The Scent of Time: Omani Frankincense from Antiquity to Innovation

Explore the captivating story of Oman's iconic frankincense trees at the 8th Oman Natural Heritage Lecture (ONHL), brought to you by The British Omani Society with the kind support of Amouage. This year, our distinguished speakers will bring to life the rich history and cultural significance of Oman's frankincense tree, exploring the place of frankincense in history, key contemporary challenges from cultivation to climate change, as well as the commercial opportunities they bring for Oman, including for eco-tourism.

The lecture will be held at the premises of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR, and will be recorded and uploaded to YouTube following the event.

Guests are invited to arrive from 6.30pm for a prompt 7.00pm start.

We are honoured to be joined by:

Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi, Chairman of Amouage, Patron, of the 8th Oman Natural Heritage Lecture.

Co-Chair and Moderator: Dr Laila Al Harthy, Head of Botany and Conservation, Oman Botanic Garden.

Speaker: Dr Shahina Ghazanfer, Honorary Research Associate - Science, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and Advisor Kew REACH.

Speaker: Dr Khalid Al Farsi, Head of Horticulture, Oman Botanic Garden.

Speaker: Dr Amir Azad Adli Al Kathiri, Senior lecturer (assistant professor) at University of Technology and Applied Sciences Salalah, Oman.

We are also honoured to be joined by members of the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Kingdom.

Lecture tickets are available to purchase in advance via Eventbrite: £12 pp regular tickets, £10 pp British Omani Society members, £6 pp students and British Omani Society Alumni (our previous New Generation Group, Arabic Language & Student Volunteers Oman Scheme participants, Interns and Volunteers).

The lecture is a distinguished annual series spotlighting Oman’s extraordinary natural heritage while fostering scientific collaboration between Oman and the UK and showcasing the talented environmental scientists in Oman. The series is currently in its 8th year. The lecture is organised by The British Omani Society, a UK charity with a mission to promote and enhance the important relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom. The Society is advised and supported by a panel of Omani and British environmental scientists and experts who form our Oman Natural Heritage Advisory Committee.

• Professionals in the environmental, tourism, and heritage sectors
• Those involved in natural product industries like perfumery and wellness
• Students and researchers of botany, anthropology, sustainability and related fields
• Anyone passionate about Oman, the Middle East, or global ecological heritage

Following the lecture, enjoy a relaxed networking opportunity in the Map Room with a paid bar, where you can meet fellow attendees, discuss the ideas shared, and make new connections across industries and interests.

So, don't miss out, this is a rare opportunity to dive deep into a subject that touches on history, science, culture, and commerce, all in one evening.

Reserve your seat today and be part of the conversation shaping the future of frankincense!

This event is graciously supported by The House of Amouage.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), 1 Kensington Gore, London, United Kingdom