
MTCIT's national space accelerator to boost tech startups in Oman
The one-year programme aims to stimulate entrepreneurship in the space sector, attract investment in advanced technologies, and support the localisation and transfer of space services within the sultanate. It also aligns with Oman's broader goals of economic diversification and technological advancement.
The programme will be implemented by Omani firm Ankaa Space and Technology Company in partnership with Exotopic, a UK-based firm specialising in accelerator initiatives. It will support ten Omani startups in developing commercially viable space technologies, while enhancing national capabilities in space innovation.
Dr Saud bin Humaid al Shuaili, Director General of Policies and Governance and Head of National Space Programme, said the initiative is part of MTCIT's broader efforts to build a vibrant ecosystem for space entrepreneurship.
'The programme offers an integrated environment that combines technical mentorship, entrepreneurial training, and access to a global network of partners and experts,' Shuaili said.
It will focus on high-impact sectors including satellite communications, Earth observation, geo-spatial analytics, navigation, artificial intelligence, drones, the Internet of Things, spacecraft simulation, and advanced computing. The top three performing startups will also receive incentives supporting long-term sustainability and growth of their ventures.
The programme will include a comprehensive training curriculum covering technical and commercial aspects aimed at enhancing skills of local entrepreneurs.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
an hour ago
- Observer
Khareef business gets boost with over 600 work permits
SALALAH, AUGUST 1 The Ministry of Labour, through its Dhofar Directorate, has issued more than 600 temporary work permits since the start of the Khareef Dhofar Season 2025, as part of efforts to facilitate commercial activity and support entrepreneurs during the peak tourism period in the governorate. According to the Director General of the Ministry's Labour Directorate in Dhofar, the temporary permits — provided free of charge — allow the hiring of expatriate workers for non-Omani-exclusive jobs, particularly roles that citizens are typically reluctant to take. He explained that the initiative helps regulate seasonal employment, meeting the surge in demand from small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially in sectors such as food services, logistics and event management. The official added that the service has seen strong demand from owners of small and seasonal enterprises, offering a legal and flexible mechanism to bring in workforce support without breaching labour regulations. Permit holders are also expected to employ and supervise Omani staff, ensuring that nationals remain engaged in seasonal business operations. He stressed that the initiative reflects the Ministry's commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and reducing administrative burdens, by waiving fees and streamlining the application and approval process. It also ensures legal compliance and labour protection across all operational fronts. This effort comes as part of wider government measures to encourage local and seasonal investment in Dhofar Governorate, which welcomes tens of thousands of visitors during the annual monsoon season. The facilitation is expected to boost the quality and scale of tourism and retail services, while maintaining a well-regulated business environment. With tourism activities intensifying across Dhofar's wilayats, demand for temporary permits is expected to grow further in the coming weeks — empowering private sector participation and supporting local economic momentum through legal seasonal employment channels.


Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum discusses strengthening partnership
SALALAH: The third session of the Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum 2025, which began on Thursday in Salalah, discussed strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and expanding cooperation and investment between the Sultanate of Oman and the People's Republic of China. The forum was organised under the theme: "Chinese Modernisation and Oman Vision 2040: Our Work and Proposals." It was an initiative by Al Roya newspaper, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Oman, and the Oman-China Friendship Association, with the participation of a number of officials, experts and specialists from both sides. The forum was inaugurated by HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, who felicitated a number of speakers and participants. Hatim bin Hamad al Tai, Secretary-General of the forum and Editor-in-Chief of Al Roya newspaper, affirmed that the forum serves as a platform to deepen dialogue, enhance mutual trust between the two countries and explore new avenues for cooperation, in line with the shared potential and aspirations of Oman and China. Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, delivered a speech in which he said that the forum is a unique opportunity to exchange expertise and explore promising investment areas that serve the development priorities of both countries. He pointed out that Oman Vision 2040 represents a road map for a comprehensive economic and structural transformation. Lyu Jian, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Sultanate of Oman, praised the strength of the historical relations between the two countries, which span over 1,200 years. He noted that diplomatic relations, since their establishment in 1978, have witnessed stable and fruitful cooperation based on equality and mutual respect. He clarified that the People's Republic of China is Oman's first trade partner with trade volume between the two countries reaching $36.7 billion in 2024. The People's Republic of China is also the third-largest investor in Oman. The ambassador highlighted prominent joint projects, including the launch of the first Omani satellite, investments in the energy sector and training programmes that have benefited over 1,200 Omanis. He also mentioned that the trade volume between the People's Republic of China and GCC countries reached $288 billion in 2024, with Chinese investments growing by over 30 per cent in the first half of 2025. He called for expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation and launching direct flights between the two countries. Dr Khalid bin Salim al Saidi, Chairman of the Oman-China Friendship Association, said that the association is a vital link in strengthening relations between the two countries. He emphasised that its role has gone beyond organising meetings to building cultural bridges, humanitarian understandings, and informal cooperation initiatives based on shared values and mutual interests. The forum included discussions on four main themes: "Chinese Modernisation and Oman Vision 2040," "Cooperation in the Energy Sector," "Partnership in Innovation and Technology," and "Cultural and Humanitarian Exchange." The forum also featured a photo exhibition in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Oman, in addition to direct bilateral meetings (B2B) between business representatives from both countries to enhance partnership and investment opportunities. Over 30 business owners and representatives of Omani and Chinese companies participated in the forum, which also included a special exhibition for the participating Chinese companies. The current session of the forum sought to solidify the strategic partnership between the two countries and explore new avenues of cooperation that support the priorities of Oman Vision 2040, leveraging the People's Republic of China's experience in economic and social modernisation. - ONA


Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Agricultural projects in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar reviewed
AL JABAL AL AKHDHAR: A meeting was held on Thursday in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, chaired by Shaikh Hilal bin Said al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah. The meeting was attended by Shaikh Sultan bin Mansoor al Ghufaili, Wali of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, and Masoud bin Sulaiman al Azri, Director-General of Agricultural and Fisheries Marketing at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. The meeting reviewed the initial concept of an investment project the ministry intends to implement in the wilayat. The project includes multiple facilities, most notably a "Honey Museum" with halls dedicated to the history of Omani bees, a sorting unit, a scientific laboratory and an environmental corner, in addition to other service facilities. The project also features a local rose farm, a rosewater distillation factory with an interactive viewing window, a dedicated area for workshops and a shop for rose products, along with other service amenities. Furthermore, the project will include an olive farm and a public park that promote integrated eco-tourism and agricultural concepts. These facilities will be developed under a corporate investment system in partnership with the private sector. - ONA