Muscat – Oman achieved a 200% increase in investment in its space sector at the end of 2025, reflecting rapid expansion driven by national policy reforms, rising private sector participation and growing international cooperation, officials said on Monday.
The announcement was made at the second Middle East Space Conference, held at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, organised by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. The three-day event is being held under the patronage of H H Sayyid Dr Kamil bin Fahad al Said, Secretary-General of Council of Ministers.
More than 500 space sector experts, policymakers and chief executives from government and private institutions across 30 countries are taking part in the conference, which features over 85 speakers. The discussions focus on strengthening space diplomacy, attracting investment, transferring technology and supporting economic diversification.
Opening the conference, H E Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology, said Oman’s space sector has witnessed accelerated growth as a result of a clear national vision and implementation of the National Space Policy and Executive Programme (2023–2033), launched with Royal approval in January 2023.
He said the number of companies operating in the sector has doubled since the policy’s launch, while investment has increased 200%, leading to a threefold rise in employment opportunities and stronger contribution to the digital economy.
H E Shidhani highlighted the successful test launch of a rocket from the experimental launch site in Duqm in January 2024 as a milestone that consolidated Oman’s position in the regional and global space sector.
He also referred to an agreement signed with Airbus Defence and Space for the design, manufacture and launch of an Omani satellite, describing it as a key project that will accelerate sectoral growth, strengthen local capabilities and enhance local value creation.
He informed that the ministry is working to establish a comprehensive legislative framework to attract global investment and support the growth of domestic space companies.
At the regional level, H E Shidhani noted that the Middle East is experiencing strong growth in space activities, with countries expanding satellite launches and investing in space-based data and communications.
Globally, the space economy exceeds US$600bn and is projected to reach around US$1.8tn by 2035, driven by increased private sector involvement and new services such as low-Earth orbit applications.
On the first day of the conference, Oman signed the Artemis Accords with the US space agency NASA to enhance cooperation in peaceful space exploration and future missions to the Moon and Mars.
An agreement was also signed between Omantel and OQ Gas Networks to provide satellite services for monitoring gas pipelines.
An accompanying exhibition featuring more than 50 local and international companies is being held alongside the conference to support partnerships and investment across the space sector value chain.
