Space Engineering Lab under development in Oman
The National Space Programme is currently developing a space engineering laboratory in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University (SQ), according to a key official associated with the initiative.
Dr Saud bin Humaid al Shueili, Head of the National Space Programme at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT), the Space Engineering Lab initiative underscores Oman's investment in local talent and research.
'Oman has the personal talent and the Universities in the country with the clear potential to deliver and sustain a space industry. The national space programme is working closely with Sultan Qaboos University to develop the Oman Space Engineering Laboratory. This is an important national project for developing domestic capability and building space skills for the Omani population. Oman has many excellent universities producing graduates in relevant science subjects,' Dr Al Shueili added in an interview featured in SpaceTech Gulf.
The official also shared that the programme is working closely with academic establishments and the private sector to explore opportunities for incorporating space education into existing courses.
'The National Programme is working with private companies and universities to understand how we can further integrate space specific elements into existing courses such as engineers, data science, and GIS,' he added.
Capacity building has been identified as a key pillar of the Oman Space Policy and Executive Programme, a 10-year framework aimed at positioning Oman as a regional and global hub for space applications.
The policy outlines a national strategy to upskill graduates, embed space content into academic programmes, and strengthen academia-industry cooperation. It also encourages the creation of mentorship, business coaching, and technical training opportunities that reflect real market demand.
Last September, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology unveiled a tender for the development of a space accelerator programme which aims to support entrepreneurs and local startups in the sector by providing resources, funding and guidance to help them expand and bring innovative products to the local and global markets.
According to the ministry, the programme will focus on various activities in the space sector including communications, earth observation, geospatial analytics, drones, artificial intelligence and machine learning, big data processing, data storage and preservation, space sustainability and spacecraft simulation.
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