Laying the Foundation of Ayn Dawkah
On November 13, 2025, Amouage laid the foundation stone for Ayn Dawkah, a project celebrating the story and science of frankincense.
The building, resembling an eye from above, is a circular, earth-hued monolith designed to blend with the valley floor. Ayn Dawkah, meaning “Eye of Dawkah,” embodies sustainability, architectural innovation, and perfumery heritage. The architecture combines brutalism and vernacular forms, transforming functionality into modern design. The Manufacture is designed as a temple, showcasing the transformation of raw materials, while the Visitor Centre offers a journey into the world of frankincense.
The project is expected to open in Spring 2027. The ceremony for laying the foundation of Ayn Dawkah was attended by several dignitaries, including His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar.
About Amouage
Amouage is a well-known Omani perfume house that was founded in 1983 in Muscat, Oman, by Prince Sayyid Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi at the request of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. The brand is known as “the gift of kings” because its initial purpose was to present its most exquisite perfumes as gifts to visiting foreign dignitaries.
As Amouage focuses on cultural preservation, the company is committed to protecting Oman’s heritage and natural treasures, particularly frankincense. Amouage aims to position Oman as a global leader in the responsible sourcing of natural ingredients.
About Wadi Dawkah
Wadi Dawkah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Dhofar region of southern Oman, approximately 40 kilometres north of the city of Salalah. It is home to over 4,000 frankincense trees. Since 2022, Amouage has been the custodian of Wadi Dawkah in partnership with Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. This role involves protecting the site’s ecosystem and elevating its cultural significance.
Amouage has geotagged around 5,000 frankincense trees, making Wadi Dawkah the first smart forest in the GCC. The site received FairWild certification in August 2025 for ethical and sustainable harvesting, becoming the first in the Arabian Peninsula to do so.
The Significance of Frankincense
Frankincense, derived from the Boswellia sacra tree, is Oman’s iconic natural treasure. Ayn Dawkah will allow visitors to explore frankincense through various lenses, including botany, history, tradition, trade, and scent.
Visitors will learn about the resin’s historical uses in healing, rituals, diplomacy, and perfumery. The structure will include a visitor centre with immersive storytelling and exhibits, a distillation facility visible to visitors, an incense smoke room celebrating the world’s first perfumes, and a cafe and boutique.
Amouage’s Vision for Wadi Dawkah
Amouage’s vision for Wadi Dawkah extends beyond the Ayn Dawkah project. A Scientific Advisory Council was formed in March 2025 to oversee the development of the area. Matthew Wright, Head of Wadi Dawkah, describes the project as a “labour of love” that aims to create a space where locals and international visitors can discover the cultural roots of Omani perfumery.
The project is designed by Giò Forma Studio (Milan), which envisioned a building that is both a landmark and a landscape. The circular design features a central Frankincense garden and a staircase carved into the cliff. The building materials, a custom mix of local aggregates and sustainable binders, echo the textures and hues of Dhofar’s mountains.
We know we’re excited for the official opening of this amazing cultural site. Will you be visiting Salalah, Oman, in 2027?
