Oman's space sector gains momentum as investment, companies and jobs surge

Oman’s nascent space sector has moved decisively from foundational activity to commercial momentum, with private investment rising to RO 74 million by the end of 2025 and the number of companies in the sector climbing to 26 from 11 in 2023 — a 136% increase. The national space workforce across government and private organisations more than doubled to over 400 from 152, while specialised training reached more than 300 participants between 2023 and 2025, signalling rapid capacity-building alongside capital inflows.

"This is an important step towards establishing the Sultanate of Oman as an active partner in the global space ecosystem," said Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. He added the ministry would continue accelerating knowledge and technology transfer and strengthening private‑sector participation.

Recent milestones and capabilities

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology’s National Space Programme Achievements 2023–2025 report highlights a series of concrete projects and partnerships that underpin the sector’s growth. Notable developments include the OmanSat‑1 communications satellite programme, for which an agreement with Airbus Defence and Space was signed in November 2025. Design, manufacturing and launch are contracted with operations expected to begin in 2029, with the satellite intended to bolster communications sovereignty and nationwide telecommunications coverage.

• Launch activity: The Etlaq project recorded the experimental launch of Duqm‑1 in 2024 and the Duqm‑2 mission in 2025 using the Kia‑1 experimental suborbital vehicle, supporting plans to develop Duqm as a regional launch hub and a commercial spaceport by 2027.
• Satellite expertise: AMAN‑1, launched in 2023, was the first satellite launched by an Omani company. Oman Lens‑1, launched in November 2024, became the first Omani satellite to integrate artificial intelligence with remote‑sensing technology for applications such as Earth observation, environmental monitoring, disaster management and climate‑change assessment.
• Private sector and startups: Private‑sector investment increased by 270% from RO 20 million in 2023 to RO 74 million in 2025. Oman’s first specialised space accelerator supported 10 startups through an intensive 15‑week programme, and seven new startups graduated ready to offer space‑related products and services.

Hamed al Shukaili, Director of Space Programme Projects at the ministry, framed the achievements as the result of collective effort: "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."

Outlook

With plans to operationalise a national launch capability at Duqm by 2027 and OmanSat‑1 scheduled to enter service in 2029, the coming years will test the sector’s ability to convert investment and training into sustained commercial activity. Priorities identified in the report — expanding private‑sector participation, accelerating technology transfer and continuing skills development — aim to translate current momentum into diversified services spanning telecommunications, Earth observation and climate applications.

If projected timelines hold, Oman could position Duqm as a functional regional launch hub and field a domestically backed communications asset within this decade, while a growing cluster of startups and trained specialists provide the human capital to capitalise on both domestic and regional demand for space applications and services.