In a landmark move blending innovation, tradition, and economic upliftment, Oman is preparing to inaugurate its first-ever camel cheese factory in the Dhofar region. The new facility, set in Rakhiout, is not just a novel addition to the Sultanate’s agricultural landscape—it is a catalyst for rural development, women’s empowerment, and dairy diversification.
Backed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Al Jisr Foundation, the initiative represents a strategic shift toward sustainable agribusiness driven by local communities.
Empowering Women Through Dairy Innovation
At the heart of this initiative is a group of 20 women from the Omani Women’s Association in Rakhiout—all trained in dairy production, food safety, financial literacy, and marketing. Their involvement is pivotal, marking a significant step forward in integrating women into Oman’s agricultural value chains.
The project, officially titled “Strengthening the Camel Milk and Derivatives Value Chain through Empowering Women Producers,” aims to create a scalable, inclusive model where women are not just beneficiaries but active stakeholders.
“This initiative is about more than cheese. It’s about unlocking economic potential in rural communities, particularly among women,” said an official from the Al Jisr Foundation.
Why Camel Cheese, and Why Now?
The decision to focus on camel milk stems from both tradition and opportunity. Dhofar’s rich heritage shapes its deep-rooted camel breeding, and the region effectively meets the resource-intensive demands of camel milk production. It takes between 8 to 12 litres of camel milk to produce just one kilogram of cheese, underscoring the importance of both supply and efficiency.
Built to meet global food safety standards, the factory will start processing 500 litres to 2 tonnes of milk daily, scaling to 5 tonnes by late 2025 and 15 tonnes eventually.
From Soft Cheeses to Sweet Treats
The product line will start with fresh and semi-hard camel cheeses, crafted to appeal to both local tastes and global palates. But the vision extends well beyond cheese. Future offerings include:
- Hard camel cheeses with aged, nutty profiles
- Condensed camel milk for cooking and desserts
- Camel milk candies as traditional-meets-modern snacks
- Camel milk ice cream, promising a regional twist to a global favorite
This shift positions Oman as a growing force in niche dairy exports while boosting local camel milk consumption.
Local Roots, National Impact
Construction of the facility is being handled by a local Dhofar-based company, reinforcing the project’s community-first approach. By keeping investment and jobs local, the initiative drives regional economic growth in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Beyond economic gains, the project is also expected to have social and cultural ripple effects. By empowering women in traditionally male-dominated agricultural spaces, it challenges norms and offers new pathways for income generation and leadership.
A Symbol of Sustainable Progress
With the first batch of camel cheese expected to reach markets by early 2026, Oman is positioning itself not just as a producer but as an innovator in sustainable, women-led agribusiness. The project encapsulates a forward-thinking model where tradition meets technology, and community drives commerce.
With growing demand for ethical, sustainable food, Oman’s camel cheese venture may showcase how small-scale innovation drives big impact.
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