UK Aerospace Start-Up Expands in Oman: Implications for Local Investors and Business Opportunities
MUSCAT, FEB 26 — British rocket launch startup Advanced Rocket Technologies (ART) has announced a significant increase in its operations in Oman, highlighting the growing international interest in the country’s burgeoning space industry.
The London-based company specializes in developing low-cost, reusable rocket technologies and related services for both suborbital and orbital launches. ART has formally registered its operations in Oman, building on several years of collaboration with various Omani entities and stakeholders central to the Sultanate’s emerging space sector.
“This milestone marks a significant step forward in our mission to enhance the MENA region’s space rocket launch capabilities and promote cutting-edge space research,” ART stated in a recent announcement. “We are incredibly proud of this step and are honored to serve as a strategic bridge in space innovation, empowering the next generation of engineers in the Sultanate.”
ART envisages its presence in Oman as a “British-Omani enterprise,” stating, “This structure creates a clear bridge between the United Kingdom and Oman. By merging British aerospace standards with Oman’s ambitious vision, we facilitate faster knowledge transfer and practical innovation for the region.”
In recent years, ART has increasingly engaged with Oman’s space ecosystem, reflecting the country’s growing role in regional space activities. Notably, ART has formed a strategic partnership with Knowledge Grid Academy, an Oman-based training provider, to offer aerospace training and certification aimed at students and professionals in Oman and the Gulf region.
Another key initiative is the launch of “Race 2 Space Oman” at Sultan Qaboos University, a collaborative effort designed to provide students with hands-on rocketry experience, stimulate innovation, and inspire future careers in the space sector.
Aligned with Oman’s national space strategy, ART has also partnered with Etlaq Spaceport—Oman’s flagship commercial launch facility in Duqm—to position the country as a regional hub for space launches, education, and aerospace innovation. As part of this collaboration, ART aimed to demonstrate the capabilities of its Horus 4 prototype, a reusable test rocket designed to validate essential launch and recovery systems through a series of low-altitude hop tests (75–150 meters) from Etlaq Spaceport. However, the inaugural “Unity-1” mission, set for Q3 2025, has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions and a technical issue with the landing leg.
A senior official from Oman’s National Space Programme has welcomed ART’s establishment in the Sultanate as a significant enhancement to the country’s space ambitions.
“ART’s entry into the Omani market reflects growing international confidence in Oman’s space ecosystem, its supportive regulatory and investment environment, and its strategic vision to foster a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy,” stated Dr. Saoud Al Shoaili, who leads the national space programme and the OmanSat-1 satellite development initiative.
“This step presents an important opportunity to strengthen partnerships, enhance knowledge transfer, build national capabilities, and advance space applications and services that contribute to economic diversification and the goals of Oman Vision 2040. I look forward to collaborating closely with ART on impactful initiatives and strategic projects that empower national talent and accelerate the growth of Oman’s space sector,” he concluded.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The entry of Advanced Rocket Technologies (ART) into Oman signifies a pivotal opportunity for businesses to tap into the burgeoning space industry, enhancing international collaboration and fostering innovative ecosystems. As Oman positions itself as a regional hub for aerospace, investors should consider the potential for high returns in sectors related to education, technology, and research, while also being mindful of the risks associated with rapid industry growth. Smart entrepreneurs should leverage ART’s partnerships to develop training, certification programs, and other ventures that align with Oman Vision 2040’s economic diversification goals.
