Inaugural 'Fig & Olive' forum kicks off in Jabal Akhdar

Jabal Akhdar is hosting the first 'Fig & Olive' Forum, a two-day event that commenced as part of the 'Jabal Akhdar Festival 2026' activities. Organized by the Governorate in partnership with the Oman Memory Centre, the forum gathers researchers and specialists from government and private sectors.

Dr. Khalfan Said Al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, inaugurated the forum. It features 25 research papers covering Jabal Akhdar's history, culture, heritage, geography, natural resources, and ecotourism. Sessions also delve into social, economic, and linguistic studies.

The second day will focus on economic development, agricultural heritage, and tourism, with an emphasis on investment opportunities and sustainable development. A key paper will examine the olive value chain and methods to enhance its efficiency. The forum also highlights agricultural products like olives and pomegranates.

An exhibition, running for a month, complements the forum with historical photographs, manuscripts, and artifacts. Visitor numbers to Jabal Akhdar saw a 13.2% increase in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year, reaching over 101,000.