Mohammed Khalid Al Falasi

Omani engineer who created the world's first solar-powered ship for marine conservation

Mohammed Khalid Al Falasi (b. 1987) is an Omani marine engineer whose invention of the Al Bahr solar-powered research vessel has transformed marine conservation efforts in the Arabian Gulf. As founder of Oman Blue Initiative, he combines renewable energy innovation with environmental stewardship to address critical issues like coral bleaching and plastic pollution.

Al Falasi's breakthrough came in 2018 when he launched the 25-meter Al Bahr, a zero-emission ship powered entirely by solar panels and hydrogen fuel cells. The vessel's design includes underwater drones and real-time data collection systems that provide unprecedented monitoring capabilities for marine ecosystems. His work has been supported by the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center and the United Nations Environment Programme.

Born in Muscat to a family of pearl divers, Al Falasi's passion for the ocean began early. He studied mechanical engineering at Sultan Qaboos University before working on renewable energy projects in Abu Dhabi. His 2021 documentary "Blue Horizons" (produced in partnership with BBC Earth) brought international attention to Oman's coral reefs, which are among the world's most resilient to climate change.

Al Falasi's initiative has trained over 200 young Omani engineers in renewable energy systems, creating a new generation of marine technologists. His Solar Ship Design Platform now offers open-source plans for building low-cost solar vessels, empowering coastal communities worldwide. In 2022, he was named one of National Geographic's Emerging Explorers for his work in sustainable marine technology.

His most recent project involves deploying AI-driven sensors on coral reefs to predict bleaching events weeks in advance - a system already being tested in the Red Sea and Maldives. Al Falasi's vision of merging ancient seafaring knowledge with modern technology has positioned Oman as a leader in sustainable maritime innovation.