Oman’s Space Sector: From
Establishment to Market Building, 2023–2025

Muscat, 27 Sep 2026 (ONA) — The
space sector in the Sultanate of Oman 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 emphasized 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 Center 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 programs, 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 program. National capacity-building programs are also
underway, along with projects related to space sovereignty, satellites, and
space launch.

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.

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.

Private sector investment in the
space sector rose from RO 20 million in 2023 to RO 65 million in 2024, and then
to RO 74 million in 2025 — a growth rate of 270 percent compared with 2023.

The National Space Program is
linked to the National Digital Economy Program 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 localization 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 specialized
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 specialized 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
maximize the economic return of infrastructure through the supply chain. In
addition, it aims to create specialized jobs and encourage specialized 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 analyze 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 emphasized that investment in human capital is the foundation of the
sector’s success and sustainability. The National Space Program focuses on
qualifying Omani competencies, empowering youth, and enhancing knowledge and
technology transfer through qualitative programs and initiatives.

The National Space Sector
Workforce Qualification Program 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 localization of space
technologies and expertise.

During 2023–2025, eight
specialized training programs were implemented, benefiting more than 300
participants. International experts and local training providers took part. The
programs 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 program 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 program, 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 specialized 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 organized 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
organizes 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 localization 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
emphasized 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 maximize 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 emphasizing
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 Program 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.

— Ends/AH