Space Sector in Middle East

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Introducing Bahia Shay: Pioneering Space and Technology in the Middle East

Hello everyone, I'm Bahia Shay, the CEO of a Space and Technology company and the National Point of Contact at the Space Advisory Council at the United Nations. In addition, I also serve as the Chairwoman of a Business woman committee at Chamber Roman. My company—based in Oman—is the trailblazer as the first private company in the Middle East's space sector, which until now has been predominantly government-led.

The Shift in Middle East's Space Activities

Most governmental space sectors in the Middle East focus on standard satellites for communications. However, a shift is being observed with countries like UAE, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria, leading the movement towards heightened space activities. Not just your usual satellites, we're talking real, advanced space activities. The goal is to transfer this knowledge and technology to Oman and the region's private sector, which until recently has been untapped.

Starting Up and Challenging Mindsets

Starting up in the space sector is not just about establishing new enterprises—it's about changing mindsets. We've engaged with sectors such as education and have initiated projects to build a new sector from the ground up. Challenges exist, but they don't overshadow the plethora of opportunities in areas such as education, technology, and space projects.

Path-breaking Projects in Oman

Our crown jewels are two significant projects we embarked on in Oman. The first is the construction of a Space Habitat Center. In 2018, astronauts selected Oman as an area resembling Mars and the moon. Our aim is to establish this space habitat center for commercial clients, schools, and tourists alike. The second project is building a Space Launch Station, making the most of Oman's geographical advantages. We have completed the preliminary feasibility study and chosen the best location in Oman.

Looking to the Future in the Middle East Space Sector

Apart from our flagship projects, we offer a range of services, including providing satellite imagery for various platforms in and out of Oman. We're extremely proud of UAE's achievements in the space sector and are optimistic about undertaking large-scale initiatives, not just utilizing technology, but creating it.

Organizations like ours not only contribute to the technology and space landscape but also help change perceptions and enhance knowledge transfer across sectors.

Stay Connected

For more insights into the space sector and our contributions, don’t hesitate to contact me via LinkedIn or Twitter. I look forward to engaging with you and sharing our journey through this exciting sector.

Keep Watching This Space

Our work in Oman and the Middle East space sector is just the beginning. There is so much to explore and develop, and we're fully committed to this journey. Please stay tuned and join us as we venture further into the space sector. Thank you for taking the time to read about our exciting projects, and I eagerly anticipate participating in future conferences and sharing more of our story. Thank you!


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