#INTERVIEW: A Journey with Khalid Al Amri, Oman’s First Frankincense Sommelier

On a bustling weekday morning in Muscat's popular Muttrah Souq, the air buzzes with the hum of friendly chatter, while the rich colours of garments and ceramics fill every corner. Distinct aromas from vendors of spices, oud, and frankincense waft through the souq, each labyrinthine alley showcasing a piece of Oman’s rich heritage.

I was fortunate to be guided through the bustling souq with Shangri-La Muscat’s Frankincense Sommelier Khalid Al Amri, who is also Oman’s first accredited frankincense sommelier.

Delna Mistry Anand: Where does the story of Frankincense begin?

Khalid Al Amri: Many believe that the story of frankincense goes back to the Three Wise Men. It is believed that frankincense was carried as a gift by one of the three kings of the orient, along with gold and myrrh, to honour the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.  

‘Luban’ is an integral part of Oman’s heritage dating back as far as the 16th century. A mountainous area called Dhofar was renowned for its thriving import and export business, exporting Arabian horses and frankincense, which was then more valuable than gold.  Frankincense was transported by camel along the spice trails from east to west and on to other empires across the globe, and the frankincense trail was considered the most important commercial route throughout Southern Arabia.

When the Khareef rains start to grace Dhofar, the landscape transforms into lush emerald, and the frankincense trees, like silent sages, release their sacred aroma into the air. Legend has it that the Queen of Sheba once journeyed along this ancient trail, bearing gifts for King Solomon. Her offerings, veiled in fragrant smoke, carried messages of devotion and mystery across distant lands. And even today, the scent of frankincense fills the souks of Muscat and Nizwa, echoing the whispers of ancient travelers and empires.

What is Frankincense, and how is it harvested?

Frankincense is a fragrant resin extracted from two primary species of trees—Boswellia sacra and Boswellia papyrifera. Frankincense has been used in incense and perfumes for millennia, due to its aroma, with the ancient Egyptians referring to it as the "Sweat of the Gods."

Harvesting frankincense involves a delicate and traditional process. A special knife, known as a Manqaf, is used to make a controlled incision in the tree’s bark. This causes the sap to slowly ooze out in tear-shaped droplets. Over time, the resin hardens, and the hardened frankincense is carefully scraped off the tree, ready to be used in various applications.

 

How is the scent of frankincense used in an Omani household?

In our homes, frankincense is burnt at sunrise and sunset and is also a key part of the welcome experience. We first burn frankincense to create a welcoming scent and then offer our guests Arabic coffee and dates. Similarly, when guests visit Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort or Shangri-La Al Husn Resort in Muscat, we create an authentic Omani welcome experience for them. As soon as you enter one of our two resorts which are side by side on Oman’s beautiful coast, you will smell the sacred scent of frankincense. You will be greeted by either myself or one of my colleagues offering Arabic coffee and dates.

 

And being multifaceted, frankincense has other uses too. 

Yes, in every way, this precious resin is deeply ingrained in our lives, as it is burned during prayers and special occasions, like weddings, symbolizing purity and devotion. The calming effects of frankincense are also harnessed in aromatherapy, where its essential oils are used to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and aid in meditation. It also has a central role during childbirth, ensuring good health for both mother and child. The ancients knew its value, using it for its healing powers, particularly for treating inflammation, digestive concerns, and respiratory issues. It’s the boswellic acids in frankincense that contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects, making it a cherished remedy for joint pain and supporting overall immune health. Growing up, I remember my mother would use Al Hojari frankincense, whenever any of us were feeling unwell. She would boil it in warm water, creating a soothing remedy that not only helped with ailments but also served as a natural way to restore balance.

Frankincense is widely used in luxury skincare for its rejuvenating properties, known to reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and even help heal scars and acne. These benefits make it a key ingredient in skincare products, as are available in your room if you are a guest in our hotel.

And of course, frankincense is often used in cooking to add a unique aromatic flavour to dishes, particularly in the coastal regions of Oman. Whether for healing, beauty, or spirituality, frankincense has remained a cherished part of our culture for centuries.

Frankincense holds such deep cultural significance in Oman—what makes it especially meaningful to you?

It is a matter of great pride that our country is globally renowned for producing the finest frankincense, and we remain one of the leading exporters of this precious resin. I grew up in Seeb, just a 10-hour drive from Salalah, which is the heart of frankincense production. With its unique geography, Salalah lies between the Hajar mountains and the sea, creating an environment perfect for the Boswellia sacra and papyrifera trees. The mineral-rich wadi in this region allows the trees to flourish and produce the distinctive resin that gives frankincense its unique fragrance. 

Even though, this was a long drive from home, the fragrance of frankincense was never far from my life or my home. My grandmother would burn frankincense every day. filling every corner with its sacred aroma. This ritual was a powerful cultural practice that linked us to our heritage, and even today, frankincense continues to symbolize purity, spirituality, and hospitality.

How would you describe your role as a Frankincense Sommelier, and what does it entail on a day-to-day basis?

As the Frankincense Sommelier at Shangri-La, I have found my true calling in sharing the rich cultural and aromatic heritage of frankincense with our guests. My role centres around creating an interactive experience of true Omani hospitality, which include the ancient tales of frankincense. It brings me immense joy to be able to educate and delight visitors.

I enjoy being able to guide guests through our beautifully designed resorts, providing in-depth tours about the history and significance of frankincense, as well as the architectural splendour of our properties.

One of the unique experiences we offer at Shangri-La Al Husn is our very own private frankincense garden. In 2019, we planted 21 frankincense trees, creating a space where guests can engage with frankincense in its most natural form—touching, smelling, and observing the resin as it comes from the tree. Additionally, our Luban Spa offers indulgent Arabian treatments infused with frankincense oil, providing guests with a truly luxurious, sensory experience. For those who want to explore frankincense beyond its aromatic appeal, our restaurants and bars incorporate its flavours into their offerings. A highlight is our "Phoenix from the Flames" cocktail, which beautifully combines limoncello, pastis, bourbon, and frankincense for a unique twist on traditional flavours. Frankincense is much more than just a scent in our resorts—it is a symbol of Omani hospitality, and an essential part of the warm welcome we extend to every guest.

Reflecting on my conversation with Khalid, I could feel his passion for preserving and sharing this ancient treasure, as he safeguards a piece of history and passes it on to the next generation. His deep connection to frankincense feels like a bridge, linking past traditions with modern experiences. I left Muttrah Souq with more than a few bags of the revered resin, and now they continue to tell their story in my home.

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