The young Omani womanngiving nature a voice

For 23-year-old Omani marine biologist Malaak al Lawati, a single trip to Bar al Hikman became a catalyst for a bigger purpose: helping people understand the nature around them.

Initially intended as an opportunity to develop her bird surveying and wildlife photography skills, the trip left al Lawati captivated by the area’s biodiversity.

“I was not expecting to see so many birds and to feel the energy of that place, the experience was so amazing,” she said. “When I came back to Muscat, I felt like I left a part of me there in Bar Al Hikman.”

The visit left her wanting to help others see Bar al Hikman through a nature lens and spark conversations about what future coastal development could mean for the area.

“It's really important to have conversations and have the public educated about these things because I truly believe that we, as a community, have a responsibility, but we also have influence if we all work together,” al Lawati said.

That motivation led her to found Nature Lab in 2025, an initiative seeking to bridge the gap between communities, science and government by making environmental knowledge accessible to people across Oman.

The platform shares information about Oman’s environment through short videos in Arabic, alongside workshops and hands-on activities that help people learn about the nature around them.

According to al Lawati, complicated scientific terms and difficulty accessing research can make environmental issues harder to understand. Nature Lab aims to change this by creating simple, digestible content on social media that makes learning about the environment “relevant and informative For 23-year-old Omani marine biologist Malaak al Lawati, a single trip to Bar al Hikman became a catalyst for a bigger purpose: helping people understand the nature around them.

and fun”.

Language can also be a barrier, she said, so the platform shares its content in Arabic, with English subtitles, to reach a wider audience in Oman.

Beyond its online content, Nature Lab takes part in environmental events and community activities. The initiative recently participated in Oman Climate Week, giving visitors opportunities to learn about nature through hands-on activities.

Al Lawati said the initiative also aims to create space for conversations between communities, scientists and government representatives. Among its longer-term goals is helping people understand the reasons behind environmental laws and policies.

Yet the marine biologist had not always been interested in marine life herself. Although already interested in wildlife photography, she only began considering marine biology after reading The Soul of an Octopus, which explores the intelligence of octopuses.

“It made me realise how little I knew about the ocean… but after I read that book [I thought to myself] now I really have to study marine biology because I am surrounded by the ocean,” she said.

She went on to study the subject at Bangor University in North Wales, and now works as an Environmental Studies Specialist in Muscat.

Reflecting on what it means to be part of the growing community of Omani women working to protect the environment, al Lawati said she is honoured to be featured but is keen to make environmental work more accessible to women in Oman. “I feel like it's not really about me, it's about the women.”

She explained that cultural barriers can make activities such as diving, swimming and hiking less accessible to women. Recent conversations with university students brought this into focus: male students spoke about regularly visiting beaches and hiking with friends, while women did not always have the same opportunities.

Through Nature Lab, she hopes to organise more women-only events, giving those who want to explore nature the opportunity to do so. She believes women who face fewer barriers have a responsibility to help make these experiences accessible to others.

“It's a cultural barrier, and we need to normalise the idea that we belong out there in the ocean and in the mountains. We belong wherever we want to belong. This space is ours too,” al Lawati said.

Al Lawati draws inspiration from women in Oman and beyond, but her earliest influences were closer to home: her older sister and her mother.

She credits her older sister, wildlife conservationist Rabab Al Lawati, with sparking her interest in nature. Watching Rabab photograph animals inspired a friendly rivalry, encouraging her to observe birds and wait for the perfect photograph.

“She used to photograph animals, and as her younger sister, I felt a need to compete to take better photos. So if not for her, I wouldn't have gotten into nature either,” al Lawati said.

Her mother, Dr Omama Al Lawati, an academic and children’s author, has also been an important influence through her commitment to educating the next generation.

“She's a hiker, she is an advocate, she's a writer, she cares a lot about making sure that the children of the next generation are educated,” al Lawati said of her mother.

Al Lawati also draws inspiration from her mother’s humanitarian advocacy. In 2025, Dr Omama took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international sea convoy that sought to deliver food and essential supplies to Gaza.

Reflecting on their influence, Al Lawati credits both women with giving her the confidence to pursue her interests: “I wouldn't have that same courage and drive to, to try.” Al Lawati also counts wildlife filmmaker Anel Rademyer among the women who have inspired and supported her, highlighting her commitment to the environment and to sharing the stories of young people making a difference.

Looking ahead, Al Lawati hopes to pursue more research into marine life in the Arabian Peninsula, a region she believes remains underrepresented in the field. From whales and dolphins to Oman’s breeding birds, she is eager to study the wildlife around her and contribute to a deeper understanding of it.

For Nature Lab, she said the next steps include more nature walks, workshops and opportunities for the community to get involved. The initiative also welcomes volunteers and collaborators. Readers can follow Nature Lab (@naturelabom) and Malaak (@malaak_136) on Instagram for updates or to get in touch.