Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Celebrates Oman’s Olive Heritage with Fifth Annual Harvest Festival

The Olive Harvest Festival 2026 at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort (23–27 September) is shaping up to be a truly immersive celebration of Oman’s agricultural heritage. Set high in the mountains at over 2,000 metres, the festival blends local tradition with Mediterranean-inspired gastronomy in one of the most dramatic landscapes in the region.

Festival Highlights
- Hands-on Harvesting: Guided olive-picking sessions and competitions.
- Olive & Olive Oil Souk: Local produce, artisan oils, and crafts.
- Cultural Encounters: Olive press tours and tastings led by Dr Ali Al Furqani, plus “Olive Tales at Breakfast” showcasing stories and traditions behind the harvest.
- Scenic Dining: Mediterranean-inspired meals at Bella Vista overlooking the canyon.

Culinary Experiences:
- Spanish cooking classes at Diana’s Point (OMR 10 per person).
- Italian and Spanish dinners with Guest Chef Martín Aristondo.
- Market-style lunches with tapas and seasonal mountain produce (from OMR 25).

Why it’s special
- Jabal Al Akhdar’s rare Mediterranean-style climate makes it one of the few places in the Arabian Peninsula where olives thrive.
- Olive trees were introduced in the 1990s, and the festival now celebrates this unique agricultural journey, connecting guests to local producers and the region’s heritage.
- As General Manager Abdullatif Al Farsi put it:
> “Our Olive Harvest Festival has become one of the resort’s most anticipated annual celebrations, bringing together the rich agricultural heritage of Jabal Al Akhdar with unforgettable guest experiences.”

This event is not just about food — it’s about authentic connection to place, people, and tradition.