Oman to host second Middle East Space Conference in January 2026

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of the Sultanate of Oman (MTCIT) and Novaspace have announced the second Edition of the Middle East Space Conference (MESC), taking place from January 26 to 28, 2026, in Muscat, Oman, under the patronage of His Highness The Deputy Prime Minister for Relations and International Affairs and the Special Representative of His Majesty the Sultan, HRH A’Sayyed Asa’d Bin Tariq Al Said.

Building on the strong momentum of its inaugural edition, MESC 2026 will convene more than 450 senior-ranking decision-makers representing over 190 organisations from more than 20 countries. The conference will bring together government leaders, space agencies, industry executives, investors, innovators and academic institutions to shape the next phase of growth of the Middle East space ecosystem. As a high-level platform for dialogue and deal-making, MESC reinforces Oman’s position as a strategic gateway for space applications, infrastructure development, and investment across the region.

Across the Gulf Cooperation Council, space is emerging as a core investment priority, anchored in national economic diversification strategies and supported by expanding satellite programmes and international partnerships. Among the region’s most dynamic markets, the Sultanate of Oman is distinguishing itself through rapid execution following the launch of its national space policy in 2023. Aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the space sector overseen by MTCIT is fostering a stable, investor-friendly environment that supports infrastructure development, commercial applications and public-private collaboration. As MESC returns in January 2026, Muscat will serve as a focal point for investors, industry leaders and policymakers seeking to engage in the next phase of growth of the Middle East space economy.

Curated in close partnership with MTCIT, the three-day programme of MESC 2026 addresses the strategic, operational and enabling dimensions of space development in the Middle East. Discussions will cover national space policies, agency strategies, satellite programme development, ground-segment ecosystems, financing mechanisms and international cooperation, while highlighting Oman’s evolving space landscape. The programme will also focus on the real-world impact of space applications, including satellite communications and Earth Observation across connectivity, urban development, energy, climate resilience, environmental sustainability and critical infrastructure. The conference will conclude with a dedicated focus on enablers, bringing together regulators, investors, startups, incubators, accelerators and academic institutions to examine regulatory frameworks, innovation ecosystems, venture financing and talent development.

By convening senior stakeholders from across the public and private sectors, MESC 2026 aims to accelerate collaboration, mobilise investment and support the development of sustainable space capabilities aligned with regional priorities and global market dynamics. The conference reflects Oman’s ambition to play a constructive and distinctive role in the Middle East space economy, while reinforcing its position as a neutral and forward-looking platform for international cooperation.