Standing at the edge of Jabal Shams, I am struck by the starkness of the landscape. The rugged mountains stretch endlessly under a vast, cloudless sky, their jagged peaks etched sharply against a pale blue backdrop.
The terrain is unforgiving, shaped by centuries of wind and weather, yet here, amid the rocky expanse, a new enterprise is quietly taking root — a coffee farm rising from the high-altitude soil. Rows of young seedlings are carefully planted, a testament to patience and vision, promising a transformation that could redefine this mountain wilderness.
Oman’s ambitious journey towards food self-sufficiency is gaining momentum, and the coffee project in Jabal Shams exemplifies that broader national endeavour. The Sultanate has begun investing seriously in high-altitude agriculture, aiming to diversify away from oil dependence.
Similar initiatives are already underway in Dhofar’s Salalah region, where the nascent coffee industry is showing promising results. These efforts are part of Oman’s strategic push to develop local crops suited to the country’s varied climate zones.
The coffee farm in Jabal Shams, launched by Coffee Farm Company and led by CEO Said al Wardi, aims to plant 6,000 Arabica coffee seedlings by 2027. This bold move highlights Oman’s potential to establish itself as a producer of high-quality, specialty coffee.
The project began with the planting of 300 Yemeni Udaini Arabica seedlings — one of the world’s oldest and most esteemed varieties — which thrive in high-altitude environments.
These initial plantings are just the beginning; by 2026, the farm plans to expand to around 5,000 seedlings, reaching the full 6,000 by 2027. The choice of the Udaini and Haraaz varieties was driven by their adaptability to Oman's mountain climate, characterised by altitude, temperature, and humidity conducive to premium Arabica cultivation.
As Al Wardi explained in a previous interview with local reporters, “The climate in Oman’s highlands is more suitable for coffee than many realise.” This project isn’t simply about farming; it’s a strategic, economic move aligned with national goals to develop sustainable agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
One of the earliest challenges was sourcing viable coffee seedlings—most countries classify coffee as a strategic crop and restrict seed exports. The team overcame this by propagating seedlings locally, cultivating the plants in Salalah and Bahla, thus bypassing restrictions and ensuring the continuity of their high-altitude project.
To ensure sustainable expansion, they partnered with Nakheel Oman Development Company and the Agricultural Research Centre in Qummah, which are supporting the development of tissue-cultured coffee plants to scale production efficiently. This collaboration aims to produce consistent, disease-resistant seedlings capable of thriving in Oman’s mountain environment.
Integrating Tourism and Heritage
Beyond the agricultural ambitions, it’s fascinating to see how this enterprise plans to integrate tourism and cultural heritage. The company has announced plans to develop an agri-tourism infrastructure, including a coffee visitor centre in Jabal Shams. Tourists will have the chance to tour the plantations, participate in harvest activities, and visit a dedicated Coffee Museum near the popular viewpoint of Shurfat Al Nakhr.
These initiatives are designed not only to promote local coffee but also to generate additional revenue streams and support rural development, truly connecting farming, tourism, and heritage into a cohesive value chain. Al Wardi explained that “this initiative is about much more than agriculture; it’s about creating a cultural experience and a sustainable future.”
The branding of the coffee under the name "Bunn Al Madar" draws inspiration from traditional Omani brewing methods, notably the clay dallah used for making khawa. Already producing roasted beans and capsules, the brand aims to cement a “Made in Oman” identity that resonates regionally and globally.
Carvinh out a new niche
The global coffee trade remains a lucrative business, with the GCC increasingly positioning itself as a consumer market. Locally, coffee — or khawa — holds deep cultural significance in Oman, symbolising hospitality and social bonds. The country’s long-standing tradition, infused with flavours of cardamom and other spices, is rooted in Yemen’s historic coffee heritage, and Oman’s highlands are uniquely poised to carry on this legacy through cultivation.
While small-scale attempts to grow coffee in Oman have existed, they have remained largely experimental, with limited commercial scope. Watching this large-scale project unfold, I am struck by how gradually the farm is taking shape. The vastness of the land and the investments poured into it suggest a future where this might become a major producer. The scale of planting — expected to reach thousands of trees — coupled with modern practices and targeted varieties, promises to revolutionise the region’s agricultural landscape.
The deliberate choice of high-altitude Arabica varieties like Udaini and Haraaz is vital. These beans are appreciated for their distinctive bright acidity and complex aromas, making them ideal for specialty markets. Growing them under Oman’s mountain conditions could carve out a new niche in the global coffee industry, especially as Oman’s reputation as a producer of high-quality coffee begins to grow. If the project meets its ambitious targets, it has the potential to turn Jabal Shams into a recognised hub of premium coffee production, attracting interest from regional and international markets.
Watching these young seedlings slowly grow on the mountain slopes, I am reminded that this project is not merely about crop cultivation—it is a symbol of Oman’s resilience and foresight.
With patience, innovation, and a deep respect for tradition, the country is poised to make a statement in the world of speciality coffee. One day soon, Jabal Shams might well be known not only for its breathtaking vistas but also as a birthplace of Omani-grown Arabica, brewed with mountain air and rich in heritage. The mountains may be silent witnesses, but they now hold the promise of a new chapter in Oman’s story — one brewed high in the mountains, steeped in resilience, tradition, and ambition.
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