In the early months of winter, when Oman's air turns crisp and the countryside begins to soften into green, an unexpected ritual unfolds in Barka. Families arrive in steady streams, children clutch baskets, phones rise into the air and the scent of ripe strawberries drifts through greenhouse corridors. At the centre of this seasonal pilgrimage stands The Strawberry Garden — a farm that has quietly transformed agriculture into a social event and a local harvest into a national conversation.
Unlike traditional farms, The Strawberry Garden presents itself as a hybrid destination: part agricultural project, part leisure space. It positions itself as "a unique destination blending agriculture, family fun and nature", highlighting modern farming technologies alongside curated visitor experiences.
The site features specialised greenhouses for hanging strawberries, cafés, family cabins, children's play areas and zones dedicated to birds and animals. This deliberate design reframes farming as an immersive lifestyle experience rather than a purely productive activity.
This concept reflects a broader shift in Oman's agricultural landscape. Media and agri-industry reports note that strawberries, once rare in the Sultanate of Oman, have become a symbol of innovation, as farmers adopt greenhouse and vertical farming methods to overcome harsh climatic conditions.
Read more at Oman Observer
