How did you get started in your career as a marine scientist and environmental advocate, and what pivotal moments shaped your path?

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Rumaitha Al Busaidi: My journey into began with a deep-rooted connection to the natural world, especially the oceanic landscapes of Oman. Growing up along the coast, I was constantly inspired by the rich biodiversity of our marine ecosystems especially a deep-rooted love for Oman’s green sea turtles. This early fascination led me to pursue studies and experiences that would deepen my understanding of our environment.

A pivotal moment that shaped my path was becoming the youngest Omani woman to reach the South Pole. This expedition was more than just a personal achievement; it was an eye-opening experience that exposed me to the stark realities of climate change. Witnessing the effects of global warming on such a fragile ecosystem compelled me to dedicate my career to environmental advocacy. Additionally, my extensive travels to nearly 80 countries allowed me to observe firsthand the diverse environmental challenges faced by different communities. These experiences reinforced my commitment to advocating for sustainable solutions and raising awareness about the urgent need for environmental action.

Your 2021 TED Talk on women as the key to our climate future has resonated with millions. What inspired you to focus on this particular topic, and what impact do you hope it will have?

Rumaitha Al Busaidi: The inspiration behind my 2021 TED Talk, “Women and Girls: You Are Part of the Climate Solution,” stemmed from a profound belief in the pivotal role that women play in combating climate change. I was moved by findings from Project Drawdown, which highlighted that educating and empowering women and girls is one of the most effective strategies for mitigating climate change. The multiplier effect of empowering women—how one woman’s actions can influence an entire community—resonated deeply with me.

I wanted to bring attention to the often-overlooked potential of women in driving environmental change, especially in regions where their contributions are undervalued. By focusing on this topic, I hoped to inspire policymakers, communities, and individuals to invest in women’s economic participation and leadership. My aim was to unlock this powerful force for sustainability and climate action, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and effective approach to addressing global environmental challenges.

As Business and ICV Development Manager at Hydrom, what are the key challenges and opportunities you see in advancing green hydrogen development in Oman?

Rumaitha Al Busaidi: Oman is exceptionally positioned to become a global leader in green hydrogen development due to its abundant renewable energy resources, particularly solar and wind power. These natural advantages provide an ideal foundation for sustainable green hydrogen production. At Hydrom, we are harnessing these resources to produce clean energy, aligning with global decarbonization efforts and opening new economic opportunities for the country. Oman’s strategic geographic location along key international shipping routes further enhances our capacity to export green hydrogen efficiently to global markets, positioning us at the forefront of the green energy revolution.

While advancing green hydrogen development presents challenges such as establishing new infrastructure and ensuring ecosystem readiness, Oman is proactively addressing these areas. The government has demonstrated a strong commitment to diversifying the economy and investing in sustainable energy solutions. Through supportive policies, strategic partnerships, and investments in cutting-edge technologies, Oman is overcoming these hurdles. At Hydrom, we are collaborating with international stakeholders and leveraging innovation to ensure that these challenges are effectively managed, solidifying Oman’s leadership in this emerging sector

You’ve advised international bodies such as the Biden administration and the government of Greenland on climate resilience and sustainable tourism. Can you share some insights from these experiences?

Rumaitha Al Busaidi: Advising foreign governments has been both enlightening and impactful. Working with the Biden administration on climate-informed foreign aid allowed me to contribute to strategies that integrate climate resilience into international development efforts. We focused on how foreign aid can support vulnerable communities in adapting to climate impacts, emphasizing educating and empowering women and girls as a key method. 

In Greenland, advising on sustainable tourism involved addressing the delicate balance between promoting economic development and preserving fragile Arctic ecosystems. We worked on developing tourism strategies that minimize environmental impact, respect indigenous cultures, and promote conservation. These experiences underscored the importance of tailoring solutions to local contexts and the value of cross-cultural collaboration. They reinforced the idea that global challenges like climate change require collective action and that sustainable development must consider environmental, social, and economic dimensions.

As Vice President of the Environment Society of Oman, how do you see the role of NGOs in shaping environmental policy and driving sustainable change in the region?

Rumaitha Al Busaidi: NGOs play a crucial role in shaping environmental policy and driving sustainable change, particularly in regions like Oman. As Vice President of the Environment Society of Oman, I witness firsthand how NGOs act as catalysts for awareness, education, and advocacy. They serve as a bridge between the public, private sectors, and government entities, bringing grassroots perspectives to policy discussions.

NGOs can influence environmental policy by conducting research, providing expertise, and highlighting issues that may not be on the government’s immediate agenda. They facilitate community engagement, ensuring that policies reflect the needs and values of the population. For us in ESO, we have actively contributed to promoting sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and the protection of natural heritage. By collaborating with various stakeholders, we have initiated projects that lead to tangible environmental improvements and support Oman’s commitments to international environmental agreements.

You founded WomeX to empower Arab women through culturally relevant mentoring and AI. What are some of the key challenges Arab women face in the workforce, and how does WomeX address them?

Rumaitha Al Busaidi: Arab women in the workforce face several challenges, including cultural expectations, limited access to leadership roles, and gaps in professional development opportunities. One significant issue is the lack of negotiation skills, as many women are not taught to advocate effectively for themselves regarding salaries, promotions, or career advancement. This can lead to disparities in compensation and underrepresentation in senior positions.

WomeX was founded to address these challenges by providing negotiations and public speaking skills specifically. We focus on empowering women with the skills and confidence to negotiate effectively and navigate workplace dynamics. By using personalized coaching and nudging techniques, WomeX helps women recognize their value and articulate their professional aspirations. The platform is designed to be sensitive to cultural nuances, ensuring that the support provided is both practical and respectful of societal contexts. Our goal is to break down barriers and enable Arab women to achieve their full potential in the workforce.

Your achievements in sports, such as being the youngest Omani to step foot on the South Pole and the first female soccer analyst in the Arab world, are truly inspiring. How do these experiences influence your work in environmental advocacy and leadership?

Rumaitha Al Busaidi: My experiences in sports and adventure have significantly influenced my approach to environmental advocacy and leadership. Undertaking challenges like reaching the South Pole and breaking into sports analysis—a field traditionally dominated by men—taught me valuable lessons in resilience, determination, and the importance of pushing boundaries. These endeavors required me to step out of my comfort zone, face skepticism, and remain committed to my goals despite obstacles.

These experiences have reinforced the idea that meaningful change often involves challenging the status quo. In environmental advocacy, this translates to addressing complex issues with creativity and courage. It means being willing to enter new spaces and engage with diverse audiences to promote sustainability. The skills and confidence gained from my sports achievements have equipped me to lead initiatives, inspire others, and advocate effectively for environmental causes. They have shown me that perseverance can lead to significant breakthroughs, both personally and for the broader community.

In your work with the Arab Youth Council on Climate Change and the World Economic Forum’s Davos Lab, how do you ensure that the voices of young people, especially from the Arab world, are heard in global climate discussions?

Rumaitha Al Busaidi: During my tenure with the Arab Youth Council on Climate Change, I was deeply committed to amplifying the perspectives of young people from the Arab region in global climate dialogues. We conducted extensive surveys and organized dialogues across the 22 countries of the Arab League to gather insights on their perceptions, concerns, and policy recommendations regarding climate change. By compiling this data, we were able to present a comprehensive overview of Arab youth sentiments to policymakers and at international forums. This ensured that the unique challenges and innovative ideas of Arab youth were included in global climate discussions.

Similarly, with the World Economic Forum’s Davos Lab, which was a global initiative aimed at capturing the voices of young people worldwide in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, I chaired the initiative that worked to ensure that youth perspectives were integrated into the global recovery plan. The Davos Lab conducted surveys and dialogues on ten key issues likely to shape the future, resulting in the Youth Recovery Plan presented at the annual meeting in Davos. Through this platform, we engaged with young people from 187 countries, organizing 344 dialogues that reached over 2.3 million individuals. By facilitating these dialogues and presenting actionable recommendations to key decision-makers, we worked to elevate the voices of young people in shaping post-pandemic recovery strategies and advancing climate action.

Although I no longer serve in these capacities, these experiences have reinforced my commitment to ensuring that youth voices, particularly from underrepresented regions like the Arab world, are heard in global environmental policies. I continue to advocate for the inclusion of young people’s perspectives through other avenues, recognizing that their involvement is crucial for effective and sustainable climate solutions. Empowering youth remains a central focus of my work, as I believe they are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also vital contributors today in the fight against climate change.

 Your journey has taken you to all seven continents and over 70 countries solo. How has your extensive travel influenced your perspective on global environmental issues and your approach to finding sustainable solutions?

Rumaitha Al Busaidi: Traveling extensively has profoundly broadened my understanding of global environmental issues. Witnessing firsthand the diverse impacts of climate change and environmental degradation—from melting glaciers in the polar regions to deforestation and desertification in other parts of the world—has underscored the interconnectedness of our ecosystems. These experiences have highlighted that environmental challenges are both global and local, affecting communities differently but with shared consequences.

This global perspective has influenced my approach to finding sustainable solutions by emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive, locally adapted strategies. I have learned that one-size-fits-all solutions are often ineffective; instead, we must consider the unique environmental, social, and economic contexts of each region. My travels have taught me the value of listening to local communities, understanding their relationship with their environment, and incorporating indigenous knowledge into broader sustainability efforts. Ultimately, these experiences have reinforced my commitment to advocating for holistic and inclusive approaches to environmental stewardship.