Sunday 27 / September / 2026
Muscat: Private sector investment in Oman's space sector rose from OMR20 million in 2023 to OMR65 million in 2024, and then to OMR74 million in 2025 — a growth rate of 270 percent compared with 2023.
The number of employees in government and private institutions in the sector increased from 152 in 2023 to 241 in 2024, and then to 400 in 2025 — a growth rate of 163 percent.
In addition, socio-economic indicators show steady growth. The number of companies operating in the space sector rose from 11 in 2023 to 20 in 2024, and then to 26 in 2025 — a growth rate of 136 percent compared with 2023.
All these indicate that the space sector in the Sultanate of Oman has developed rapidly between 2023 and 2025.
It moved from the establishment phase to the market-building phase. This shift was driven by rising private sector investment, a growing number of companies and employees, the launch of strategic satellite projects, infrastructure development, national capacity-building programs, and a stronger international presence.
Eng. Said Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, affirmed that the sector is developing rapidly as an enabler of the digital economy. He noted that it supports economic diversification and national capacity building within the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
He explained that 2025 saw tangible progress in building the sector's infrastructure and developing national competencies. It also saw stronger international partnerships, an improved legislative and regulatory environment, and increased investment in space applications and services.
He said the achievements represent an important step toward consolidating Oman's position as an active partner in the global space ecosystem. They also reinforce its role as a regional gateway for space applications and services that support sustainable development.
He emphasised that the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology will continue to implement the National Space Policy objectives in cooperation with various partners. It will also accelerate knowledge and technology transfer and enhance private sector participation to support a sustainable national space economy.
According to the report "Harvest of the National Space Program 2023–2025," issued by the National Centre for Space, Advanced Technologies and Artificial Intelligence at the Ministry, the sector has received national attention since 2020.
Over the three years following the launch of the National Space Policy, it developed from the establishment phase to the market-building phase. This included the start of infrastructure projects, the launch of capacity-building programmes, the development of international relations, investment attraction, economic growth stimulation, and work on legislation, regulations, and stakeholder integration.
The report indicated that about 65 percent of space projects have entered implementation under the sector's policy and executive programme. National capacity-building programmes are also underway, along with projects related to space sovereignty, satellites, and space launch.
The National Space Programme is linked to the National Digital Economy Programme and Oman Vision 2040. It employs space applications and space data to support digital transformation, innovate smart services, and improve the efficiency of vital sectors. It also builds national capacities, empowers the private sector, and diversifies income sources.
The National Space Policy focuses primarily on terrestrial space applications. It includes 14 pivotal projects and initiatives, along with investment and commercial opportunities that enable active private sector participation. Its pillars are capacity building, economic diversification, environment and natural resources, and sovereignty and national security.
On infrastructure, the report explained that the government has focused on developing infrastructure that ensures the building and localisation of national capabilities. It also aims to enhance business and sustainable investment opportunities and translate strategic directions into projects with developmental and economic impact.
One of the most prominent projects is the communications satellite OmanSat-1. It represents a strategic step toward consolidating Oman's position as a regional gateway for space applications and services, and supports economic diversification and sustainable development.
In November 2025, an agreement for the design, manufacturing, and launch of the satellite was signed with Airbus Defence and Space. Design, manufacturing, testing, and launch activities will run between 2026 and 2029, with operations scheduled to begin in 2029.
The satellite will be managed and operated by Space Communications Technologies Company, part of Oman Investment Authority. The project aims to enhance national sovereignty over the communications and digital data ecosystem and strengthen communications coverage across Oman. It also seeks to accelerate space sector growth, enable the digital economy, develop national capabilities, and create specialised jobs.
In the Duqm rocket launch project, the goal is to develop a national spaceport for experimental and suborbital space vehicles. This will pave the way for commercial launch services by 2027. The project is implemented by the National Space Services Company (NASCOM) in cooperation with specialised international partners.
The project achieved its first experimental launch of the Duqm-1 rocket in 2024. In 2025, it carried out the Duqm-2 mission to launch the suborbital experimental vehicle Kia-1, belonging to Stellar Kinetics, without engine ignition.
The project aims to build national capabilities in launch technologies and related infrastructure. It also seeks to strengthen Oman's attractiveness as a regional center for space launch services, support economic diversification, attract investment, and maximise the economic return of infrastructure through the supply chain. In addition, it aims to create specialised jobs and encourage specialised tourism linked to launch projects.
The period also saw the launch of the Aman-1 satellite in November 2023, owned by ETCO Space. It was the first satellite launched by an Omani company, contributing to stronger private sector participation in Oman's space sector.
In November 2024, Oman Lens-1 (OL-1) satellite was launched. It is the first Omani satellite to integrate artificial intelligence and remote sensing technologies. It supports Earth observation, environmental data analysis, and crisis and climate change management.
It can process and analyse space imagery in real time from space. It also monitors environmental changes and natural cover, and includes systems for situational awareness and tracking of other satellites.
On national capacity building, the report emphasised that investment in human capital is the foundation of the sector's success and sustainability. The National Space Programms focuses on qualifying Omani competencies, empowering youth, and enhancing knowledge and technology transfer through qualitative programmss and initiatives.
The National Space Sector Workforce Qualification Programms for 2024–2027 includes professional, academic and research, and commercial and entrepreneurial tracks. It aims to empower national competencies, qualify entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, and researchers, and enhance knowledge transfer and the localisation of space technologies and expertise.
During 2023–2025, eight specialised training programmes were implemented, benefiting more than 300 participants. International experts and local training providers took part. The programmes covered space applications and remote sensing, policies and strategies, Earth observation data and cloud computing, artificial intelligence and deep learning, and project management and entrepreneurship.
In entrepreneurship, the first edition of Oman Space Accelerator Program (OSAP) was implemented in 2025. It supported 10 startups through an intensive 15-week programme that included technical and commercial training, mentorship from local and international experts, prototype development, and connections with investors.
The report's executive summary indicated that 7 new startups emerged from the programme, ready to offer their space services and products.
Participants' fields included space communications, astronomy and space observation, Internet of Things and smart communications, remote sensing and AI-enhanced geospatial data analysis, rockets and space propulsion systems, and autonomous drones integrated with space solutions.
The Ministry is also working with Sultan Qaboos University to develop a Space Engineering Laboratory. The laboratory supports research, development, and innovation, and builds national capabilities in the design, manufacturing, and launch of CubeSats. It also transfers technology and knowledge to local academic and industrial competencies.
The project's outputs included 15 educational events and stakeholder meetings, 12 specialised technical lectures, and 13 workshops in business, finance, and management. They also included 100 hours of individual mentorship, 3 projects for testing preliminary experiments, a prototype, 10 memoranda of understanding, and 3 field visits to the industrial sector.
The project began in October 2023 with the signing of a cooperation memorandum with Sultan Qaboos University to host and establish the laboratory. The first phase, during 2024–2025, included establishing the ground station. The second phase, during 2025–2027, covers developing the laboratory's infrastructure and equipping it with advanced equipment.
Capacity building also reached younger groups through the Junior Astronauts Camp, implemented in four governorates. It benefited 80 participants aged 7 to 15 during 2025. Training workshops were also organised to enhance scientific awareness and nurture interest in space science and technology.
The camp's training modules covered an introduction to space and the purposes of exploration, astronomical observation tools, astronauts' missions and contributions, spacecraft, design thinking and space colony construction, and the future of humanity in outer space.
The Ministry also continued its support for the NASA Space Apps Hackathon, hosted annually by the University of Technology and Applied Sciences. It brings together multidisciplinary youth teams to work on challenges published by NASA in an intensive 48-hour race to design and present a prototype for an innovative solution.
Hackathon data showed that local teams participating in person numbered 62 in 2023, 32 in 2024, and 34 in 2025. Ten teams qualified locally each year. Globally, 3 teams qualified in 2023, 5 in 2024, and 4 in 2025.
Among initiatives for younger generations, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth developed a Space Science and Technology Corner at the Children's Culture Museum. It aims to inspire students and build their capabilities early in space sciences and technologies.
It also seeks to enhance interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and their space applications, and raise awareness of the sector's importance and developmental impact.
The project's phases were funded with private sector participation. Daleel Petroleum funded the first phase, covering the space simulation environment. Oman Liquefied Natural Gas Company funded the second phase, covering the virtual reality simulation capsule for the spacecraft.
On international relations and investment attraction, the Ministry gave strategic priority to strengthening international relations and attracting investment. The aim is to accelerate sector growth, transfer knowledge, empower national competencies, and consolidate Oman's position in the global space ecosystem.
In this context, the Ministry organises the Middle East Space Conference and its accompanying exhibition every two years, in partnership with Novaspace. The first edition was launched in 2024, followed by the second edition in Muscat in 2026.
The number of countries represented rose from more than 23 in 2024 to more than 35 in 2026. Participants increased from more than 450 to more than 650. Companies represented rose from more than 195 to more than 350.
Exhibition booths increased from more than 25 to more than 50. Speakers rose from more than 83 to more than 86, and sponsors from more than 40 to more than 45 entities.
The conference aims to enhance regional and international dialogue on the future of the space sector. It also seeks to accelerate the transfer and localisation of advanced space technologies and support economic diversification and a knowledge-based economy.
Oman joined the Artemis Accords on 26 January 2026, becoming the 61st member. This step reflects its keenness to enhance its international presence and contribute to shaping the future of the space sector. It also consolidates the principles of peaceful and responsible use of space.
The Accords aim to enhance cooperation in the peaceful exploration of space and organize partnerships related to the return to the Moon. They also establish joint frameworks for civil space activities, empower Omani youth and researchers, and pave the way for future missions to Mars.
Oman also joined the International Astronautical Federation in October 2024. The aim is to enhance international cooperation in space exploration and development and exchange knowledge through conferences, seminars, and workshops. It also provides opportunities for partnerships and joint projects, connects with global experts, and supports professional development.
On economic growth, the report emphasised that the sector has entered a phase of accelerated economic growth. This is reflected in its transition from establishment to building a promising market, supported by rising investment, a growing number of companies, and diversified space services and applications.
The sector's value chain includes communications services, launch sites, remote sensing operations, drone and space services and applications, and training and consultancy.
On legislation and regulation, the Ministry, in coordination with competent authorities, has begun preparing the Omani Space Law and supporting regulatory frameworks. These ensure compliance with international obligations, enhance investment confidence, and establish a balanced regulatory environment conducive to sustainable growth.
The Civil Aviation Authority also issued the regulation governing the use of airspace for launch activities. It obligates launch service operators to submit airspace use requests at least 45 working days before the launch date. Requirements cover airspace assessment, weather conditions, operational safety, and coordination with relevant authorities.
Within integration and alignment with stakeholders, the Ministry adopts an integrative approach. It enhances institutional coordination and unifies efforts among government entities, the private sector, and academic institutions. This helps accelerate achievement and maximise the national impact of space projects and programs.
The Coordinating Committee for Space Science and Applications Centers was formed under Ministerial Decision No. (80/2024). It comprises five government entities.
It aims to enhance coordination and integration among space centers at the national level and maximize the use of national capabilities. It also unifies efforts, exchanges resources, knowledge, and expertise, and facilitates national projects in space services and applications.
The report concludes by emphasising that the achievements of 2025 reflect the sector's accelerated progress toward the empowerment and operations phase. This is underpinned by growing infrastructure, promising national competencies, effective international partnerships, and a legislative ecosystem under development.
It affirmed that the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology will continue, through the National Space Programme and in partnership with various entities, to implement the National Space Policy objectives. This will enhance Oman's position in the global space economy and support the achievement of Oman Vision 2040 objectives.
