WADI AL MAAWIL: The first Al Batinah South Omani Date Festival 2025 was held in the Wilayat of Wadi Al Maawil in the Al Batinah South Governorate, bringing together date farmers, local producers and heritage enthusiasts for a vibrant two-day celebration. The event aims to stimulate the local economy during the summer season and promote agricultural and heritage tourism in the governorate.
Organised as part of wider efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector, the festival provides a vital platform for marketing Omani dates and related products. More than 18 local institutions from across the governorate are participating, showcasing a wide range of high-quality dates, date derivatives, honey and other local goods. In addition to product exhibitions, the festival features traditional cultural activities and heritage programmes designed to attract visitors and support producers.
Held under the auspices of Dr Ahmed bin Nasser al Bakri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources for Agriculture, the festival reflects national efforts to promote agricultural sustainability and economic diversification.
Speaking at the event, Dr Al Bakri stated: “The exhibition presents more than 60 varieties of dates from participating farms, most of which are commercial types of high quality and strong market demand. I was particularly impressed by the care given to palm trees — from fertilisation to pest control — which has had a clear impact on the final product's quality. The participation of children from farming families is a positive sign of knowledge transfer across generations, helping to sustain Oman’s palm and date heritage”.
The festival plays an important role in encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among farmers and youth, while reinforcing the prominence of Omani dates in both domestic and regional markets. — ONA
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