The Oman Natural Heritage Lecture formed part of a wider programme of visits organised by The British Omani Society, as part of its annual lecture series celebrating Oman’s extraordinary natural heritage, fostering UK-Oman scientific collaboration, and highlighting the work of Oman’s talented environmental scientists.
The British Omani Society, with the generous support of Amouage, and valuable contribution from the London Speaker Bureau, proudly hosted the eighth annual Oman Natural Heritage Lecture on Wednesday 29th October at the Royal Geographical Society in London. The event drew an audience of cultural enthusiasts, scientists, students, and diplomatic representatives, including esteemed guests from the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman.
This year’s lecture focused on one of Oman’s most treasured natural and cultural assets: the frankincense tree, Boswellia sacra. Revered for millennia, frankincense continues to play a vital role in Oman’s identity, ecology, and economy.
Richard Stanford, Chair of the British Omani Society and Chief Executive of the UK’s Forestry Commission, welcomed guests and highlighted the Society’s aims to inspire cross-cultural understanding and empower the next generation to shape a vibrant shared future between Oman and the United Kingdom. He emphasised the importance of promoting and celebrating Oman’s unique natural heritage and protecting the environment.
The programme featured a distinguished panel of speakers from Oman and the United Kingdom, including co-chair and moderator Dr Laila Al Harthy, Head of Botany and Conservation at Oman Botanic Garden; Dr Shahina Ghazanfar, Honorary Research Associate at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Dr Khalid Al Farsi, Head of Horticulture at Oman Botanic Garden; and Dr Amir Azad Al Kathiri, linguist and cultural heritage specialist from Salalah.
Together, the speakers explored the historical legacy of frankincense, current conservation efforts, scientific research, and the cultural traditions surrounding its harvest. Their contributions highlighted the enduring relevance of frankincense to Oman’s national identity and its potential for sustainable development through tourism, education, and heritage preservation.
Frankincense is part of who we are in Oman, a tree that connects us to the land and carries a story shared with the world for centuries. The lecture explored its historical legacy, cultural traditions, and the science behind its conservation, showing how this heritage continues to shape Oman’s identity. It also highlighted the lasting relevance of frankincense and its potential to support sustainable development through tourism, education, and heritage preservation.
- Dr. Laila Al Harthy
The Society was honoured to welcome distinguished guests from the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in London, including H.E. Ambassador Badr Mohammed Badr Almantheri, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Kingdom.
The event was further elevated by the presence of the lecture’s Patron, Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi, Chairman of Amouage, whose invaluable support helped bring the evening to life.
'At Amouage, our work with frankincense is preserving a precious natural resource, as well as reimagining its future. From the UNESCO-listed Wadi Dawkah to our Manufacture in Muscat, we are building the knowledge, infrastructure, and talent that will allow Oman to stand as a true centre of excellence in fragrance and natural ingredient innovation. By combining heritage with science and enterprise, we ensure that this ancient and iconic symbol of Omani heritage & culture continues to generate value and pride for generations to come.'
- Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi
The British Omani Society extends its heartfelt thanks to all those who attended the eighth annual Oman Natural Heritage Lecture. We look forward to welcoming you again!
Watch the Lecture: