The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman (MTCIT) and Novaspace have officially announced the return of the Middle East Space Conference (MESC), scheduled to take place from January 26 to 28, 2026, in Muscat. The event will be held under the patronage of His Highness A’Sayyed Asa’d Bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Relations and International Affairs and Special Representative of His Majesty the Sultan.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, MESC 2026 is set to host more than 450 senior industry leaders, representing over 190 organisations from across the global space community. Delegates will include government representatives, space agencies, commercial operators, investors, entrepreneurs, and academic experts from more than 20 countries.
The conference will serve as a strategic platform for shaping the next phase of growth for the Middle East space sector, a region undergoing rapid transformation as countries invest heavily in satellite infrastructure, space-based services, commercial partnerships, and cross-border cooperation.
Oman Strengthens Its Position in the Regional Space Market
With the launch of its national space policy in 2023, Oman has emerged as one of the Middle East’s most dynamic and fast-advancing space markets. The sector, aligned with Oman Vision 2040, is prioritising investment in satellite communications, Earth observation services, ground-segment infrastructure, and commercial innovation.
As host nation, Oman aims to leverage MESC 2026 as a gateway for foreign investment, technology partnerships, and knowledge transfer — consolidating its position as a regional hub for space activity and strategic collaboration.
Three-Day Agenda Focused on Industry Growth and Technology Integration
The upcoming edition of MESC will feature a comprehensive programme examining the strategic, operational, and technological dimensions of space sector development across the region. Core themes include:
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National space strategies and agency priorities
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Satellite programme development and operations
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Ground-segment infrastructure expansion
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Financing models and investment frameworks
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Space-based communication and Earth observation applications
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Environmental, climate, and infrastructure monitoring
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Regulatory evolution and talent development
The final day will spotlight enablers — connecting policymakers, startups, investors, universities, and accelerators to explore innovation ecosystems, venture funding, regulatory pathways, and workforce expansion.
Advancing Regional and Global Cooperation
By convening high-level stakeholders from multiple sectors, MESC 2026 aims to accelerate regional capabilities, promote sustainable growth, and foster international partnerships that reflect evolving global space dynamics. The conference underscores Oman’s commitment to advancing its national space vision while supporting collaborative development across the wider Middle East.
