Oman is set to revolutionize its dairy sector with the upcoming launch of a camel milk cheese factory in the Wilayat of Rakhyut, located in the Governorate of Dhofar. This initiative marks a significant opportunity to enhance local economic development, empower rural women, and elevate the dairy value chain in the region. As Oman embraces camel dairy products, the camel milk cheese factory not only supports traditional practices but also aligns with modern food production trends.
The initiative aims to boost economic growth, empower rural women, and improve the overall dairy products value chain.
This ambitious project is being executed in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Investment and Collaboration
The establishment of the camel milk cheese factory is a product of a joint effort involving the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, with generous funding from the Al Jisr charity foundation.
Operations at the factory are slated to commence in the first quarter of 2026. Initially, it will process between 500 liters and two tons of camel milk daily, with plans to gradually ramp up production to five tons by the end of its first year, and ultimately exceed 15 tons.
Product Range and Impact
The factory is expected to offer a diverse range of products, including fresh and semi-hard cheeses. Future expansions may introduce hard cheese, condensed milk, milk desserts, and ice cream options.
In its initial phase, the camel milk cheese factory plans to empower 20 women from the Omani Women’s Association in Rakhyut, fostering their roles in the local food production sector while enhancing the production and marketing of camel-derived products.
These empowered women will participate in capacity-building initiatives, gaining valuable skills from workshops that emphasize quality standards, food safety, finance, marketing, and small business management.
Ceremony and Significance
The contract signing ceremony for this project was officiated by Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Bakri, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources for Agriculture.
Dhofar Governorate serves as a key habitat for camels within Oman, housing an estimated 177,821 camels according to 2023 statistics. This makes Dhofar an essential hub for the burgeoning camel dairy industry.