ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

The Sultanate of Oman launched its first experimental scientific rocket, ‘Duqm-1’, on Thursday, December 5, marking a significant milestone in the country’s space ambitions.

The launch was supervised by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, through the National Space Program, in collaboration with strategic sector partners, a statement issued said.

The project was implemented and invested by Etlaq Company, a subsidiary of the National Space Services Company.

The launch took place at 10:05 am Oman time.

This project comes under a usufruct agreement between Etlaq Company and the Ministry, which has provided land in the Al-Kahl area of the Wilayat of Duqm, located in the Al Wusta Governorate.

The site is designated for the establishment of a space port for launching space rockets.



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H.E. Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, stated that the launch of ‘Duqm-1’ is part of the Ministry’s broader strategic initiatives to advance the space sector.

These initiatives are designed to leverage Oman’s geographic advantages, localise space sciences and technologies, attract investments, and foster private sector partnerships to support economic diversification and job creation in the space industry.

Strategic geographical position

H.E. Dr. Ali bin Amer Al Shaidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry for Communications and Information Technology, highlighted Oman’s strategic geographical position near the equator and Tropic of Cancer, which offers significant cost and time advantages for launching space objects into various orbits.


Additionally, Oman’s coastal strip and the Duqm free economic zone provide an ideal location for space activities, making the project attractive for international investment.



The ‘Duqm-1’ rocket, measuring 6.5 meters in length and weighing 80 kg empty (123 kg with fuel), travels to a height of 140 km above sea level at a speed of 1,530 m/s, with a flight duration of approximately 15 minutes. Due to security protocols, this initial launch was not open to the public.

His Highness Sayyid Azan bin Qais Al Said, Founder and CEO of NASCOM, expressed his delight at the mission's success: "We are immensely proud of this historic event. From the outset, our vision has been to position Oman as a leader in space exploration in the Middle East and establish the region’s first spaceport. The success of this launch has garnered global attention, particularly within the international space community. We extend our gratitude to the MTCIT for their invaluable partnership, which has been instrumental in achieving this milestone as part of a national strategic vision to elevate Oman’s space sector. NASCOM’s objectives align with the ministry’s ambition to make Oman a regional gateway to space."

Three more launches in 2025


Looking ahead, Oman plans three additional launches in 2025, with specific dates to be determined.

The National Space Services Company, which was established in 2021, is fully Omani and dedicated to investing in and developing the country’s space sector.