Tabseel season brings families together in Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan

MUSCAT, JULY 8
As the summer harvest season begins, farmers in Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan prepare for the annual Tabseel season, one of Oman’s oldest agricultural traditions that continues to preserve ancestral practices and strengthen family bonds.
The season begins towards the end of June, with the main Tabseel activities taking place from July 1 until around July 10 or 15. Farmers start their work early after Fajr prayers to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures, as the process requires long hours of effort and dedication.
Farmer Said bin Rashid al Mashaykhi said the work continues until late evening, sometimes extending to 8 pm, 9 pm, or even 10 pm, due to the large amount of work involved in preparing the harvest.
“Tabseel is not just a season of work; it is a season of joy and family gathering. Everyone participates, from the oldest member of the family to the youngest child. Sons and daughters who live in Muscat or other wilayats return during the harvest season to take part in this tradition, just as they return during Eid occasions,” he said.

Al Mashaykhi explained that the Mabsali date palm variety in Falaj Al Mashayikh area of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan is among the most famous varieties used for Tabseel production.
He said the process begins with harvesting the dates, followed by sorting the produce into three categories. The first is busr, the dates selected for Tabseel; the second is sah, which is allocated for consumption or trading; and the third category is used as animal feed.
“The cooperation among family members is genuine and goes beyond ordinary participation. Tabseel represents a season of abundant blessings from Allah, and for us it is more a celebration than simply a period of work,” he added.
The farmer noted that the busr goes through several stages, starting from harvesting it from the palm trees, transporting it to designated drying areas, and later collecting the finished product before marketing and selling.
The Tabseel harvest is marketed either through established traders who purchase the produce directly from farmers or through designated channels that receive and support the marketing of Tabseel products.
The annual season remains a significant part of Oman’s agricultural heritage, reflecting the close relationship between farmers and date palms while preserving a tradition passed down through generations.