Oman has been steadily developing its sustainability agenda, environmental conservation, climate action, renewable energy, and green innovation are all part of the national conversation. And increasingly, women are playing central roles in driving this forward. Below are profiles of a few of these leaders, the work they’re doing, and the significance of women’s participation for Oman’s sustainable future.
Omani Women who are inspiring Sustainability Leaders & Entrepreneurs:
Rumaitha Al Busaidi: She is an Omani marine scientist and environmental advocate. She works as Business Development Manager at Hydrom (focused on green hydrogen development in Oman), is on the executive board of the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) and collaborates with the government on sustainable diversification and energy transition strategies.
Dr Thuraya Said Al Sariri: Serving as Assistant Director General for Nature Conservation at Oman’s Environment Authority, she has led high-profile conservation and environment policy efforts — heading the technical team for Oman’s environmental strategy, leading the “National Initiative to Plant 10 Million Trees,” contributing to establishing nature reserves, and representing Oman in international agencies including UNESCO’s Man & Biosphere Reserves Council. She recently won the Arab Women’s Excellence Award in environmental action.
Suaad Al Harthi: Executive Director of the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), she has led numerous marine & terrestrial conservation projects. Her work includes sea turtle conservation, research on Arabian Sea humpback whales, vulture species research, and engaging public awareness and education.
Haifa Al Khaifi: She is mentioned as the CEO of Energy Development Oman, one of the most powerful figures in the Omani energy sector. She is notable both for her leadership in energy resources and for pushing sustainability and resource management in what is traditionally a male-dominated field.
Shaima Al Lawati: Founder and Managing Director of Destination Sustainability, she has been involved in empowering women entrepreneurs, sustainable business practices, and raising awareness on environmental topics. She was a speaker in incubator sessions that help female-led enterprises in environmental/tech/sustainability sectors.
Rayan Al Kalbani: Co-Founder of Mazoon Environmental and Technological Services, she is another female entrepreneur in Oman working in environment-tech space. She was featured in sessions about female entrepreneurs and their roles in environmental / sustainability efforts.
Impact & Challenges
Vision 2040 alignment: Oman’s national vision emphasizes sustainable development, environmental protection, diversification of economy, and social inclusion. Women leaders make these goals more inclusive and amplify the reach of sustainability efforts.
Diverse perspectives: Women often bring different perspectives to policy, community engagement, and innovation, particularly in areas like conservation, resource use, green technology, etc.
Youth, climate, and community linkages: Many of these leaders are working with youth, community education, or grassroots projects, which is crucial for long-term sustainability.
Challenges
Balancing tradition and innovation: As in many places, there can be cultural expectations or institutional inertia that make it harder for women to break into certain roles or sectors.
Resource limitations: Funding, institutional support, and infrastructure for environmental innovation and sustainability are still growing; women often have to navigate more hurdles.
Visibility & support: While recognition is increasing, many women’s sustainability efforts remain less visible. Platforms, networking, mentorship, and exposure are still scaling.
Women in Oman are already making significant strides in sustainability, from leading nature conservation, promoting green hydrogen, advising on smart city policy, to innovating in community-level eco‐projects. With growing institutional support and national commitment under Vision 2040, there is a real opportunity to deepen this leadership. Empowering more women in sustainability roles isn’t just a fairness issue: it’s a strategic necessity for Oman’s environment, economy, and society to thrive in a changing climate.
