MUSCAT, MAY 22
A new high-value agriculture initiative aimed at positioning Oman as a producer of premium roses and rose-derived products was announced during Oman Sustainability Week 2026 with the signing of a strategic collaboration agreement for the development of an integrated rose cultivation and rose oil production project in Al Jabal Al Akhdar – one of the Sultanate’s most popular holiday hotspots.
The project will be developed by Omani engineering and technology firm Unicorn International LLC for local real estate developer Dream Group in partnership with Preesman Naturals, a Netherlands-based company recognised internationally for its expertise in advanced rose cultivation systems and rose oil extraction technologies.
“This initiative aims to introduce premium exotic rose varieties, advanced cultivation systems, and sustainable high-value agriculture within Oman,” Unicorn Sustainable Ventures – an affiliate of Unicorn International – said in a post on Thursday.
Located more than 2,000 metres above sea level, Al Jabal Al Akhdar is already renowned for its traditional Damask rose cultivation, which supports a long-established seasonal rose water industry.
With their joint initiative, the partners seek to foster the cultivation high-grade rose strains in the jabal’s unique high-altitude climate settings, leveraging Preesman Naturals’ advanced cultivation technologies, precision irrigation systems and sustainable agricultural practices to enhance productivity and quality.
The goal is to build on the jabal’s famed rose cultivation and rose water heritage by introducing commercially valuable rose species targeted at the luxury fragrance, cosmetics, wellness and specialty food sectors.
The project will also focus on downstream production of rose oil and related extracts — products widely used in premium perfumes, skincare formulations and aromatherapy applications. Rose oil is regarded among the world’s most valuable essential oils due to its labour-intensive extraction process and strong global demand.
Significantly, the initiative illustrates Oman’s broader shift toward high-value, climate-smart agriculture focused on niche crops capable of generating premium export revenues while optimising land and water use.
Driving the development of the domestic rose industry is the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources which has launched an initiative to strengthen the added value of rose production has surpassed 65 per cent completion and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.The initiative aims to develop an integrated value chain covering production, processing and marketing of roses and related products.
The project includes baseline studies on rose cultivation, partnerships with SMEs specialising in rose-based products, expansion of native rose cultivation by an additional five acres, improved farming practices, mechanisation support and rehabilitation of agricultural terraces. It also focuses on empowering 120 participating farmers and rural women in Al Jabal Al Akhdar through training programmes and support for the production of rosewater, cosmetics and other value-added products, while providing equipment such as manual tillers and rose oil extraction machines to enhance productivity, sustainability and future export potential for Omani rose products.
Either initiative, alongside other efforts by government and private sector establishments to boost the jabal’s rose industry, are also expected to create opportunities for local farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and tourism-linked businesses in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, which has increasingly emerged as a hub for eco-tourism and premium agricultural experiences.
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