Oman’s Space Ambitions Take Off: Key Insights from the 2nd ME Space Conference for Investors and Entrepreneurs
Muscat, January 26, 2026 – The 2nd Middle East Space Conference commenced yesterday in Muscat, under the patronage 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 collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.
In his opening speech, Dr. Ali bin Amer al Shaithani, Under-Secretary for Communications and Information Technology at the Ministry, remarked that this conference builds on the success of the inaugural event held in 2024, which fostered promising dialogue and partnerships within the regional and international space sectors. He highlighted the rapid evolution of Oman’s space sector, driven by a clear national vision under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. This progress is supported by strategic initiatives within the National Space Policy and the Executive Programme for Space 2023–2033, aligned with the National Digital Economy Programme.
Dr. Al Shaithani pointed to a landmark achievement since the last conference in January 2023: the successful experimental launch of the Duqm-1 rocket from Al Duqm’s experimental launch platform in Al Wusta Governorate, an event that attracted global attention. Further advancing the sector, an agreement was recently signed under His Majesty’s patronage for the design, manufacture, and launch of Oman’s dedicated communications satellite, in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space. This project is expected to drive sector growth, empower local institutions, and maximise national value.
He also emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen Oman’s space investment climate, including the development of a legislative framework aimed at attracting international investments and supporting the growth of local companies, thereby creating a conducive environment for the space industry.
Pacôme Révillon, Executive Officer of NovaSpace, delivered the keynote address underscoring the conference’s regional significance and Oman’s growing role. He stated, “The Middle East Space Conference is committed to advancing space collaboration and innovation in the region, with Oman playing an increasingly pivotal part. Governments are deepening their space commitments while commercial capabilities rapidly expand across communications, observation, exploration, and beyond.”
Révillon also stressed the broader economic impact of space, noting, “Space is now recognised as a critical enabler for economic diversification, resilience, and sustainable development.” He highlighted NovaSpace’s role in supporting governments, agencies, industry leaders, and investors to navigate the rapidly evolving space sector.
Over the next three days, participants—including government authorities and industry stakeholders—will explore how space capabilities can be harnessed to meet national and regional priorities. Discussions will cover national strategies, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, services, education, research, and innovation.
Notably, the first day featured the signing of the Artemis Accords between Oman and the United States. Additionally, Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) and OQ Gas Networks signed an agreement to provide satellite services for the monitoring and surveillance of gas pipelines.
The winners of the Oman Space Accelerator Programme were also announced and honoured by the conference patron and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.
The day’s programme included presentations and panel discussions focusing on key themes such as shaping the Middle East space sector, capitalising on opportunities for Oman’s space industry, insights from global space and government agencies, next-generation space infrastructure, and investment strategies for sovereign and corporate funds.
Concurrent with the conference, an exhibition showcasing 25 regional and international space companies was officially inaugurated.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s rapid advancement in the space sector, underscored by strategic partnerships like the Oman-US Artemis Accords and the Airbus satellite project, positions the country as a burgeoning hub for space innovation in the Middle East. Businesses should explore opportunities in satellite communications, space-enabled services, and infrastructure development, while investors would benefit from the government’s push for a regulatory framework aimed at attracting global capital. Entrepreneurs must align with national priorities, leveraging support from initiatives like the Oman Space Accelerator Programme to ride the wave of this high-tech transformation.
