SALALAH: The Dhofar autumn season is drawing a surge of tourists eager to indulge in the rich flavours of traditional Omani sweets. With their enticing aroma and unique taste, sweets like ‘black halwa,’ ‘saffron halwa,’ and ‘honey halwa’ have become a must-try for visitors.
At the Itin Plain area in Salalah, renowned confectioners like Ahmed bin Salem Al Habsi, who brings over 30 years of expertise, are captivating crowds by demonstrating the traditional sweet-making process.
Al Habsi’s factory stands out for its eco-friendly practices, using banana leaves, pottery bowls, and palm fronds for packaging, ensuring the preservation of Omani traditions.
Khalfan bin Suleiman Al Ghadib, owner of the Al Ghadib Omani Sweets Factory, is experiencing a successful debut at the Dhofar Khareef season.
His factory, which offers a variety of sweets including ‘walnut-based’ and ‘Sultani’ halwa, highlights the seasonal opportunity to showcase Omani products to a broader audience, both locally and globally.
In addition to providing a delightful treat, the Omani sweets industry is a crucial driver of employment for local youth.
Factories like Al Ghadib and Al Saif Sweets, which boasts a 100 per cent Omanisation rate, are empowering young Omanis by offering jobs in both manufacturing and sales.
The tourist influx not only boosts the economy but also preserves and promotes traditional Omani craftsmanship.
As tourists sample these delectable sweets, they also engage with the rich cultural heritage of Oman, making the autumn season in Dhofar a blend of flavours, tradition, and economic growth. The growing international interest in Omani sweets, seen through participation in global events, underscores their rising global popularity. - ONA
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