Muscat – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has imposed temporary restrictions on fishing and maritime activities along parts of Al Wusta’s coastline ahead of the experimental launch of the Duqm-2 rocket.

Led by Etlaq Spaceport, in cooperation with New Zealand’s Stellar Kinetics, the launch is scheduled to take place from Duqm.

Authorities have instructed fishermen, boat owners and other maritime operators to avoid the designated areas during the early morning hours of July 6, 8 and 9, between midnight and 6am. The cautionary measure is aimed at ensuring public safety, with officials noting that the rocket’s drop zone is expected to be within 500m of the launch pad.

The ministry stated that the test is designed to assess the organisational and operational processes required for space launches in Oman. It is part of efforts to develop regulatory frameworks and infrastructure for both domestic and international companies interested in orbital and sub-orbital activities.

Launch of Duqm-2 is seen as a step forward in Oman’s broader ambitions to establish itself as a regional hub for aerospace and space exploration.