Friday 17 / January / 2025
Muscat: In a landmark achievement for Oman and the Middle East, the Sultanate successfully launched its first experimental rocket, "Duqm-1," on Thursday.
This historic event was executed by Edaq, a subsidiary of the National Space Services Company (NASCOM), under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT). The launch is part of Oman's broader strategic vision to advance its space sector.
The rocket was launched at 10:05 AM local time from coordinates 18°N, 56°E, south of the Wilayat of Duqm.
Dr. Ali bin Amer Al-Shezani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology at MTCIT, hailed the successful launch as a pivotal step in putting Oman on the global space sector map.
He emphasised that this milestone could attract international investors and space companies to explore opportunities in Oman for space-related investments and activities.
The ministry is actively building strategic partnerships on local and international levels while formulating incentives to drive investment into the burgeoning space sector.
Dr. Al-Shezani expressed optimism that this launch would pave the way for establishing a dedicated spaceport in Oman and fostering initiatives to localise space technologies.
His Highness Sayyid Azan bin Qais Al Said, Founder and CEO of NASCOM, expressed his delight at the mission's success, stating: "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."
Dr. Saud bin Hamid Al-Shuaili, Director-General of Policies and Governance and Head of the National Space Programme, underscored the significance of the launch as a crucial step in advancing Oman’s space capabilities. He remarked: "This successful experiment reflects Oman’s sustained efforts to develop its space sector. Leveraging our unique geographical location, we aim to attract investments and strengthen collaborations with the private sector. We look forward to undertaking more launches in the near future, contributing to our strategic objectives and enhancing Oman’s international standing in this rapidly evolving industry."
Talal bin Said Al Mamari, CEO of Omantel, said: “We congratulate the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology on the successful launch of Oman’s first experimental rocket. This milestone signifies a remarkable advancement in the Sultanate’s communications and information technology sector, setting the stage for a future driven by innovation and strategic geographical advantages.”
