Space operations are advancing rapidly towards astonishing horizons as the world witnesses tremendous development in the field of space. In this context, the Sultanate of Oman seeks to enhance its role and international position in this vital sector. Oman is making relentless efforts to secure its position in the world of space by joining international agreements and treaties, establishing projects, attracting investments related to space sciences, and working on launching the Omani satellite. This comes at a time when countries and giant companies are racing to invest in this field.
Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, the Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, confirmed that efforts are ongoing to launch the Omani satellite, with recent estimates indicating that the launch will take place in 2025.
In light of this significant progress, the Global Space and Technology Company recently announced “ZONE 88,” a scientific and economic area dedicated to space sciences and industries, as well as advanced technologies. It is located in the Special Economic Zone in Duqm, Oman.
“ZONE 88” includes five international projects, including the Space Habitat Center, Commercial Space Launching Area, Unmanned Vehicles Technology Center, Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Testing Area, and Ground Station. These projects are designed to enhance the aerospace and technology industries, attract international investments and scientific research, and build a sustainable knowledge economy in the region.
The Space Habitat Center is a project aimed at creating an environment to simulate living in space, such as on Mars and the moon, and studying the behavior of astronauts before joining manned space flights. Scientists and researchers will also use this center to conduct experiments in the aerospace, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology sectors.
The Commercial Spacecraft Launch Area is one of the most important sites globally, intended to be an investment center for launching commercial spacecraft. The area attracts governments and international companies specializing in launching spacecraft and also prepares the area as an international station for intercontinental space travel.
The Drones Technology Center provides a scientific and applied environment for drone operations (aerial, land, and maritime) and related systems. This includes a school for training on unmanned aircraft and granting licenses to operators. Additionally, partnerships with specialized global institutions will be established to attract investments in various types of drone manufacturing and to transfer knowledge and technology to the region.
The Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Experimentation Zone aims to provide facilities for companies and scientific institutions to conduct experimental research and tests related to the aerospace sector, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies.
The Ground Transmit and Receive Station will be used to provide infrastructure for international governments and local and international companies to set up their ground stations in a suitable environment, either for commercial or scientific purposes.
Engineer Bahiya bint Hilal bin Sultan Al Shuaibi, the founder and CEO of the company, emphasized that these projects will open opportunities for local and international institutions to invest in the aerospace industry and leverage Oman’s strategic position as a suitable destination for spacecraft launches and a hub for aerospace research and activities in the region.
Regarding the agreements and treaties in the space sector, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth and the Omani LNG Company, signed an agreement to establish a special corner for space sciences and technologies at the Children’s Museum. This corner simulates the virtual reality of a spacecraft and consists of two compartments to simulate a scientific and educational space journey using the latest multi-sensory virtual reality technologies. It targets children and youth, including school students in Oman.
The agreement aims to enhance active community partnership, achieve the public interest of society, promote the culture of space sciences and technologies among generations, create a fertile environment for scientific tourism programs and initiatives in the field of space sciences, and enhance the use of virtual and augmented reality technologies in the aerospace sector.
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