MUSCAT: Oman’s Mohammed Al Barwani Satellites (MBSAT) LLC, the space and satellite communications arm of the Mohammed Al Barwani Group, has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Telespazio France, one of Europe’s leading providers of satellite communications and space data services and solutions.
The pact was signed during the visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to France last week.
“This partnership represents a new step toward the development of satellite communications services, the exploration of new opportunities in the space sector, and the strengthening of cooperation between Oman and France,” Muscat-based MBSAT said in a post.
“It supports the digital economy as one of the key objectives of Oman Vision 2040, while also opening wider opportunities across markets in the Middle East and Europe,” the company further added.
Said al Jabri, Chief Executive Officer - MB LLC, stated: “This partnership reflects MB Group's strategic vision to diversify our investment portfolio and expand into innovative, future-focused industries. France is a global leader in the space and satellite services sector, making it an ideal market for building strategic partnerships and accessing world-class expertise. At the same time, this collaboration aligns with Oman's national aspirations to strengthen its position in the global space economy, while fostering local capabilities and creating long-term value for the Sultanate of Oman.”
Ammar al Rawahi, Space Expert at MBSAT added: “This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening international space partnerships. Together with Telespazio and leading French space companies, we are strengthening satellite communications solutions, services, and applications while enhancing the region's attractiveness for space partnerships and investments. It reflects the private sector's commitment to supporting Oman's national priorities and shaping a stronger regional space economy.”
Telespazio - a joint venture between Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33%) - is one of the world´s leading players in satellite services. Using its technological expertise, gained over more than thirty years of experience in the field of infrastructure for satellite operations, Telespazio France plays a leading role in the field of space services.
MBSAT was established in 2024 to develop sovereign satellite capabilities for Oman and the wider region. Earlier this year, the company announced a partnership with Astranis, a leader in small geostationary communications satellites, to support Oman’s first dedicated MicroGEO satellite.
The contract with Astranis is part of a $200 million investment made by MB Group towards Oman’s Vision 2040 programmes in this sector, which includes the dedicated MicroGeo satellite, ground stations, and other infrastructure investments. Astranis’ dedicated network would provide the Sultanate of Oman with sovereign control over its digital infrastructure, it said at the time.
Beyond satellite ownership, MBSAT aims to provide secure broadband connectivity, enterprise and government communications, and other space-based digital services, while supporting the Sultanate of Oman's ambition to build a domestic space industry and expand its presence in the global space economy.
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