The Oman Botanic Garden is a development of the Diwan of Royal Court in Oman, with unique plants, landscapes, and cultural traditions of Oman. The gardens are located on 423 hectares in Al Khoud, about 20 kilometers from the capital Muscat. The garden showcases all of the native plant species of Oman in a series of man-made naturalistic habitats from the dry deserts to the rich monsoon cloud forests. The garden also showcases the traditionally cultivated crops, with information on how plants are used by the people of Oman. It presents an opportunity for visitors to experience the flora and vegetation of Oman while learning about the agricultural heritage, cultural traditions, and hospitality of the country. Concept The design concept is based on four basic principles: The native flora is represented in naturalistic habitats. The garden reflects and honors Oman's botanical heritage. The garden demonstrates a sustainable approach. The displays are interactive to provide a modern form of education and interpretation. At the time of development, the Oman Botanic Garden was the first botanical garden to display the extensive flora of an entire region. The garden is the largest botanical garden in the Arabian Peninsula and one of the largest in the world. The garden consists of the following key components: nursery, visitor center, research center, field study center, outdoor habitat gardens, northern mountain biome, southern mountain biome, and nature reserve area. The Oman Botanic Garden project is built upon a foundation of environmental sensitivity and sustainability. The project is built within the limits of a large nature reserve, and as such a “tread lightly” approach is followed, both in concept and in construction. As a part of its main objective, Oman Botanic Garden is helping to create a more sustainable world, throughout its design, construction and operation. The project is applying for certification for some of the buildings through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), operated by the US Green Building Council. This places stringent criteria on energy efficiency, sourcing and use of materials, minimizing the use of resources, and communicating best practice. Flora and vegetation of Oman The Sultanate of Oman in the southern Arabian Peninsula is mainly characterised by arid habitats, with much of the region occupied by sand dunes or rock and gravel desert. However, and often in stark contrast to the deserts, the country also contains a seasonal cloud forest, open juniper woodlands