Page 36 - AA 2026

Oman

Its location near Sohar Port supports successful beekeeping project in Oman
efficient feed imports and export lo-
gistics.
In the interior regions of Al Wusta,
Al Dhahirah, and Al Buraimi, poultry
consumption is lower. This is due to
sparse populations, limited cold-
chain infrastructure, and a reliance
on frozen or shelf-stable products. To
address these challenges, the Public
Establishment for Industrial Estates
(Madayn) has allocated agricultural
plots in Al-Mudhaibi, Thumrait, and The Food and Agriculture Organiza- a modern, innovation-driven sector
Al-Suwaiq. This initiative aims to de- tion of the United Nations (FAO) in the through capacity building, skill de-
centralize production and reduce Sultanate of Oman, in collaboration velopment, national standard setting,
transportation costs. In March 2025, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fish- and the introduction of modern digital
the Food and Agriculture Organiza- eries and Water Resources, celebrat- tools.
tion launched the Integrated Biosecu- ed the successful conclusion of the Key achievements include the
rity Index pilot program, focusing on project, “Strengthening the Capaci- preparation of the first scientific spec-
Al Batinah and Dhofar governorates. ties of Small and Medium Enterprises ification for Omani honey, the devel-
These areas, dominated by small- for Sustainable and Economic Bee- opment of a digital platform, and the
holder farms, face challenges with bi- keeping in the Sultanate of Oman.” issuance of a comprehensive Honey
osecurity compliance. The program The FAO Representative in the Guide. These initiatives are strategic
aims to improve vaccination prac- Sultanate of Oman emphasized the pillars aimed at enhancing the quality
tices and disease monitoring. Oman’s project’s strategic importance. “This of national products and opening new
location and its participation in the project is not just a developmental in- avenues for investment and export.
Greater Arab Free Trade Area make tervention; it is a strategic investment “What has been achieved today plac-
it a strong candidate for becoming an in the food security and food sover- es the beekeeping sector in Oman on
export hub. Companies like A’Saffa eignty of the Sultanate of Oman.” for a competitive path regionally and in-
Foods and Al Zain Farms already its pioneering support and funding, ternationally.”
export poultry to countries such as highlighting it as a model for respon-
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, sible partnership between the private This experience positions the Sul-
Bahrain, Jordan, and Yemen. sector and national development. Ap- tanate of Oman as a regional model in
The National Tourism Strategy 2040 preciation was also extended to the linking agriculture with sustainabil-
ity and innovation. “Oman is not only
aims to attract 11.7 million visitors an- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and keeping pace with global trends but
nually by 2040. This is expected to Water Resources for its strategic lead- is also contributing to shaping them,”
increase poultry demand in cities like ership. Dr Yaseen noted. FAO reaffirmed its
Muscat, Salalah, and Nizwa, espe- The project’s success underscores full commitment to supporting this
cially in hotels and catering services. a qualitative shift in Oman’s devel- journey and strengthening partner-
At the same time, Lulu Hypermarket opmental approach, integrating poli- ships for a sustainable transformation
is expanding its presence, with 30 cies, investing in human capital, and in food systems.
stores as of May 2024 and plans to fostering effective partnerships. “Our
open four more within two years. This success today is a direct result of The ceremony concluded with a re-
expansion is helping organized retail the integration of roles between the newed appreciation for all partners,
grow in secondary cities like Sohar, government, the private sector, and experts, technicians, and beekeepers
Ibri, and Sur. In 2023, the Oman In- international organizations,” - Dr Yas- whose collective efforts were instru-
vestment Authority allocated OMR een added. mental in the project’s success. “What
2.1 billion (USD 5.5 billion) to domes- has been achieved today is the begin-
tic development projects, including Investing in beekeeping has prov- ning of a new phase, not the end of a
food-security initiatives. This invest- en to be a sovereign decision that en- project,” Dr. Yaseen concluded, look-
ment highlights the government’s fo- hances food security, supports eco- ing forward to further strengthening
cus on building strong supply chains nomic diversification, and boosts the Oman’s position as a leading model
to serve both urban and rural areas competitiveness of national products. in sustainable agricultural develop-
effectively. The project laid solid foundations for ment.
34 Arab Agriculture 2026