Meet the Frankincense Sommelier of Oman
Photo Credit: Culture and Heritage Ambassador Khalid Al Amri teaches all aspects of frankincense at Shangri-La Al Husn in Muscat Oman. Shangri-La Al Husn in Muscat Oman
Skift Take
As hotels seek to broaden their cultural offerings to guests, the Shangri-La Al Husn in Oman offers a masterclass. Through a specially trained cultural ambassador, the hotel brokers connections with art, architecture, and notably frankincense, an essential ingredient in the daily lives of Omanis.
Many have a passing familiarity with frankincense given its role in the Bible and symbolic role in religion. In Oman, where some of the world's best frankincense is produced, it is pervasive in all areas of society: from health and wellness, to hospitality and hosting, where the aromatic fragrance is burned to create a welcoming ambience. It is even burned during a woman's pregnancy and after birth to protect the newborn and create a purified atmosphere.
It is something that spans nearly all of Omani culture, and by learning about it, by proxy you learn about many other things, from trade, to medicine, and also agriculture, climate, and ecology.
And it is the perfect vessel to examine soul, culture, and depth in Omani hospitality.
The Shangri-La Al Husn in Muscat, Oman, has named a Culture and Heritage Ambassador, Khalid Al Amri, to help guests understand Omani arts, architecture, and importantly, frankincense. He's the first accredited frankincense s
