Middle East Space Conference: Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Oman’s Thriving Space Sector
Oman to Host Middle East Space Conference
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is poised to host the Middle East Space Conference from January 26 to 28, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) and Novaspace. This international event will serve as a major platform for space exploration and innovation within the GCC region, highlighting Oman’s growing potential in the space and satellite industries.
With over 450 business leaders and more than 80 esteemed speakers anticipated, the conference promises to be an exceptional venue for forming strategic partnerships and sharing insights.
The discussions will focus on the transformative applications of satellite technologies throughout the Middle East. Key topics will include broadband connectivity, dynamics within the satellite communications market, and the increasing significance of Earth Observation in areas such as urban development, energy management, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.
Developments in the Space Sector
According to MTCIT, the space sector experienced significant advancements in 2025, contributing 0.041% to the Gross Domestic Product by the end of 2024. The national space ecosystem has also expanded, with the number of companies in the sector reaching 25 and providing employment for over 400 individuals in both the public and private domains.
In 2025, a pivotal agreement was signed for the design, manufacture, and launch of an Omani satellite, set to commence in 2026 under the supervision of the Higher Committee for the Satellite Project. This initiative aims to create sovereign space infrastructure for secure, efficient communications while allowing Oman to manage its orbital capacities and reduce dependency on leased services.
In a bid to foster innovation and promote space entrepreneurship, the Ministry has launched the Oman Space Accelerator. This initiative targets the empowerment of 10 local startups in space technologies and applications, facilitating their growth in both local and international markets. Additionally, the national space program will continue to implement capacity-building initiatives.
Regarding infrastructure development, early 2025 marked 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 the integration of advanced facilities, building on Phase One’s achievements related to the establishment of a satellite ground station. The project aims to enhance national capabilities in the design, manufacture, and launch of CubeSats while supporting research, innovation, and the transfer of knowledge to local expertise.
The Ministry remains committed to advancing the Etlaq Spaceport project, providing technical and operational support for upcoming missions. A notable mission involved the launch of the suborbital experimental vehicle “Keia-1” by Stellar Kinetics in Al Wusta Governorate. Although this mission was halted pre-launch due to technical issues, it yielded valuable insights, including enhanced stakeholder management, streamlined operational procedures, the collection of extensive technical data, successful safety protocol implementations, and demonstrated the operational readiness of Etlaq. It also provided essential hands-on experience for national personnel in managing cryogenic fluids, power systems, and launch-pad infrastructure.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The upcoming Middle East Space Conference represents a pivotal moment for businesses in Oman, signaling the government’s commitment to fostering growth in the space and satellite industries. This conference creates unique opportunities for strategic partnerships and investment in technology that supports crucial areas such as urban development and climate resilience. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should consider tapping into this burgeoning space sector, especially with initiatives like the Oman Space Accelerator poised to empower local startups and enhance national capabilities in satellite technology.
