Thursday 18 / June / 2026
Muscat: The third edition of the Grape Festival 2026 commenced in Samad Al Shaan, a district of Al Mudhaibi Wilayat in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate. The festival is organized by the governorate in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources(MAFWR), along with a number of public and private sector institutions.
The festival was inaugurated by Mahmoud bin Yahya Al Dhahli, Governor of North Al Sharqiyah, in the presence of officials, farmers, and agricultural specialists.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, highlighted North Al Sharqiyah's position as a leading national model in grape cultivation. He pointed to several pioneering initiatives, most notably the Model Grape Farms Complex Project in Ibra, which aims to cultivate 200 acres and produce approximately 2,000 tonnes of grapes annually, with an expected economic return exceeding OMR 3 million. The minister noted that the project will contribute to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises and introducing new international grape varieties to the Sultanate.
For his part, Saud bin Saif Al Maawali, Wali of Al Mudhaibi, said that the festival showcases successful farming experiences, particularly those in Al Rawdah village in Samad Al Shaan, while promoting investment opportunities in this promising sector. He added that the festival supports local economic growth, sustainable development, and integration across various sectors.
Al Maawali noted that grape cultivation in the governorate has witnessed remarkable growth, with cultivated areas expanding from 27 acres to 162 acres—an increase of 492 percent—earning North Al Sharqiyah the title of Oman’s “Capital of Grapes.” More than 25 tonnes of grapes have been marketed, around 6,500 seedlings sold, and over 54 grape varieties displayed. The festival also features platforms for showcasing grape varieties and seedlings, as well as opportunities for knowledge exchange between farmers and specialists.
He further stated that more than 14,000 grape seedlings were planted in 2025, while plans for 2026 target the cultivation of over 50,000 new seedlings, reflecting growing confidence among farmers and investors in the sector. In addition, more than 100 acres of new investment opportunities are being offered across the governorate’s wilayats, paving the way for investors and entrepreneurs to build an integrated grape industry encompassing production, marketing, agro-processing, agri-tourism, and value-added investments.
The opening ceremony featured a visual presentation titled “The Capital of Grapes: A Success Story,” highlighting the development of grape cultivation and successful farming experiences. Another presentation, “A Journey of Growth from the Land to the Future,” showcased innovative technologies and support programs available to farmers. Visitors also witnessed a live demonstration of grape-based value-added products and a presentation entitled “Investing in the Land and the Future,” which highlighted promising investment opportunities within the sector.
On the sidelines of the event, a cooperation memorandum was signed between North Al Sharqiyah Governorate and the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association to implement training programs in agro-processing industries targeting grape farmers across the governorate. The agreement was signed by Governor Mahmoud bin Yahya Al Dhahli on behalf of the governorate and Rudaina bint Amer Al Hajriya, Chairperson of the Association’s Board of Directors.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the patron honored supporting organizations and contributors before inaugurating the accompanying “Grape Vineyards Exhibition.” The exhibition features more than 40 participants from several governorates across Oman and showcases a wide range of grape varieties, including Omani White, Lebanese Red, Al Ta’i, Italian Muscat, Cardinal, Shahli, and other varieties suitable for cultivation in Oman, in addition to displaying grape-based processed products.
