Sultan Qaboos University Produces Spirulina Algae in Commercial Quantities
Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has achieved a significant scientific and economic milestone by
successfully producing Spirulina algae in commercial quantities for the first time in the
Sultanate of Oman. This breakthrough supports national efforts toward sustainability, food
security, and the development of a knowledge-based economy in alignment with
Oman Vision 2040.
The research project was implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Water Resources and funded by the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund.
The initiative focuses on selecting high-yield Spirulina strains suited to Oman’s climate,
analyzing their nutritional composition—particularly protein content—and identifying
economically viable production methods.
Spirulina is internationally recognized for its exceptional nutritional value, containing up
to 65% protein. This makes it a valuable supplement for both human consumption
and animal feed. The project also includes the development of Spirulina-enriched feeds for
livestock and aquaculture, contributing to the advancement of Oman’s agricultural and
fisheries sectors.
One of Spirulina’s most notable advantages is its ability to grow in saline water, including
conditions with seawater-level salinity. This characteristic enables the productive use of
salt-affected coastal lands and non-arable areas near the Arabian Sea, offering sustainable
solutions to challenges related to land and water resources.
The project is supervised by Dr. Hafidh bin Ali Al Mahrouqi of Sultan Qaboos
University and received funding of OMR 80,000. This support highlights the
university’s role in transforming scientific research into applied projects with measurable
economic and developmental outcomes.
This achievement reinforces Oman’s commitment to innovation, environmental sustainability,
and food security, positioning the Sultanate as an emerging regional hub for advanced
biotechnology and sustainable agriculture.
Source: Oman News Agency
