“Land of Frankincense” Documentary to Premiere in Dhofar Tomorrow

New Documentary Showcases Oman’s Frankincense Heritage and Dhofar’s Natural Beauty

Salalah:  The documentary film “Land of Frankincense” will premiere tomorrow in Dhofar Governorate, taking viewers on a visual journey through the governorate’s natural landscapes and the cultural, scientific and economic significance of Omani frankincense.

Produced by Russia Today (RT), the film explores Dhofar’s distinctive natural environment and the frankincense tree, which has been associated with Oman for centuries and remains an important part of the country’s cultural heritage.

The documentary features several prominent locations in Dhofar, including Wadi Darbat, the Wilayat of Taqah and Wadi Dawkah Nature Reserve, highlighting the environmental conditions that support the growth of frankincense trees and the production of high-quality natural frankincense.

It also showcases the governorate’s diverse vegetation, including coconut and palm trees, which contribute to the distinctive character of Dhofar’s landscape.

The film is directed by Karim Naguib, with the screenplay and script written by Anisa Murad. It combines documentary storytelling with scientific commentary to explore the historical and contemporary significance of Omani frankincense.

The documentary features Russian scientists and specialists, including Dr. Yelena Malankina, PhD in Agricultural Sciences from Moscow State Agricultural Engineering University, and Dr. Sergei Stovbon, PhD in Physical-Chemical Sciences from the Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics.

It also features Omani experts in frankincense collection, including Ahmed Mohammed Ali Jadad Al Kathiri and Ahmed Abdullah Mohammed Jadad Al Kathiri.

The experts discuss the distinctive properties of Omani frankincense, including its boswellic acid content, as well as scientific research into its components and potential applications.

Beyond its scientific dimension, the film documents traditional frankincense harvesting practices in Wadi Dawkah, where the profession has been passed down through generations of Omani families.

It also highlights customs associated with the use of frankincense, including fumigating homes and using it during social occasions, portraying the longstanding relationship between communities and the natural environment in Dhofar.

The documentary forms part of RT’s productions exploring historical, cultural and scientific themes linking Russia and the Arab world. Through field filming, research and expert interviews, the film seeks to document the heritage and scientific significance of the frankincense tree and its enduring role in Omani culture.