Oman plans to build the Middle East’s first space rocket launch centre this year.

Located in the port town of Duqm, the Etlaq Space Launch Complex, a project by the National Aerospace Services Company, could see its first rocket launch early next year.

However, it will take three years to fully complete the centre.

“We have two main goals with the Duqm launch land: to build a launch centre for commercial, professional and educational rocket users to assemble, test and launch from,” Nascom said.

It will serve scientists, researchers and those interested in doing experiments in the space sector, artificial intelligence and advanced technology

“The launch centre will be globally accessible for expanding rocket companies, and locally available for educational research programmes.”

Private space companies, such as Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, have eyed the Middle East, especially the Emirates, for spaceports. But nothing has materialised, even though the UAE's space strategy includes setting up a launch pad for space tourism flights.

Oman’s plans could give a significant boost to the region’s space programmes, as private companies and government agencies could use the pad for orbital launches.