The Dhofar region of Oman is significant and extremely rich in plant biodiversity. Most of the cultivated, medicinal and wild plant species of the region are found in the elevated areas of Dhofar.

Dhofar region is enriched with frankincense and over 250 reported species of medicinal plants. Frankincense sometimes called Oliban or luban; an aromatic, unique oleo-gum resin, is produced by several of approximately 23 species of Boswellia including Boswellia sacra (from the southern Arabian Peninsula), Boswellia frereana (from Somalia), Boswellia serrata (from India).

Historically, natural products (secondary metabolites) have been used since ancient times & in folklore for the treatment of many diseases and illnesses and also have been the most successful source of potential drugs leads. In fact, around 50% of pharmaceuticals are derived from compounds first identified or isolated from herbs/plants, including organisms, animals, and insects, as active ingredients. It is widely accepted that more than 80% of constituents of drugs (antimicrobial, cardiovascular, immunosuppressive and anticancer) are either directly derived from natural products or developed from a natural compound. On the other hand, the global dietary supplement markets have grown tremendously in the last decade. Over 800 species of plants have been recorded in the various habitats of the Dhofar region, with around 65 of these being endemic. The region is rich in plants such as Commiphora Spp., Boswellia specis, Acacia Spp., Anogessius dhofarica, Aloe Dhofarensis and many other interesting plants that are waiting to be explored as it is believed that these plants could play a role in treating some of the world’s current and future diseases.

Following its mission to become the hub of research activities in the region, Dhofar University organized First International Meeting on Frankincense & Medicinal Plants on 26th October, 2017 under the auspices of H.E. Sayyed Mohammed bin Sultan bin Hamoud Al-Busaidi, Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar, Sultanate of Oman. The event brought together the renowned experts and researchers in the field from all across the world. The experts from Germany, UK, Australia and Jordan presented their Research on Frankincense, particularly the medicinal properties of Dhofari frankincense and medicinal plants. The aim was to focus on Research and development of frankincense and medicinal plants by transferring knowledge to industry. The event provided opportunities to researchers, experts, clinicians, local pharmaceutical companies, local growers and entrepreneurs to discuss recent developments in the field of secondary metabolites like gum resin, essential oils, alkaloids, flavonoids etc. extracted from the Dhofarian plants. The objective was to strengthen the status of Frankincense and some other medicinal plants as an important part of the world’s cultural heritage.

Following similar footsteps, Dhofar university is planning to organize Second International Meeting on Frankincense and Medicinal Plants on 3rd – 4th September, 2023. The event will include the presentations by keynote speakers, leading academic scientists, research scholars related to medicinal plants, nutraceuticals, phytomedicine, natural chemistry, industry and clinicians, plenary sessions, poster presentations and exhibition.