High in the Hajar Mountains lies a place where nature, tradition, and beauty converge — Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman’s famed “Green Mountain.” Here, each spring, the mountain awakens with color and scent as rose season begins. Terraced farms burst into bloom, and the cool mountain air is perfumed with the unmistakable aroma of freshly opened petals.
This is more than just a season — it is a ritual, a heritage, and a celebration of the land’s generous spirit.
The Rose Season – A Symphony of Color and Scent
Beginning in April, the rose season marks a spectacular transformation across villages like Al Ain, Al Sherija, and Seiq. Farmers rise with the sun to handpick the blossoms in the early morning hours, capturing their fragrance at its peak. The rose varieties cultivated here include Omani rose, Damask rose, and Bulgarian rose — all cherished for their powerful, sweet aroma.
But the process begins much earlier. From September, farmers begin the unique “drying” technique, withholding water for two months to prepare the plants for a strong and healthy bloom in spring. Once the leaves have fallen and the land is cleared and fertilized, watering resumes, leading to the rebirth of the bushes. By April, the hills are adorned with vibrant rose crowns, ready for harvest.
A Tradition of Distillation
After picking, the roses are taken to traditional distillation units, where their essence is slowly extracted. The method — passed down for generations — uses large copper pots, steam, and patience. One modern distillery in the region, run by Abdulrahman Al-Saqri, can process up to 200 kg of roses at a time, producing around 60 liters of pure rose water per session, along with rare rose oil, known locally as "Dihn Al Ward."
The products — from rose water to fragrant oils — are sold across Oman and internationally, with increasing demand from perfume houses and boutiques. Small roadside stalls in the mountain villages also showcase these treasures, alongside other local delights like pomegranates, figs, peaches, and olives.
Dejan – A Fragrance Inspired by Tradition
Out of this ancient practice of rose cultivation and distillation was born Dejan, a fragrance that captures the very essence of Jabal Al Akhdar. Inspired by the scent of freshly picked roses and the warm steam rising from the distillation pots, Dejan tells the story of a place where nature and craft coexist in harmony.
It is more than a perfume. It is a sensory journey into Omani heritage, bottled with care, and infused with the soul of the mountain.
Dejan pays tribute to the hands that harvest, the hearts that preserve, and the mountain that gives — a fragrant echo of one of Oman’s most cherished traditions.
