Abdulrahman Al-Barri

Yemeni innovator who developed low-cost water filtration systems for rural communities

Abdulrahman Al-Barri (1925-1998) revolutionized access to clean water in Yemen through his invention of the Al-Barri Filter. Born in a remote village with no modern infrastructure, he observed how contaminated water caused 40% of local deaths. Using traditional Yemeni architecture principles and locally available materials, he created a sand-and-charcoal filtration system that reduced waterborne diseases by 75%. By 1960, his designs were adopted by UNICEF for projects in 12 Arab countries.

His 1965 book Water for the Desert detailed sustainable water management techniques still used today. The World Health Organization cited his work in their Global Water Report (1975), noting its impact on preventing cholera epidemics. Despite lacking formal engineering training, he trained over 300 technicians through his Yemeni Rural Development Center, establishing a legacy that continues through UNESCO's Al-Barri Scholarship Program.