Muscat: Given its historic and economic significance, Omani frankincense, which grows in abundance in the scorching Dhofar desert, has become tantamount to a natural and economic treasure that is highly instrumental in keeping the Gulf Arab Sultanate's economy afloat.
According to Kuwait News Agency, known in local vernacular as "Luban," frankincense is a solid, gum-like material that comes from the Boswellia tree, while its extracted oil is used in a wide variety of cosmetics including soaps, luxury perfumes, and lotions, making it a popular souvenir for tourists. Besides its environmental and cosmetic value, the mystical scent of Omani frankincense is omnipresent in the Gulf Arab Sultanate, particularly in the southernmost province of Dhofar, where the purest form of Luban can be found.
Discussing the significant use of the sap in cosmetic production, Dhofar University's research center chief Dr. Luai Rashan cited the "healing and health benefits" of this substance, as proven in extensive studies carried out by the center. These studies examine the potency of Omani Luban, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can aid the immune system and reduce inflammation while also reducing stress and anxiety, boosting mood and mental clarity, supporting respiratory health, soothing inflammation, and promoting spiritual growth.
Dhofar University has contributed to the production of Omani frankincense-based supplements for general health and nutritional support. These local efforts include perpetual research aiming to further reinforce the health benefits of Luban. Regarding its role in ancient Omani history, journalist and writer Faisal Al-Alawi noted that Luban had been traded for thousands of years with civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, and its aromatic properties and use in religious rituals, medicine, and perfumery remain a subject of folklore.
Faisal Al-Alawi emphasized that through generations, the historic role of Omani frankincense aligns with the Gulf Arab Sultanate's broad economic vision. Products derived from the sap have become a commercial and trade window through which Muscat connects with different civilizations.
Regarded as a national product, Omani Luban is renowned for its quality, which explains the global demand, particularly from the high-end perfume and cosmetic industry that relies on it as a staple ingredient. Merchant Maamar Al-Kahtairi cited that the average price of a kilogram ranges from four to 50 Omani riyals.
The future remains promising for this mystical seed due to skyrocketing global demand and extensive research proving the health benefits of both internal and external use of Luban. Al-Kahtairi expects that the Omani frankincense trade will further flourish in the coming years.