Pact to establish satellite optical ground network in Oman

Oman is set to establish a network of three advanced optical ground stations by 2028 under a strategic partnership between Omani space communications company Durri Space and French photonics specialist Cailabs, marking a significant step towards developing the Sultanate as a regional hub for high-capacity satellite communications.
The agreement, signed recently under the auspices of Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Under-Secretary for Communications and Information Technology at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, will support Oman's national space ambitions while creating infrastructure capable of serving international satellite operators.
Under the contract, Durri Space, a subsidiary of Enjaaz Group, will own the three-station network, which will incorporate Cailabs' TILBA-OGS L10 optical communications technology.
Unlike conventional satellite communications that rely on radio frequencies, optical ground stations use laser beams to transmit and receive large volumes of data between satellites and Earth, offering the potential for substantially higher transmission speeds.
The planned facilities will support high-capacity communications with low-Earth-orbit satellites, including those involved in Earth observation and other data-intensive applications. Their geographical distribution across Oman will also provide greater operational flexibility for satellite data reception.
Ahmed al Fahdi, CEO of Durri Space, said the initiative would establish the foundations for a new national capability.
'Oman has the geography and the ambition to play a meaningful role in the next generation of satellite communications. This network is the first step in building that capability in the Sultanate, and in developing the Omani talent who will lead it,' he stated.
The initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040 objectives to diversify the economy, develop advanced technology industries and strengthen national capabilities in strategically important sectors.
It also complements the Sultanate of Oman’s broader efforts to develop a domestic space ecosystem encompassing satellite infrastructure, Earth observation, specialised engineering services and technology-driven employment.
Durri Space, established under Enjaaz Group, is pursuing capabilities in optical satellite communications, high-resolution Earth observation and potentially satellite assembly and integration within Oman.
Cailabs, headquartered in Rennes, France, was founded in 2013 and specialises in advanced photonic technologies serving the space, telecommunications, industrial and defence sectors. Its optical ground station systems incorporate proprietary technology designed to mitigate atmospheric turbulence, a major challenge for laser communications.
Jean-François Morizur, CEO of Cailabs, said: 'Optical communications are moving from demonstrations to operational infrastructure. Durri Space's decision to build a three-station network shows the scale of that transition.'
Both companies also plan to support the development of Omani technical expertise, potentially strengthening the country's participation in the rapidly expanding global satellite communications industry.