High in the rugged mountains of Oman, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is preparing to welcome guests to the Fourth Annual Olive Harvest Festival, a celebration that blends culture, cuisine, and tradition. Scheduled from 24 to 28 September 2025, the five-day festival promises visitors an authentic journey through olive heritage, offering a vibrant mix of culinary experiences, cultural storytelling, and interactive workshops amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Green Mountain.
A Festival of Heritage and Flavor
The Olive Harvest Festival has quickly become one of the most anticipated cultural events in Oman. The theme for the 2025 edition, “From Tree to Table – A Journey Through Olive Heritage,” reflects the deep-rooted importance of olives in the region’s history and cuisine. Guests will have the opportunity to experience every stage of the olive journey, from handpicking in the groves to tasting the finest extra virgin olive oils pressed locally.
Daily events will showcase the timeless traditions of olive cultivation. Visitors can participate in guided harvesting sessions, storytelling gatherings, and olive oil tastings led by experts. For those eager to learn more, Dr. Ali Al Furqani will conduct Olive Heritage Tours, including visits to local olive press factories where guests can witness the transformation of freshly harvested fruit into golden oil.
World-Class Chefs Take Center Stage
This year’s festival will feature two distinguished guest chefs who bring global culinary expertise to Oman. Italian Chef Riccardo Passoni, Executive Chef at NH Collection Milano President, will share his Mediterranean mastery through Italian cooking classes and a three-course Canyon View Dinner at Bella Vista. Spanish Chef Martin Aristondo, from NH Collection San Sebastian Aranzazu, will infuse the event with the flavors of the Basque region, curating a Spanish garden dinner at Al Qalaa and leading a tapas workshop.
Both chefs will not only showcase their signature styles but also highlight how olives play a central role in Mediterranean gastronomy. These interactive sessions promise to delight food enthusiasts while teaching the secrets of world-class cuisine.
An Engaging Five-Day Program
The festival officially begins on Wednesday, 24 September, with a Welcome Ceremony on Al Shurfa Terrace. Guests will enjoy mountain-inspired beverages crafted from local olives, herbs, and citrus, followed by a buffet dinner featuring Italian and Spanish specialties.
From Thursday onward, mornings start with Olive Tales at Breakfast, where olive historian Giorgio Robles will share fascinating insights into the cultural significance of the fruit. Guests can then join activities such as olive harvest competitions or intimate cooking classes with the visiting chefs.
Saturday will be one of the highlights of the festival with Olive Market Day at Bella Vista Terrace. The space will transform into a lively bazaar filled with artisanal stalls, pop-up cooking demonstrations, and tastings of olive-based delicacies. Guests can shop for handmade products, learn from local producers, and savor flavors unique to the region.
The festival concludes on Sunday, 28 September, with a celebratory breakfast at Al Maisan. Spanish tortillas, Italian focaccia, and premium olive oils will feature on the menu, creating a fitting finale to the week’s festivities.
Celebrating Omani Culture in Luxury
According to Maren Kuehl, General Manager of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, the Olive Harvest Festival is more than a culinary event—it is a tribute to the land and people of Jabal Al Akhdar. “This festival honors the fertile soil of the Green Mountain and the traditions that have shaped life here for generations. We are delighted to create an event that connects our guests with Omani heritage while celebrating the universal joy of food,” Kuehl said.
The resort itself offers an extraordinary backdrop for this festival. Perched 2,000 meters above sea level, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is among the highest luxury retreats in the world. Overlooking dramatic canyon landscapes and terraced orchards, the property combines contemporary Omani architecture with Anantara’s signature hospitality. Beyond the festival, guests can indulge in world-class spa treatments, guided hikes, and stargazing experiences, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.
A Unique Tourism Experience in Oman
The Olive Harvest Festival is part of Oman’s broader commitment to showcasing its natural and cultural heritage to the world. With its emphasis on authenticity and sustainability, the event supports local farmers, artisans, and culinary experts while providing international visitors with an unforgettable experience. September is also a perfect time to visit Jabal Al Akhdar, as the mountain climate offers cool breezes and lush greenery in contrast to the warmer temperatures of the lowlands.
For travelers seeking a unique blend of luxury and tradition, the festival offers an extraordinary opportunity. Whether it’s joining the olive harvest, learning new recipes from master chefs, or enjoying panoramic views of the Green Mountain while savoring freshly pressed olive oil, the Olive Harvest Festival promises memories that linger long after the journey ends.
Conclusion
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort’s Fourth Olive Harvest Festival is set to be one of the most enchanting tourism events in Oman in 2025. By combining world-class cuisine, cultural immersion, and the timeless tradition of olive cultivation, the resort has created a celebration that reflects both the spirit of Omani heritage and the excellence of international hospitality. Visitors in September 2025 will not just attend a festival—they will embark on a journey through history, flavor, and the natural beauty of the Green Mountain.
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