Oman has revealed plans for the first spaceport in the Middle East, named Etlaq, set to be fully operational by 2030. The National Aerospace Services Company (Nascom) announced the ambitious project during the Middle East Space Conference in Muscat. Strategically located in Duqm, the spaceport will accommodate various-sized space launchers.
Nascom aims to position Etlaq as a major player in the evolving space industry, following the initial concept introduction over a year ago. Development is scheduled to begin in 2025, with adherence to strict standards set by the US Federal Aviation Administration, attracting international space exploration companies.
Chairman of Nascom, Azzan Al Said, highlighted the equatorial advantage of Duqm’s port, making it an ideal location for space launches. This move aligns with global interest from aerospace giants like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, considering the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, as potential launch sites for space tourism flights.
