Oman’s diverse climate offers a variety of habitats for wildlife including mountains, valleys, deserts, coastal plains and sea coasts. Over one thousand species of plants have been recorded in Oman. The most famous is the Boswellia sacra, the frankincense tree. Indeed, frankincense is one of the most evocative expressions of Oman’s vibrant heritage and culture. Given the increasing interest in discovering new drugs from medicinal plants in general and from frankincense in particular, coupled with the need to better link academia with industry, it is important to highlight the recent advances in this area.
This inaugural conference aims to promote an exchange of knowledge and information about medicinal plants and frankincense to establish linkages between producers and consumers of natural products worldwide. It also offers an opportunity to introduce delegates to new developments and breakthroughs in many disciplines related to these areas. The conference further aims to contribute to increased production, underline the industrial and environmental value of Omani’s natural products, and highlight recent medical and scientific discoveries.