rose water is manufactured through traditional as well as modern methods.”

Known in Oman and outside the country for its fragrance, the pink rose is traditionally harvested in March and April, and is widely used in fragrances and herbal remedies, and is also a favourite among spa treatments in Oman.