Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding Between the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology and the National Space Services Company (NASCOM)
Under the Patronage of His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd Al Said
Etlaq Spaceport Holds Its First Annual Conference and Announces Plans for Five Launch Tests in 2025
His Highness Sayyid Azan bin Qais Al Said:
“Etlaq Spaceport Aims to Establish Oman as a Key Player in the Global Space Industry.”
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding Between the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology and the National Space Services Company (NASCOM)
Etlaq Spaceport held its first annual conference for 2025 this morning under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd Al Said, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Ali bin Amur Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, and H.E. Azan bin Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, along with several CEOs of companies operating in the space sector and supporting industries.
His Highness Sayyid Azan bin Qais Al Said, Chairman of the Board of the National Space Services Company (NASCOM), which oversees Etlaq Spaceport, presented the future vision for Etlaq as the first commercial spaceport in the Middle East and North Africa. Located in Duqm, the spaceport aims to establish Oman as a key player in the global space industry while reinforcing its commitment to international cooperation in space exploration.
In his presentation, His Highness Sayyid Azan bin Qais Al Said outlined Etlaq’s plan to conduct five space rocket launch tests in 2025. These tests will evaluate various space technologies, including controlled ascent and descent, landing systems, and fuel efficiency. The launches will be carried out in collaboration with international partners from Kuwait, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. This marks a significant step in solidifying Oman’s position in the space sector and highlights Etlaq’s dedication to fostering global partnerships in space exploration.
Takween Program: Building Oman’s Space Future
The conference also featured presentations on the company’s key initiatives, including the Takween Program, launched in 2024 as a national legacy project inspired by Oman’s rich maritime history. The program represents Oman’s transition into the space era, beginning with the region’s first experimental rocket launch—the Duqm-1 mission—and extending to future plans for hosting safe and feasible space launches between 2025 and 2027. This will be achieved in collaboration with various companies specializing in experimental and suborbital spacecraft, laying the foundation for full-scale orbital launches.
The program is designed for rapid implementation, ensuring flexibility in scheduling launches while maintaining the highest safety and sustainability standards.
Commitment to Safety and Sustainable Space Access
During the conference, Etlaq Spaceport emphasized its strict adherence to safety protocols and environmental standards. The five planned launches will be conducted under stringent safety measures. The spaceport’s location in Duqm provides a secure environment, minimizing risks and enhancing launch efficiency.
Strategic Agreements and Industry Partnerships
The event witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology and NASCOM as part of the Ministry’s efforts to implement the National Space Sector Policy and Executive Program (2023–2033). The agreement designates NASCOM as a “qualified entity” to establish and operate spaceports, reinforcing Oman’s ambitions to become a regional hub for space services and applications.
This agreement aims to build Omani private sector capabilities, attract foreign investment, and facilitate the transfer and localization of advanced space technologies. The MoU was signed on behalf of the Ministry by H.E. Dr. Ali bin Amur Al Shidhani, while His Highness Sayyid Azan bin Qais Al Said signed on behalf of NASCOM.
Strategic Agreement Between Etlaq and PLD Space
The conference also saw the signing of several key agreements, including one between Etlaq Spaceport and Spanish launch company PLD Space to facilitate the launch of the MIURA 5 vehicle from Oman. This agreement marks a significant milestone in European-Omani space cooperation. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Etlaq and SatMENA to collaborate on ground station services for satellite communications and support future launch operations.
New Visual Identity
During the event, Etlaq Spaceport unveiled its new visual identity, reflecting its ambitious global vision. Additionally, the Oman Astronomical and Space Society introduced its new visual identity in alignment with Oman’s expanding efforts in the space sector.
About Etlaq Spaceport
Etlaq Spaceport is the first commercial spaceport in the Middle East and North Africa. Strategically located in Duqm, the spaceport benefits from its proximity to the equator, enhancing launch efficiency and access to a wide range of orbital trajectories.
The spaceport offers specialized infrastructure for suborbital and orbital launches, including multiple launch complexes, mission control facilities, and integration capabilities tailored to support commercial satellite deployments, scientific research missions, and the advancement of emerging space technologies.
As Oman’s gateway to space, Etlaq Spaceport is committed to fostering international collaboration, developing regional space capabilities, and supporting the global launch industry, solidifying the region’s place in the global space arena.