MUSCAT: Oman’s space sector is shifting from foundation-building towards commercial growth, with sharp increases in private investment, companies and employment supporting an expanding national ecosystem.
By 2025 end, the number of companies operating in the sector had risen to 26 from 11 in 2023, an increase of 136 per cent, according to the newly released National Space Programme Achievements 2023-2025 report. The space workforce across government and private organisations more than doubled to over 400 from 152, while private-sector investment surged 270 per cent to RO 74 million from RO 20 million in 2023.
The report, released by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, charts rapid progress since the launch of the National Space Policy and its 2023-2033 executive programme. The strategy seeks to establish Oman as a regional gateway for space applications and services while supporting economic diversification, national capabilities, sustainability and security.
Among the programme’s most significant recent milestones is OmanSat-1, the planned national communications satellite. An agreement with Airbus Defence and Space was signed in November 2025 covering its design, manufacturing and launch, with operations expected to commence in 2029. The satellite is intended to strengthen communications sovereignty, expand nationwide telecommunications coverage and support the digital economy.
Oman has also advanced plans to establish Duqm as a regional launch hub. The Etlaq project recorded the successful experimental launch of Duqm-1 in 2024, followed in 2025 by the Duqm-2 mission involving the Kia-1 experimental suborbital vehicle. The initiative aims to develop a national spaceport capable of providing commercial launch services by 2027.
Satellite capabilities have developed in parallel. AMAN-1, launched in 2023, was the first satellite launched by an Omani company, while Oman Lens-1, launched in November 2024, became the first Omani satellite integrating artificial intelligence with remote-sensing technology. Applications include Earth observation, environmental monitoring, disaster management and climate-change assessment.
National skills development is another key pillar. More than 300 participants underwent specialised training during 2023-2025. Oman’s first specialised space accelerator supported 10 startups through an intensive 15-week programme, while seven new startups graduated ready to offer space-related products and services.
Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, described the achievements as “an important step towards establishing the Sultanate of Oman as an active partner in the global space ecosystem” and a regional gateway for space applications and services. He said the ministry would continue accelerating knowledge and technology transfer and strengthening private-sector participation.
Commenting on the report, Hamed al Shukaili, Director of Space Programme Projects at MoTCIT, said the progress reflected a shared effort to build national capabilities, enable Omani businesses, develop space infrastructure and ultimately position Oman as a regional gateway for space applications and services.
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