Dates market in Oman

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018 and 2019, the Omani government launched several key institutions to develop the dates sector. The establishment of Tanmyat Nakhl Oman and the Omani Company for Date Production and Packaging, backed by substantial funding, aimed to secure supply from the million-palm project and build integrated processing infrastructure. Concurrently, the opening of the large Barka date plant and the expansion of the Samail facility increased production capacity, contributing to a rise in output and market volume.

After a slight contraction in 2020, the market regained momentum from 2021 onward. Government policies encouraging value-added processing, such as date syrup and oil, alongside the distribution of automated washing and drying equipment to farmers, improved product quality and supported higher domestic consumption. This shift was reflected in data showing that consumption accounted for 53% of production in 2021. Enhanced packaging regulations and the inclusion of high-value varieties like 'Fardh' in export plans further strengthened the market's foundation.

The growth trajectory accelerated in 2023 with the announcement of a major 92 million OMR industrial complex for palm products in Nizwa, signaling continued investment in processing capacity. These sustained efforts, combined with programs to optimize supply chains and brand positioning for packaged dates, helped drive the market size to a record 402 thousand tons in 2023.

Production dates in Oman

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Oman ranked as the 8th largest producer of dates between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of dates, 2017-2020

World map of production of dates, 2017-2020

Oman's dates production volume declined after a two-year rise. In 2020, the country produced 368.6 K t of dates, representing a slight year-over-year decrease of 2.2%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 2.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 0.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 376.9 K t, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 2.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Oman in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of dates in Oman was valued at 521.3 M $ US, marking a slight year-over-year rise of 2.4%. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 6.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 508.9 M $ US, while the maximum value occurred in 2018 at 621.9 M $ US. The largest decline took place in 2019 at 18.2%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 11.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Oman in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports dates from Oman

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, dates exports from Oman declined. In 2020, exports totaled 20 744 t, down by 4.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 76.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 21 761 t, with the largest annual increase also occurring in 2019 at 67.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Oman in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, India, Somalia, and Qatar were the principal buyers of dates from Oman in terms of volume. India accounted for 46.8% of exports in kind, Somalia for 19.3%, and Qatar for 12.1%. Together, these three countries represented 78.2% of Oman's total date exports by volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Oman in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year rise, the value of dates exports from Oman declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 29 339 K $ US, showing only a marginal fluctuation year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 61.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 29 386 K $ US, with the largest annual increase also in 2019 at 34.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Oman in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, India, Qatar, and Somalia formed the main group of destinations for Oman's date exports in value terms. India accounted for 49.9% of exports in value, Qatar for 17.3%, and Somalia for 16.4%. Collectively, these three markets represented 83.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Oman in value, 2017-2020

Imports dates to Oman

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, dates imports into Oman declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 18 631 t, showing a notable decrease of 22.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 69.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 23 881 t, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 58.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Oman in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, imports of dates to Oman in kind were largely oriented towards the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Their combined share reached 91.9% of total import flows, with other destinations playing a secondary role.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Oman in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year increase, the value of dates imports into Oman declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 26 487 K $ US, representing a moderate fall of 8.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 91.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 28 934 K $ US, with the largest annual increase in 2018 at 59.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Oman in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia remained the main markets for Oman's date imports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 97.8% of total import flows, while other partners formed the remaining share.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Oman in value, 2017-2020