The Sultanate of Oman, under the aegis of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, is set to host a three-day regional space conference to explore investment opportunities in this sector.
The Middle East Space Conference, being organised in collaboration with Euroconsult from Monday, aims to bolster the space sector in the Middle East, establishing it as a key area for investment in space applications and technologies, officials informed.
Aligning with Oman Vision 2040, the ministry is keen on developing the space sector as a catalyst for economic diversification.
The National Programme for the Digital Economy in Oman has identified the space sector as a critical focus, guided by the MTCIT’s National Centre for Space, Advanced Technology, and Artificial Intelligence.
Over the next decade, emphasis will be on ground applications, activities, and attracting investment opportunities in space-related ventures, so stated officials. Oman’s unique capabilities make it an ideal candidate for such developments.
H E Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology in MTCIT, highlighted the conference’s significance, noting its alignment with the Omani space sector policy launched in January 2023.
“The event aims to position Oman as the regional hub for space applications supporting economic diversification. The conference will feature 15 leaders from global space agencies and companies, along with 70 experts in various space-related disciplines. Nearly 400 participants from government and private sectors worldwide are expected to attend,” he informed
Key objectives of the conference include stimulating international investment, localising technological advancements in the space sector, and discussing essential space services for the region. The conference seeks to build partnerships for investment and economic projects in the Middle East, in response to the rapid technological evolution characterising the fourth industrial revolution.
The conference, to be held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, will cover an array of topics. These include building an integrated space sector, financing, international partnerships, satellite communications, Earth observation and monitoring via satellites, and developments in satellite technologies across various sectors.
The final day will explore the new dimensions of the space sector, notably the involvement of private sector investments and the transformation this brings to applications and services, enhancing efficiency across numerous fields.
An exhibition alongside the conference will feature over 25 local and international companies specialising in space technologies. This platform will facilitate the exchange of experiences, foster effective partnerships, and open investment opportunities, thus promoting awareness of technological advancements in the industry.
Source: https://www.muscatdaily.com/2024/01/06/oman-to-host-middle-east-space-conference/