Al Baleed Culinary Festival, a month-long celebration of gastronomy, returns this November

Now in its fourth edition, the festival introduces a refreshed format that highlights the resort’s own culinary team alongside internationally acclaimed chefs from three-Michelin-starred restaurants. Supported by Experience Oman, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Dhofar Municipality, and Amouage, the event combines world-class expertise with the distinct flavours and traditions of Oman.

This year’s programme includes the Frankincense Experience, an immersive journey through the resort’s farm, spa, and Al Mina restaurant. Guests can enjoy a guided tour with the resort’s farm expert, a signature frankincense-inspired spa ritual, and a two-course harvest lunch featuring the day’s freshest produce.

Two renowned European chefs, Jacob Jan Boerma from the Netherlands and Christian Jürgens from Germany, will headline exclusive four-course dinners at Mekong on 12 and 15 November. Each menu blends the chefs’ signature precision with seasonal Omani ingredients, accompanied by live entertainment. Al Baleed’s own culinary team will also take the spotlight, with Chef Raveevan Kahawan leading Taste of Mekong nights, Chef Sufian Akhtar presenting Flavours of the Spice Route, Chef Andrea Carrone showcasing Taste of the Arabian Ocean, and Chefs Ammar Al Harthi and Khalood Abdullah Jamaan Khazana hosting Omani Nights. Pastry Chef Khin Hnin Aung will craft all desserts throughout the festival.

Guest chef Marco Van Rutten from Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam will also join the line-up, bringing his Michelin experience and adding further depth to the festival’s international reach.

The highlight of the month, the Al Baleed Kitchen Party on 14 November at Al Mina, will bring together all participating chefs for an evening of live cooking, entertainment, and interactive dining. Guests can explore a range of events, from Michelin-starred dinners to Omani-inspired experiences.

Prices start at OMR 20 for themed evenings, OMR 55 for Michelin-starred dinners, and OMR 69 for the Frankincense Experience, with special dining supplements available for in-house guests.

For reservations and more information, call +968 2322 8222 or visit the website.