Historic Foundation Stone Laid In Dhofar: Wadi Dawkah Frankincense Factory And Visitor Centre Initiated At UNESCO Site

Published on November 15, 2025

The official initiation of a major cultural and developmental undertaking was recently observed within the Land of Frankincense, situated in the esteemed Wadi Dawkah area of Thumrait. A formal ceremony was convened for the laying of the foundation stone for the ambitious Wadi Dawkah Visitor Centre and the companion Ain Dawkah factory project. This pivotal event serves as a significant marker in the ongoing dedication to preserving and presenting the rich heritage of the region, which has been duly recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site. The initiative is being spearheaded through a critical partnership between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the luxury entity, Amouage.

The collaborative vision is intended to significantly bolster the Sultanate of Oman’s position on the international cultural tourism map, concurrently ensuring that the ancient legacy of frankincense is both protected and made accessible to a global audience. The realization of this project is perceived as a decisive step in showcasing Oman’s unwavering commitment to the stewardship of its natural and cultural treasures, thereby reinforcing its presence on the global cultural and economic stage.

The Formal Commemoration of Heritage Stewardship

The ceremonial act of laying the foundation stone was completed on a recent Thursday, marking a memorable occasion for the Governorate of Dhofar. The proceedings were conducted under the distinguished patronage of H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, the Governor of Dhofar, whose presence underscored the governmental significance attached to this development. High-ranking officials from key ministries were also in attendance, emphasizing the widespread institutional support for the project. Among the prominent figures observed was H E Ibrahim bin Said al Kharousi, the Undersecretary for Heritage in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. His participation symbolized the integration of the project within the broader national strategy for heritage preservation and sustainable tourism development.

Elevating Oman’s Global Stature through Sustainable Development

The fundamental rationale underpinning this extensive project was articulated by key figures involved in its conception and execution. The commitment of Amouage, an entity renowned globally for its connection to frankincense, was formally conveyed by Khalid bin Hamad al Busaidi, the Chairman of its Board of Directors. It was explained that the venture intrinsically mirrors the strategic endeavors being undertaken by the Sultanate of Oman for the rigorous protection of its distinctive natural environment. Furthermore, it was stressed that the creation of this centre and factory reinforces the nation’s distinguished presence on the global stage. This statement highlights that the development is not merely an investment in infrastructure but an investment in national identity and global positioning.

The Innovation and Experience of Ain Dawkah: A Frankincense Revelation

Central to this new development is the construction of the Ain Dawkah factory, a facility designed to bridge the gap between ancient resource and modern product. The specific, functional details of the factory were shared by Renaud Salmon, the Chief Creative Officer of Amouage. It was elaborated that the primary function of the facility will be the meticulous extraction of frankincense oil from the raw resin harvested in the surrounding areas. The essential oil derived from this traditional process holds significant value, both culturally and commercially.

Crucially, the factory has been conceptualized with an overriding emphasis on visitor engagement and experiential learning. The architectural design and internal layout will permit guests to fully observe the entire transformational process. Visitors will be afforded the opportunity to witness firsthand how the delicate frankincense drops, painstakingly collected from the Boswellia sacra trees, are systematically purified and rendered into precious essential oil. This transparent approach to production serves multiple objectives: it provides an authentic, immersive experience for tourists; it demystifies the complex, labor-intensive process of essential oil production; and perhaps most significantly, it highlights the importance of sustainable harvesting practices essential for the long-term health of the frankincense trees.

Securing Oman’s Place on the Cultural Tourism Map

The overarching mission of the Wadi Dawkah project is intrinsically linked to the national imperative of broadening and strengthening Oman’s position on the global cultural tourism map. The development is being undertaken in direct cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, confirming its status as a vital component of the national tourism strategy. The primary objective is centered upon the creation of a world-class attraction capable of generating substantial interest from both local residents and international travelers. The successful execution of this plan is expected to result in a significant uplift in visitor numbers to the Dhofar region, particularly outside the traditional Khareef season.

The concept is to offer a differentiated tourism product, one that moves beyond conventional leisure travel and offers profound educational and historical value. By focusing on the unique, irreplaceable heritage of the Land of Frankincense the collection of sites that comprise the Unesco inscription a powerful and distinct appeal is created. This specialized form of cultural tourism attracts a high-value visitor segment, individuals who are motivated by learning, history, and authenticity. Furthermore, the establishment of the centre is anticipated to generate considerable economic activity in the immediate vicinity of Thumrait and the wider Salalah area.