Mohammad Qaratas was born in Salalah during the time when the Dhofar War was at its height. His father, Sheikh Muslim Qaratas Amer Al Mahri, was one of the founding leaders of the national forces that fought alongside Sultan Qaboos. In his book, SAS Operation Oman, English writer Tony Jeapes stated that he was one of the most important leaders in the war. He died several months before the victory was declared.