Palm Trees at an Oman Village

Dates are the primary agricultural crop of Oman. It constitutes 80% of all fruit crops produced and 50% of the total agricultural area in the country. Following an age-old tradition, many Omanis still plant a shoot of a date palm to commemorate the birth of a son. The child’s personal tree grows alongside him, providing many of life’s necessities. The lifespan of a date palm is about that of a man and having a personal tree is a guarantee against starvation.