A harvest of heritage in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar

High in the cool mountains of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, the annual rose season is drawing visitors to terraced gardens alive with colour, fragrance and tradition.
For a few fleeting weeks between March and early May, the highland region transforms into a tapestry of pink as farmers harvest the prized Muhammadi — or Damask — roses, sustaining livelihoods while boosting Oman’s growing agri-tourism appeal.

From hand-picking blooms at dawn to age-old distillation practices, the season offers a rare glimpse into a way of life that has endured for centuries.
Upon arrival in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, visitors including Bavish Kizhakoodan Balan were received by local guide Mahmoud bin Said bin Hamood al Toobi, whose warmth and deep knowledge of the region enriched the experience. As he explains, “The rose here is more than a flower — it is a symbol of continuity and craftsmanship”.

Mahmoud notes that rose cultivation in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar dates back to the 17th century, with harvesting beginning in the early hours when the flowers are at their most fragrant. The blooms are then taken for traditional distillation, where, using clay ovens and earthenware pots, farmers simmer the petals for hours, producing just 250 to 300 millilitres of pure brown rose water — a labour-intensive process that underscores its value.

While modern techniques have introduced white rose water, oils and perfumes, the traditional brown extract remains central to Omani culture, flavouring coffee, sweets and even used in traditional remedies.
For Bavish Kizhakoodan Balan, a Muscat-based network and security engineer and photography enthusiast, the journey offered more than scenic beauty.

“Al Jabal Al Akhdhar is not just a destination — it’s a feeling”, he says. “There’s something incredibly special about seeing nature, tradition and community come together so naturally”.
Travelling with members of the Friday Shootout Muscat photography group, Bavish arrived before dawn, just as the first light touched the terraced slopes.
“The shift in temperature and atmosphere is immediate”, he recalls. “You leave behind the city’s warmth and step into crisp air surrounded by clouds and greenery”.
At the heart of the experience is the harvest itself — a practice shaped by both tradition and necessity.

“We watched local farmers carefully gather the roses by hand”, Bavish says. “It’s not just agriculture — it’s a rhythm of life passed down through generations”.
Inside traditional distillation houses, visitors witness the painstaking transformation of petals into one of the region’s most prized products.
“It was fascinating to see how much effort goes into producing such a small amount”, he adds. “You need kilogrammes of fresh roses for just a little extract — it really makes you appreciate its value”.

This year’s bloom, supported by recent rainfall, is expected to be particularly strong, offering renewed optimism for farmers who rely on the short harvesting window.
Beyond the fields, it is the warmth of Omani hospitality that leaves a lasting impression. Visitors are often welcomed with qahwa delicately infused with rose water — a subtle yet memorable expression of local culture.

“That moment stood out for me”, Bavish says. “It wasn’t just the taste, but the gesture — the way people here make you feel welcome”.
As Oman continues to promote sustainable tourism, Al Jabal Al Akhdhar stands out as a compelling example of how cultural heritage and natural beauty can work hand in hand to support local communities.
For those who make the journey, the memory lingers long after the Mawsim Al ward — the season of roses — has passed.