In the soft glow of evening sunlight, Khaled Saif kneels beside a frankincense tree, tending it with meticulous care. These “babies,” as he lovingly calls them, were planted four years ago in a secluded area along the Gulf of Oman. To him, these trees are alive in more ways than one.
“When I feel the wind moving the branches, that’s their response to me. I believe they can hear me,” says Saif, 35, a pioneer in Oman’s cultural preservation efforts and the nation’s first frankincense sommelier.
From his humble beginnings in a fishing village near Muscat, Saif has become an expert in identifying the prized resin by scent. Spending his days caring for his trees and educating tourists at a luxury resort near the capital, Saif is part of a new wave of young Omanis fighting to protect their heritage from the encroaching effects of globalisation.
“We have a beautiful gift here in Oman,” he says. “It made us famous. We need to hold on to that culture.”
The resin of the Boswellia sacra tree, known as luban in Arabic, has been an integral part of Omani trade for thousands of years. Valued for its spiritual, medicinal, and aromatic properties, frankincense was once worth more than gold. Today, however, this ancient industry faces threats from changing cultural habits and a loss of traditional practices.
Saif recalls searching in Dhofar for the traditional knives used to harvest frankincense. “I couldn’t find one,” he laments. Even more concerning, he notes, “Some Omanis now use perfume instead of frankincense.”
Efforts to innovate and adapt are emerging. Entrepreneurs are creating new products infused with frankincense, from croissants to moisturisers. Chefs experiment with adding it to dishes like crème brûlée and panna cotta, continuing the tradition of infusing water with frankincense for a unique drink.
For many, frankincense remains a symbol of spirituality. Burnt in mosques, temples, and churches, the rising smoke signifies purification and sanctification. Omani households burn it daily to welcome guests, at weddings, and to mask cooking odours.
Yet the legacy of frankincense extends beyond Oman’s borders. Revered by ancient civilisations, it was used in Roman rituals and Biblical offerings. Its mythology is woven into the stories of explorers and legends, including Marco Polo and the Queen of Sheba.
As Oman navigates the balance between tradition and modernisation, figures like Khaled Saif are crucial. Through his dedication, he hopes to keep this golden age of frankincense alive for future generations, ensuring its story continues to bridge cultures and time.