Branchipodopsis buettikeri, a new fairy shrimp species (Anostraca, Branchipodidae) collected from shallow desert temporary ponds in the Sultanate of Oman, is described. It is the first species of the genus Branchipodopsis found in the Arabian Peninsula. The new species is mainly distinguished from other species of the genus by the shape of the second antennae of the male, and by the shape of the clypeus outgrowths. Biogeographical implications are discussed.