Sultan Qaboos University has achieved a new scientific milestone by producing spirulina algae in commercial quantities for the first time. This achievement was realised through a joint research team from SQU and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, with support and funding from the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund. It reflects the advancement of scientific research and innovation at the University, as well as support for national priorities related to the knowledge-based economy and sustainability.

This achievement is the result of a gradual academic research pathway. The idea of the project began around 15 years ago as the topic of a master’s thesis by Dr. Hafidh bin Ali Al-Mahrouqi, Supervisor of the Algae Unit at the Agricultural Experiment Station and the project’s principal investigator. It later developed into the focus of his doctoral research. Subsequently, the project received government attention through financial support from the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund amounting to 80,000 Omani Rials, which enabled the transition from academic research to actual on-the-ground implementation.

The project also aims to import spirulina strains that are more adaptable and productive under the climatic conditions of the Sultanate of Oman, and to study their nutritional content, particularly protein levels, across different cultivated strains in order to achieve optimal economic production. In addition, the project includes the formulation and manufacture of livestock and aquaculture feeds fortified with spirulina, which will be tested in accordance with scientific principles, as well as the training of national cadres in the cultivation of this algae and the production of spirulina-enriched feeds.

It is worth noting that spirulina is among the most widely cultivated microalgae worldwide due to its high nutritional value, comprising approximately 60–65% protein by dry weight. This makes it an important dietary supplement for both humans and animals, and contributes to the growth of the aquaculture and livestock sectors.

This type of algae is also distinguished by its ability to adapt to local environmental conditions and to grow in saline water, with salinity levels reaching that of seawater. This opens up broad prospects for the utilisation of salinised lands resulting from seawater intrusion in coastal areas, or for exploiting areas adjacent to the Arabian Sea that are unsuitable for conventional agriculture.

This achievement underscores the role of SQU in transforming scientific research into applied projects with tangible economic and developmental impact, and in supporting sustainability and food security priorities in line with the Oman Vision 2040.