Investment Opportunities

6 projects of the executive program for the Omani space sector have been identified as investment opportunities aimed at attracting foreign capital, foreign investments and technologies for the space sector, as follows:

  • Space Cloud Partnership
  • Satellite ground station hub
  • Direct receiving station
  • National Satellite Data Platform
  • End user applications booster program (Sandbox)
  • Scientific rocket launch project
Space Cloud Partnership

Partner with a world class leading space and cloud partners to develop and deliver space-based cloud (satellite sourced data) service ecosystem that is intersecting with the edge computing and data analytics. The ecosystem will  contribute to develop downstream space industry- the development of space applications and services in Oman.

The country considers this project represents a first key step to undertake Oman’s Space Gateway strategy.

The government intends to enable this partnership through various forms of incentives

This project will enable the development of the space sector through the followings:

  • Provide an ecosystem for digital application development
  • Allows local entrepreneurs to get access to solutions developed by the space-cloud provider for stimulating space applications development
  • Facilitate access to qualified space data
  • Support  the development of local skills and workforce
Ground Stations (GS) Hub

This project is mainly based on the advantage of the strategic location of Oman with respect to the equator for hosting GS for satellite operators or for companies that intends to provide GS as a service (GSaS) for satellite operators.

In addition to the strategic location, Oman has a set of 21 submarine cables that could easily link in real-time the data downloaded from satellites to end users, or to develop data analytics services in the country and offer the final products, including solutions or applications, for the end users.

The government intends to enable this partnership through various forms of incentives

This project will enable the development of the space sector through the followings:

  • Facilitate space-oriented technology and knowledge transfer by allowing foreign satellite operators to benefit from a strategic locations for their satellite systems
  • Provide an ecosystem for development of digital applications
  • Establish Oman as a space gateway in the region
  • Enhance the utilization of space-ground telecom infrastructure including submarine-cables
  • Support  the development of local skills and workforce.

 

 

 

Direct Receiving Station 

This project aims to attract foreign  satellite operators to establish their DRS in Oman while allowing Omani users to access data received through the station.

The foreign partners will benefit from volume of data needs in Oman which is profitable through long term contracts with Government and private sectors.

Moreover, Omani users will benefit from real-time data for development of applications and solution. This project intersects with the Ground Stations as Services (GSaS) project.

The government will provide incentive package to foreign investment. 

 

This project will enable the development of the space sector through the followings:

  • Facilitate and accelerate data downlink in Earth Observation
  • Develop services with more rapid response for critical issues such as disaster management or agriculture
  • Autonomy without capex required to launch an EO satellite
  • Develop capabilities in EO ground operations

 

 

 

 

National Space Data Platform 

This project aims to provide the EO sector with a state-of-the-art digital platform to gather, process and share data fostering applications and ecosystem development. The national space data platform is the EO strategy backbone to build a national capacity in downstream sector to support digitalization and economic diversification. The platform will be accessed by public and private sectors, researchers and partners.

The government will provide incentive package to foreign investment. 

 

This project will enable the development of the space sector through the followings:

  • Coordinate efforts and avoid duplication of initiatives with the country and open the market for foreign investment.
  • Set up a fertile ground for EO service providers
  • Boost innovative solutions development across economic sectors.
  • Pave the way for digitalization of the EO sector

 

 

 

 

End-user Applications Booster Program (Sandboxing)

The main objective of this project is to encourage key economic sectors to use space-based solutions via pilot and demonstration projects supporting the development of national service providers. As well, it supports developers and end users (from key industrial sectors such as O&G, agriculture, maritime, urban planning, etc.) to develop and use satellite-based solutions (EO, satcom and others). Besides, it provide the best environment to build and demonstrate applications and services (using EO data, AIS, IoT…) with a rapid go-to-market strategy.

 

The government will provide incentive package to foreign investment and connect them with local professional partners. .  

This project will enable the development of the space sector through the followings:

 

  • Develop innovative solutions matching key industrials needs
  • Support job creation and private sector entrepreneurship and start-ups
  • Boost technology transfer from academics to private sector
  • Raise expertise and know-how in space sector
  • Expedite commercial solutions to local and international market.  

 

 

 

Launch Site Partnership 

Leverages on Oman’s best location in MEA for launch activities and relies on a partner’s investment. The project aims to attract foreign partners to establish in Oman the first MEA regional spaceport. This port will server the region commercial and research needs. The project would help foster regional cooperation in space, be a source of prestige, help to position our partners as a major space hub service provider in the region.

Oman can use its favorable diplomatic position to favor its implementation and foster regional cooperation through shared infrastructure and funding.

This project will enable the development of the space sector through the followings:

  • Attract FDI from foreign partners, enabler of international cooperation
  • Source of prestige enabling our partners to access to space capability
  • Position our partners and the country as a key facilitator for regional cooperation in space and as the regional “gateway to space”
  • Accelerate local/partner and investors space capability development