Preparations underway for 2026 Grape Festival in North Al Sharqiyah

Al Mudhaibi: The North Al Sharqiyah Governorate is preparing to launch the annual Grape Festival in the Niyabat of Samad Al Shaan, within the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi, on June 16-17. The event seeks to attract over 10,000 visitors, including farmers and individuals interested in grape cultivation from within the Sultanate of Oman and abroad.

The festival is expected to feature a comprehensive exhibition showcasing more than 50 varieties of local and imported grapes, reflecting the significant diversity and the growing success of cultivating this crop locally.

Dr Qais Saif al Maawali, Director of Agricultural Development in the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, stated that the grape harvest season across the various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman contributes to creating vital economic momentum. This momentum enhances food security and the diversity of the sustainable agricultural sector's supply chain. He noted that the grape farms project in the Wilayat of Ibra is expected to contribute to more than 35% of the total cultivated area in Oman, reaching between 290 and 300 acres by the end of the current year.

Al Maawali added that the expansion of grape cultivation in Oman, supported by national agricultural development initiatives, encourages more farmers to invest in commercial agriculture. It underscores the sector's growth and a broader transformation where Omani nature is no longer merely a source of beauty, but also a foundation for a sustainable and diversified economy.

He explained that the total cultivated area in the Sultanate of Oman currently exceeds 220 acres, with an expected annual production reaching 1,100 tonnes. This represents 4.6% of domestic consumption and achieves an economic return estimated at approximately RO 1.7 million, based on 2025 statistics.

Projections indicate that grape cultivation in Oman is continuously expanding and could reach 1,000 acres by 2040, with an estimated economic value exceeding RO 5 million.

Al Maawali mentioned that the festival works to enhance the grape cultivation sector in the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate by serving as an investment and economic platform. It brings together farmers, investors, and interested parties under one roof, contributing to the exchange of expertise in this field and the promotion of qualitative agricultural investments.

He pointed out the existence of over 50 registered varieties in the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, 21 varieties in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, and approximately 15 varieties in the Al Dhahirah Governorate. This is in addition to the introduction of global commercial varieties that have been successfully cultivated in several governorates, including North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah, Al Dakhiliyah, and Al Dhahirah, which has further boosted interest in the grape crop and its marketing both domestically and externally.

He concluded by stating that the modern grape farms project in the Wilayat of Ibra, which was launched based on the recommendations of the festival's first edition, introduced six commercially viable grape varieties suitable for both direct consumption and food processing.

These varieties enjoy a competitive edge in local, regional, and international markets due to their optimal potential in storage and marketing, alongside the continuous care provided by farmers and stakeholders interested in these commercial varieties.