Middle East Space Conference: A platform to exhibit Oman's potential

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is all set to organize the Middle East Space Conference from January 26-28 in coordination with the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) and Novaspace, which will be an international gathering for space and innovation in the GCC region, exploring Oman’s potential in the space and satellite industries.

With the participation of over 450 business leaders and more than 80 top-tier speakers expected, this conference will also offer an unparalleled platform for forging strategic partnerships and exchanging insights.

The conference will also delve into the transformative use of satellite technologies across the Middle East, from broadband connectivity and satcom market dynamics to the expanding role of Earth Observation in urban development, energy, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.

Space Sector

According to MTCIT, the space sector witnessed notable development in 2025, contributing 0.041 percent to the Gross Domestic Product by the end of 2024.

The national space ecosystem expanded in 2025, with the number of companies operating in the sector reaching 25. The sector employs more than 400 individuals across the public and private sectors.

In 2025, an agreement was signed for the design, manufacture, and launch of an Omani satellite, expected to begin implementation in 2026, under the supervision of the Higher Committee for the Satellite Project.

The project is expected to provide sovereign space infrastructure for secure and high-efficiency communications, enable the Sultanate of Oman to own and manage orbital capacities and assets, and reduce reliance on leased external capacities.

To support innovation and develop space entrepreneurship, the Ministry launched the Oman Space Accelerator, aiming to empower 10 local startups in space technologies and applications and support their expansion in local and global markets. The national space program also continued implementing capacity-building initiatives.

In infrastructure development, early 2025 witnessed the signing of the second phase of the Space Engineering Laboratory project at Sultan Qaboos University (2024–2027).

This phase includes the construction of the laboratory and equipping it with advanced facilities, building upon Phase One achievements related to the establishment of the satellite ground station. The project aims to enhance national capabilities in the design, manufacture, and launch of CubeSats, support research and innovation, and transfer knowledge and technologies to national competencies.

The Ministry also continued supporting the Etlaq Spaceport project through technical and operational support for scheduled missions. One of the most notable missions was the launch of the suborbital experimental vehicle “Keia-1” by Stellar Kinetics in Al Wusta Governorate. Although the mission was halted before launch due to a technical issue, it delivered valuable outcomes, including improved stakeholder management, accelerated operational procedures, the collection of extensive technical data, the successful implementation of safety protocols, the demonstration of Etlaq’s operational readiness, and the provision of hands-on experience for national cadres in handling cryogenic fluids, power systems, and launch-pad infrastructure.

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