Oman’s investment in space sector soars by 270% to OMR74mn

Private sector investment in Oman’s space sector rose from OMR20 million in 2023 to OMR65 million in 2024, and then to OMR74 million in 2025 — a growth rate of 270 percent compared with 2023.

The number of employees in government and private institutions in the sector increased from 152 in 2023 to 241 in 2024, and then to 400 in 2025 — a growth rate of 163 percent.

In addition, socio-economic indicators show steady growth. The number of companies operating in the space sector rose from 11 in 2023 to 20 in 2024, and then to 26 in 2025 — a growth rate of 136 percent compared with 2023.

All these indicate that the space sector in the Sultanate of Oman has developed rapidly between 2023 and 2025.

It moved from the establishment phase to the market-building phase. This shift was driven by rising private sector investment, a growing number of companies and employees, the launch of strategic satellite projects, infrastructure development, national capacity-building programs, and a stronger international presence.

Eng. Said Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, affirmed that the sector is developing rapidly as an enabler of the digital economy. He noted that it supports economic diversification and national capacity building within the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

He explained that 2025 saw tangible progress in building the sector’s infrastructure and developing national competencies. It also saw stronger international partnerships, an improved legislative and regulatory environment, and increased investment in space applications and services.

He said the achievements represent an important step toward consolidating Oman’s position as an active partner in the global space ecosystem. They also reinforce its role as a regional gateway for space applications and services that support sustainable development.

He emphasised that the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology will continue to implement the National Space Policy objectives in cooperation with various partners. It will also accelerate knowledge and technology transfer and enhance private sector participation to support a sustainable national space economy.

According to the report “Harvest of the National Space Program 2023–2025,” issued by the National Centre for Space, Advanced Technologies and Artificial Intelligence at the Ministry, the sector has received national attention since 2020.

Over the three years following the launch of the National Space Policy, it developed from the establishment phase to the market-building phase. This included the start of infrastructure projects, the launch of capacity-building programmes, the development of international relations, investment attraction, economic growth stimulation, and work on legislation, regulations, and stakeholder integration.

The report indicated that about 65 percent of space projects have entered implementation under the sector’s policy and executive programme. National capacity-building programmes are also underway, along with projects related to space sovereignty, satellites, and space launch.

The National Space Programme is linked to the National Digital Economy Programme and Oman Vision 2040. It employs space applications and space data to support digital transformation, innovate smart services, and improve the efficiency of vital sectors. It also builds national capacities, empowers the private sector, and diversifies income sources.

The National Space Policy focuses primarily on terrestrial space applications. It includes 14 pivotal projects and initiatives, along with investment and commercial opportunities that enable active private sector participation. Its pillars are capacity building, economic diversification, environment and natural resources, and sovereignty and national security.

On infrastructure, the report explained that the government has focused on developing infrastructure that ensures the building and localisation of national capabilities. It also aims to enhance business and sustainable investment opportunities and translate strategic directions into projects with developmental and economic impact.

Source Times of Oman