Move over, cheddar, Oman’s getting its camel cheese for the very first time. The Sultanate is embracing innovation by setting up its first-ever camel cheese production facility in Rakhiout, Dhofar. And no, this isn’t a joke. It’s part of a game-changing plan to boost rural incomes, empower women, and turn camel milk into a delicious, money-making machine.
Oman’s First Camel Cheese Factory To Open In Dhofar
Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has teamed up with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Al Jisr Foundation to make this dream into reality. Their initiative, titled ‘Strengthening the Camel Milk and Derivatives Value Chain through Empowering Women Producers’, is no small feat. It involves 20 powerhouse women from the Omani Women’s Association in Rakhiout, all trained up in the art of dairy production, food safety, finance, and marketing.
So, what’s the process like? Making just one kilogram of camel cheese will take eight to twelve litres of milk. That might sound intense, but Dhofar, already a camel breeding hub, is more than up to the task. The new factory, designed to international quality and food safety standards, will start small, processing around 500 litres to 2 tonnes of milk daily. But Oman’s final goal is to ramp that up to 5 tonnes by year’s end and 15 tonnes in the future.
Beyond Cheese: A Creamy Future Ahead
The dairy facility will roll out fresh and semi-hard camel cheeses with flavours that could soon rival French classics. But they’re not stopping there. Plans are already bubbling for hard cheese, condensed milk, milk candy and even camel milk ice cream.
A local Dhofar-based company will handle construction, keeping things homegrown and fully Omani. With the first camel cheese expected to hit the market by early 2026, the factory could become a creamy symbol of sustainability, rural growth, and women-led innovation.
Say Cheese, Oman!
Oman is carving out a niche in a unique dairy segment while supporting female entrepreneurs and rural communities. And let’s be honest: camel milk candy sounds like a conversation starter you didn’t know you needed.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE. First Published: May 07, 2025 4:37 PM