OPAZ inks agreement to set up Oman’s first space centre on an area of 20,000sqm

Muscat – An agreement was signed on Tuesday to set up Oman’s first Space Habitat Centre at the Artificial Intelligence Zone in Duqm.

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) signed a land usufruct agreement with Global Space and Technology Company to establish the Space Habitat Centre on an area of 20,000sqm.

The centre will be a site for research and experiments that will simulate the space environment using advanced technologies and artificial intelligence.

The agreement was signed by Ahmed bin Ali bin Issa Akaak, in charge of managing operations of Special Economic Zone at Duqm, and Bahiya al Shuaibi, founder and CEO of Global Space and Technology Company.

“We are pleased to announce the signing of the usufruct agreement to develop this project. It will help simulate living in space, such as staying on the Moon or Mars,” Bahiya said.

She added that the project aims to create a space-like environment on earth so that would-be astronauts experience outer space life before embarking on actual astronaut flights. “The project will serve scientists, researchers and those interested in conducting experiments in the space sector, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.”

Global Space and Technology Company will develop the centre and provide several services, including satellites for communications, remote sensing and space imaging. “In addition, the project aims to establish training programmes to transfer knowledge in cooperation with specialised international institutions,” Bahiya added.

The company designs programmes related to virtual reality and 3D programmes for educational purposes and simulation, in line with the needs of educational institutions.

It won the Business Excellence Award 2021 from the World Business Federation in the USA.