The Sultanate of Oman is on a transformative path with its long-term development strategy, Oman Vision 2040, aiming to diversify national income sources and reduce dependence on oil and gas exports. At the forefront of this economic renaissance is the integration of advanced technologies, with a specific emphasis on the burgeoning space industry.

The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT), established in 2020, plays a central role in steering Oman towards technological advancement. Under its purview, the Digital Economy Program launched in 2021 focuses on propelling the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, including space technology, to contribute 10% to the overall GDP by 2040. This underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for economic growth. Please find more in the article by Dr. Saoud Al Shoaili.

In a historic achievement, Omani company ETCO SPACE successfully launched its first satellite, Aman-1, on November 11, marking a significant milestone in Oman’s space journey. It was following an unsuccessful attempt earlier in 2023. Collaborating with SpaceX, SatRev, and TUATARA, this venture, initiated in October 2021, is part of a groundbreaking Middle East space program. The successful launch of Aman-1 aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 signifies Oman’s emergence as a key player in the global space exploration arena. Please check for more.

Oman’s commitment to space research and technological advancements is further evident with the announcement of plans to establish a Space Settlement Center in the Duqm district. Covering 18,000 square meters and simulating space environments, this futuristic hub will aid in analogue missions and scientific experiments. The center, a collaboration between the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones, Free Zones, and Global Space and Technology Company, reflects Oman’s commitment to space research and technological advancements. Global Space & Technology Company, the first private company in Oman’s space sector, is actively contributing to the nation’s global standing in space technology. One of their ambitious projects, “ZONE 88,” located in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, encompasses five international projects aimed at enhancing the space and technology industry, attracting global investments, and fostering scientific research.

Oman’s strategic coastal equatorial launch location in Duqm has paved the way for the development of Etlaq (the project by NASCOM), a purpose-built, sustainable, and globally accessible spaceport. Offering a new route to space, Etlaq positions Oman as a significant player in the global space launch market. With the second-highest launch velocity compared to other top launch sites globally, Duqm is uniquely positioned to meet the rising demand for payload delivery to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond.

In relation to Oman’s space sector, the Spanish technology company Indra, as part of the Arab country’s Vision 2040 plan, is setting up a satellite image processing and interpretation centre in the capital, Muscat, to provide services to the Ministries of Defence, Finance and the National Survey Authority(NSA).

To showcase Oman’s commitment to becoming a regional space hub, the inaugural Middle East Conference is scheduled from January 8-10, 2024. Organized by Euroconsult, the conference aims to spotlight Oman’s role as a strategic gateway for investments in space applications and technologies in the Middle East. The event will provide a platform for discussions on space strategies, financing, market trends, satellite communications, and Earth observation.

Oman’s trajectory in the space industry, propelled by Vision 2040 and facilitated by the MTCIT, showcases a nation embracing the future. As the nation continues to reach for the stars, the Middle East Conference in 2024 will undoubtedly serve as a platform to propel Oman’s space sector to new heights.

Omani Space Ecosystem in a Glance

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