MUSCAT: The events of the 2nd Middle East Space Conference kicked off yesterday, January 26, 2026, in Muscat, under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmood al Said, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.
The three-day event is organised by NovaSpace, in partnership with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.
In his opening remarks, Dr Ali bin Amer al Shaithani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology, said: “This conference comes as a continuation of the success achieved by the first edition in 2024, which established a promising regional and international dialogue and contributed to building fruitful partnerships in the space sector. The space sector in the Sultanate of Oman is witnessing a qualitative and rapid transformation, stemming from a clear and enlightened national vision under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik — may God protect and preserve him — and through the implementation of strategic initiatives within the National Space Policy and the Executive Programme for Space 2023–2033, under the umbrella of the National Digital Economy Programme”.
Dr Al Shaithani added: “Since the previous edition of the conference in January 2023, the space sector in the Sultanate of Oman witnessed a remarkable event that drew global attention: the successful experimental launch of the Duqm-1 rocket from the experimental launch platform in the Wilayat of Al Duqm, Al Wusta Governorate.
“These efforts were also crowned — thanks to the gracious patronage of His Majesty — by the signing of an agreement for the design, manufacturing and launch of Oman’s dedicated communications satellite, in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space. This project will serve as a driver for sector growth, empowering local institutions and maximising national added value”.
He further stated that work is continuing to enhance Oman’s enabling environment for space investment and development: “To further strengthen this path, the Ministry is working to implement a number of other strategic projects, including preparing a legislative framework for the space sector aimed at attracting global investments and stimulating the growth of local companies, thereby creating an enabling and supportive environment for the space sector”.
In his keynote address, Pacôme Révillon, Executive Officer of NovaSpace, underscored the growing regional importance of the forum and Oman’s role within it, saying: “The Middle East Space Conference is built around a clear mandate: driving space collaboration and innovation across the region, with Oman playing an increasingly important role. Space ambitions are accelerating. Governments are strengthening their commitment to space programmes, while commercial capabilities are scaling rapidly across all application segments — whether communications, observation, exploration and much more”.
Révillon also pointed to the sector’s wider economic value, noting: “Space is increasingly recognised as a strategic enabler for economic diversification, resilience and long-term development. The video you have just seen reflects NovaSpace’s role in this evolving landscape. We work with governments, agencies, industry leaders and investors worldwide, providing insight and expertise to navigate a space sector that is transforming at unprecedented speed”.
He said discussions over the coming days will explore the practical deployment of space capabilities across multiple areas, adding: “Over the next three days, discussions involving decision-makers from government agencies and industry will focus on how space capabilities are deployed to meet national and regional priorities. From national strategies to regulatory frameworks, from infrastructure to services and from education to research and innovation, these exchanges will cover the various dimensions and dynamics of the space domain”.
The first day of the forum included the signing of the “Artemis Accords” between the Sultanate of Oman and the United States. In addition, an agreement was signed between Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) and OQ Gas Networks to provide satellite services for monitoring and surveillance of gas network pipelines.
Moreover, the winners of the Oman Space Accelerator Programme were announced and honoured by the patron of the event and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.
The first day of the conference highlighted space policy and industry through presentations by local, regional and international speakers, alongside several panel discussions addressing key themes, including shaping the space sector in the Middle East, seizing opportunities for Oman’s space sector, the view from global space and government agencies, building next-generation space infrastructure and investment strategies for sovereign and corporate funds.
Parallel to the conference, an exhibition showcasing 25 regional and global space companies was inaugurated.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
