Oman’s space ambitions set to unlock thousands of jobs, experts say

Oman’s ambitious national space programme is expected to generate thousands of employment opportunities for Omanis as the sector moves from planning to full-scale operations, according to industry experts.

Andy Grey, CEO of Exotopic and a space engineer, said the Sultanate’s growing space ecosystem could create significant demand for specialised talent across engineering, science, data and technology-driven roles.

Addressing the media, Grey said that knowledge, sector awareness and specialised expertise would be critical for workforce participation in the emerging industry.

“Oman’s space programme can open up jobs galore,” Grey said. “Employment opportunities in the global space sector are expanding rapidly across engineering, scientific and data-driven roles, driven by both public agencies and private companies.”

He explained that the space sector encompasses a wide-ranging ecosystem, spanning launch infrastructure, satellite development and mission operations, as well as downstream services such as navigation, mapping and data analytics.

“From spaceport operations and launch services to satellite-based applications like navigation and mapping, specialised skills are required at every stage,” Grey said. “Oman’s space mission is not just a project, it is a long-term plan capable of generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.”

Key growth areas identified include satellite design, launch vehicle development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and space law. 

Roles range from technicians and data analysts to highly specialised engineers and scientists, with increasing demand also expected in satellite manufacturing, mission control and space data analysis.

Grey stressed that while formal education is important, continuous learning and awareness of global space trends will be equally vital. “Understanding space technologies, services and international developments will help build a workforce capable of supporting and sustaining the sector,” he noted.

Career pathways in the space industry span aerospace engineering, data science and IT, mission operations, scientific research, and business and legal functions. These include roles such as satellite engineers, AI and machine learning specialists, flight dynamics engineers, astrophysicists, project managers and space law experts.

Commenting on Oman’s national space roadmap, Grey said the country is making steady progress. “The national space plan is effective, and Oman has been advancing step by step,” he said. “With initiatives such as the Oman Space Accelerator, the Oman Space Hub, and hosting the Middle East Space Conference, alongside education and training programmes at Sultan Qaboos University, the foundations are firmly in place.”

He added that engagement with global players, including Airbus, further strengthens Oman’s position. “Oman’s strength lies not only in its geography, but in its willingness to learn and collaborate internationally.”

The discussion, hosted at the British Embassy under the auspices of Ambassador Dr Liane Saunders, brought together leading Omani, UK and industry figures to explore partnerships, investment and long-term collaboration in Oman’s emerging space sector.

The discussion comes as Oman steps up efforts to diversify its economy and support sustainable job growth across emerging sectors, including space, technology and advanced industries.