The process of Tabseel involves the cooking of certain types of dates, particulary the Al Mabsali, Al Madlouki and Abu Naranja, which are boiled in copper pots resistant to rust and withstand high temperature.

The tabseel process begins after the dates have ripened and turned yellow or “busoor”. They are then boiled for 15–20 minutes until they become well cooked or “Al Faghoor”. Next the seeds are sun-dried for 5–10 days depending on weather conditions. Once “Al Faghoor” gets dry, it is packaged and and then sold or exported.

Omani farmers sell their busoor to the government. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry and foreign markets through the government’s export operations are the main buyers. The ministry provides subsidy to farmers who supply their busoor directly to its stores in the various governorates.

Farmers will also get subsidy of RO 62,500 per tonne if they directly export their busoor to foreign markets in 2020, in order to encourage them to find new and alternative markets in which busoor is marketed.

In 2019 the Ministry readied its busoor stores in Al Wadi Al Kabir after to receive supplies and the process was completed on December 31, 2019.

The Ministry advises farmers to maintain the quality of busoor by keeping it clean and free of impurities so that its reputation is intact and can compete in local and foreign markets.

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The UAE launched a National System for Sustainable Agriculture and Label to enhance the food security and preserve the country’s natural resources for future generations. This was announced at a meeting of the UAE Cabinet chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The UAE Sustainable Agriculture System, the first of its kind, aims to increase the nation’s self-sufficiency from agricultural production and increase the workforce in the agricultural sector. It seeks to invest in agriculture by utilising modern technologies, and make proactive changes in food and agricultural systems.
It utilises artificial intelligence and block chain technologies. Smart phone applications will be used to help farmers monitor insect movement. Other tools are used to damage the fertility of insects.
The system also seeks to achieve several economic, social and environmental objectives, including increasing the self-sufficiency rates of targeted agricultural crops by 5 percent annually, increase the labour force by 5 per cent annually, and ration the use of water in production by 15 percent annually.
The system is developed by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) along with its strategic partners.
“The innovative system is aimed to ensure self-sufficiency in agricultural production, increase the economic return of the agriculture sector and promote investment in agro-industry,” said Abdullah Abdul Qader Al Maeeni, Director General of ESMA. It addresses the challenges faced by the UAE food security, including water scarcity, climate change, population growth, growing demand for food, and malnutrition, he added.
He informed that the system has utilised statistical research issued by various international sources, including the World Bank and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.

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