Abdulrahman Al-Hassan

Saudi Arabian inventor who created the first solar-powered irrigation system in the Middle East

Abdulrahman Al-Hassan (1908-1978) was a visionary inventor from Saudi Arabia who pioneered solar energy applications in agriculture. In the 1940s, he developed the Zayd Solar Pump, the first practical solar-powered irrigation system, enabling desert farming without fossil fuels. His invention allowed Bedouin communities to cultivate crops like dates and wheat in previously uninhabitable regions, transforming Saudi Arabia's agricultural landscape.

Al-Hassan's breakthrough came after years of research at King Abdulaziz University, where he adapted NASA's solar panel technology for harsh desert conditions. His 1955 patent "Solar-Powered Water Pumping System" became the basis for modern solar irrigation technology. By 1965, over 200 solar farms operated using his designs, creating jobs for thousands of nomadic families.

Despite his contributions, Al-Hassan remained a humble figure, refusing corporate partnerships to keep his technology affordable. His legacy lives on through the Solar Heritage Foundation, which continues his work in Africa and the Middle East. His autobiography From Desert to Garden (1972) details his lifelong dedication to sustainable development.