France aims to conduct the first commercial rocket launch from Oman's Al Duqm spaceport next year, French Ambassador Nabil Hajlaoui announced Sunday during the opening of the Oman Space Conference 2026 in Muscat. The event brought together government officials, space industry representatives, and investors to discuss the development of Oman's emerging space sector.

The conference follows agreements signed in Paris last June during the official visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to France, including a partnership focused on space and the space industry. Hajlaoui emphasized that the gathering marked the beginning of implementing those agreements and highlighted France’s commitment to supporting Oman’s broader ambitions in space.

Oman is reportedly working to develop not just individual companies but an entire space industry ecosystem. Hajlaoui noted that France, as one of the world’s leading space powers, is positioned to contribute significantly, underscoring that France is the only European country with comprehensive mastery of the entire space industry value chain. He referenced close collaborations with Omani partners through France’s national space agency, CNES, and aerospace firm Airbus Defence and Space, particularly in the satellite sector. Smaller French companies such as launch service provider Latitude are also involved.

During the conference, Hajlaoui congratulated Omani partners on a recent rocket launch from Al Duqm, describing it as a successful demonstration of Oman’s approach and potential. He expressed hope for expanding cooperation between Oman and France, with increasing involvement from French companies in the Sultanate’s space ambitions.

The ambassador also stressed the importance of raising public understanding of the space sector’s activities. He linked the development of the space industry to Oman Vision 2040, noting its potential to contribute to economic growth and create opportunities for the country’s younger generations.

The Oman Space Conference 2026 is the first in-person event of its kind organized by SpaceTech in the Gulf region and convened approximately 50 senior leaders from government and space organizations. It is presented by Access Partnership together with Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, in partnership with Oman Lens and Mohammed Al Barwani Satellites (MBSAT), while Rocket Elements and Technologies (RE&T) serves as a supporting partner.