Race 2 Space Oman: A Milestone Workshop at Sultan Qaboos University
Advanced Rocket Technologies is proud to mark a major milestone in our mission to enable accessible spaceflight from the region with the successful delivery of the first Race 2 Space Oman Rocketry Workshop, held on 4 December 2025 at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).
This landmark event represented the official on-ground launch of Race 2 Space Oman, an educational and technical initiative delivered in collaboration with Race 2 Space (UK) and supported by Oman’s National Space Program (NSP) and Etlaq Spaceport. The workshop brought together students, academics, professionals from government and industry, and space enthusiasts, all united by a shared interest in building Oman’s future space capabilities.
Building Foundations for Rocketry in Oman
Hosted at SQU, the workshop was designed as an introductory yet technically grounded session to spark interest in rocketry and space systems among young engineers and researchers. The program highlighted the full journey from theory to practice, covering:
- Fundamentals of rocket propulsion, including solid and liquid systems
- The role of additive manufacturing and 3D printing in modern rocket development
- Opportunities for student participation in Race 2 Space Oman, including pathways to design, build, and fly high-altitude rockets
- An overview of space activities in Oman, and how universities can play a leading role in this ecosystem
A key objective of the workshop was to demonstrate how education, infrastructure, and industry can align to enable meaningful hands-on experience in rocketry—an essential step toward long-term space capability development in the region.
Strong Institutional and National Engagement
The event opened with remarks by Prof. Amer Al-Hinai, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research at SQU, emphasizing the university’s commitment to applied research and space engineering.
Participants also heard valuable insights from national and industry leaders, including:
- Dr. Saoud Al-Shoaili, Head of Oman’s National Space Program, who shared the national vision for space and the importance of empowering young talent
- Mr. Leon Tugatijian from Etlaq Spaceport, who highlighted testing, launch, and collaboration opportunities available to universities
- Dr. Muhammad Rizwan Mughal (SQU), who discussed space technology applications and the growing role of academic institutions in Oman’s space sector
The technical core of the workshop was led by Dr. Alistair John, Founder of Race 2 Space (University of Sheffield), who delivered an in-depth introduction to rocket propulsion followed by an overview of the Race 2 Space program and how Omani students can participate.
The workshop concluded with a panel discussion and open Q&A, featuring representatives from ART, Race 2 Space, Etlaq, SQU, and the National Space Program, allowing attendees to engage directly with organizations shaping the future of space in Oman.
Looking Ahead
The strong turnout and engagement demonstrated a clear appetite for hands-on space and rocketry programs in Oman. This first workshop is only the beginning. Race 2 Space Oman is structured as a long-term initiative to support:
- University rocketry clubs and student teams
- Progressive training and test campaigns
- Deeper collaboration between academia, national entities, and industry
- A pathway toward designing, testing, and ultimately launching rockets from the region
ART extends its sincere thanks to Sultan Qaboos University, Oman’s National Space Program, Etlaq Spaceport, and the Race 2 Space team for their support and shared vision.
As we continue to build momentum, we look forward to announcing the next phases of Race 2 Space Oman and expanding opportunities for the next generation of engineers to take part in shaping the region’s space future.
