Construction begins on Oman’s first space economic zone at Duqm SEZ

Muscat: Construction work on Oman’s first “scientific and economic space zone”, formally known as Zone 88, has commenced at a designated site the Special Economic Zone in Al Duqm, according Eng Bahiya bint Hilal al Shuaibiyah, CEO and Founder of Global Space and Technology Company, the Omani startup behind this landmark initiative.

In a recent interview with the Duqm Economist, the newsletter of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), the CEO revealed that the project is around 25 per cent complete. Located in the Duqm SEZ, the zone will include five main space projects.

The first is a space settlement centre, aimed at creating a space simulation environment mimicking life on Mars and the Moon.

Also envisioned is a commercial spacecraft launch site, aimed at establishing an investment hub for commercial spacecraft launches.

Another feature of the facility is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced Technology Experimentation Zone aimed at facilitating experimental research and tests linked to space and artificial intelligence for companies and scientific institutions.

Additionally, a drone technology centre is being set up with the aim of providing a scientific and practical environment for aerial, terrestrial, and marine drones. Rounding off the list is a ground transmission and reception station aimed at providing infrastructure services to global governments and local companies.

Upon completion, this one of its kind project is expected to contribute significantly to Oman’s ambitious plans of positioning itself as a global space hub.

According to the CEO, the project is expected to significantly contribute to Oman’s local economy through facilitating knowledge transfer, job creation, and positioning Oman as a space investment hub. Currently the space sector contributes 0.05 per cent to the local GDP with a market value of $155 million as of 2021.

In 2023, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology unveiled the National Space Policy and Executive Programme which aims to boost the contribution of the digital economy to the local GDP from 2 per cent currently, to 5 per cent by 2030 and 10 per cent by 2040.