This week, I found myself standing at what could soon be the Middle East’s new gateway to space.
Etlaq spaceport in Duqm – a quiet coastal town about five hours from the Omani capital of Muscat – is still very much under construction. But the ambition behind it is crystal clear: Oman is building a commercial launch site that could one day rival Cape Canaveral in Florida or Baikonur in Kazakhstan, with private companies sending rockets into orbit right on the edge of the Arabian Sea.
As a space journalist, I’ve covered numerous launches from Baikonur and Florida, including milestone missions such as the UAE’s two astronauts blasting off. But standing in Duqm, I felt something different – the beginning of a new chapter, where the region is not only participating in space flight but building the infrastructure to lead it.
Getting here is not your typical work trip. I chose to drive, following a narrow road flanked by desert and mountains, with camels lazily crossing the path and the Arabian Sea hidden just beyond the ridges. But there are other ways to reach the spaceport - visitors can fly into Muscat, then take a short connecting flight to Duqm. From there, it’s about a 90-minute drive.
While Etlaq lies in a remote stretch of coastline, there are good accommodation options not too far away. About two hours from the spaceport, you’ll find resorts such as the Crowne Plaza and Park Inn by Radisson, along with several locally branded hotels.
In December, Etlaq hosted its first test flight - a 6.5-metre rocket that launched successfully from its pad in Duqm. That moment set the stage for five more launches planned this year, giving start-ups a chance to test their rockets, while Omani engineers sharpen their skills before the spaceport begins full commercial services, scheduled for the end of 2027.
A second launch, a small one-metre rocket hop test, was scheduled to take place during my visit as part of a three-day public event. But strong winds meant it had to be postponed, a reminder that space launches are never guaranteed. Weather or last-minute technical issues can easily cause delays, a reality I’ve witnessed first-hand. The launch of Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, for example, was once called off minutes before lift-off at Florida’s Kennedy Space Centre, only for the next attempt to be successful.
One giant leap for the Gulf
The UAE has already paved the way for the region’s space ambitions, launching astronauts to the International Space Station and building advanced satellites and interplanetary missions. Oman is now taking its own bold step and with Etlaq, it’s doing something few others in the region have: offering start-ups a real launch pad for test flights.
That’s a big deal. In countries like the US, the Federal Aviation Administration has strict licensing rules and long approval processes that can delay take off for months. But here in Oman, with fewer regulatory bottlenecks, regional and international start-ups now have a rare chance to test their systems faster, giving them a head start in the global market.
But what brought me here wasn’t just the prospect of a rocket launch - it was also the people. Specifically, the schoolchildren and families who took part in Oman’s first spaceport fanzone, called Etlaq FX. Spread across four large tents only 3km from the launch pad, the event was designed to bring the public closer to space - something the US and Russia have long embraced but which has never really happened in the Arab world.
Pupils from across Duqm participated in activities such as collecting stamps in their own ‘space passports’ and writing about or drawing their dreams to be stored in a time capsule. One tent was run by Omani Archives and another had vendors from nearby villages, offering hands-on experiences and games.
It felt like a space fair but with local flavour. There was no flashy tech or glossy corporate displays. Instead, there were handwritten signs, excited schoolteachers and community members who genuinely wanted to be part of something bigger than themselves. “We think the spaceport will be beneficial for the future of Omani youth, so we felt it was important to be involved,” one vendor village told me.
Even without a launch, the energy was unmistakable. This was the first time a public launch viewing experience was becoming a reality in the Middle East. And it wasn’t just about watching rockets - it was about showing young Omanis that this is their space story, too. That they don’t just have to read about launches in places like Florida, Baikonur or Japan. They can one day run them, design the rockets and maybe even fly on them.
I left Etlaq with sand in my shoes, sunburn on my neck and the feeling that I had witnessed the start of something. It may be early days but the countdown has definitely begun.
India squad
Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, K.L. Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak Chahar, Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur.
Pox that threatens the Middle East's native species
Camelpox
Caused by a virus related to the one that causes human smallpox, camelpox typically causes fever, swelling of lymph nodes and skin lesions in camels aged over three, but the animal usually recovers after a month or so. Younger animals may develop a more acute form that causes internal lesions and diarrhoea, and is often fatal, especially when secondary infections result. It is found across the Middle East as well as in parts of Asia, Africa, Russia and India.
Falconpox
Falconpox can cause a variety of types of lesions, which can affect, for example, the eyelids, feet and the areas above and below the beak. It is a problem among captive falcons and is one of many types of avian pox or avipox diseases that together affect dozens of bird species across the world. Among the other forms are pigeonpox, turkeypox, starlingpox and canarypox. Avipox viruses are spread by mosquitoes and direct bird-to-bird contact.
Houbarapox
Houbarapox is, like falconpox, one of the many forms of avipox diseases. It exists in various forms, with a type that causes skin lesions being least likely to result in death. Other forms cause more severe lesions, including internal lesions, and are more likely to kill the bird, often because secondary infections develop. This summer the CVRL reported an outbreak of pox in houbaras after rains in spring led to an increase in mosquito numbers.
The biog
Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates
Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.
Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.
Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.
Favourite Movie: Mona Lisa Smile
Favourite Author: Kahlil Gibran
Favourite Artist: Meryl Streep
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: 2019 Subaru Forester
Price, base: Dh105,900 (Premium); Dh115,900 (Sport)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 182hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 239Nm @ 4,400rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.1L / 100km (estimated)
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
All or Nothing
Amazon Prime
Four stars
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
Sri Lanka's T20I squad
Thisara Perera (captain), Dilshan Munaweera, Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ashan Priyanjan, Mahela Udawatte, Dasun Shanaka, Sachith Pathirana, Vikum Sanjaya, Lahiru Gamage, Seekkuge Prasanna, Vishwa Fernando, Isuru Udana, Jeffrey Vandersay and Chathuranga de Silva.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
ON%20TRACK
%3Cp%3EThe%20Dubai%20Metaverse%20Assembly%20will%20host%20three%20main%20tracks%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEducate%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Consists%20of%20more%20than%2010%20in-depth%20sessions%20on%20the%20metaverse%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInspire%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Will%20showcase%20use%20cases%20of%20the%20metaverse%20in%20tourism%2C%20logistics%2C%20retail%2C%20education%20and%20health%20care%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EContribute%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Workshops%20for%20metaverse%20foresight%20and%20use-case%20reviews%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
UAE's final round of matches
- Sep 1, 2016 Beat Japan 2-1 (away)
- Sep 6, 2016 Lost to Australia 1-0 (home)
- Oct 6, 2016 Beat Thailand 3-1 (home)
- Oct 11, 2016 Lost to Saudi Arabia 3-0 (away)
- Nov 15, 2016 Beat Iraq 2-0 (home)
- Mar 23, 2017 Lost to Japan 2-0 (home)
- Mar 28, 2017 Lost to Australia 2-0 (away)
- June 13, 2017 Drew 1-1 with Thailand (away)
- Aug 29, 2017 v Saudi Arabia (home)
- Sep 5, 2017 v Iraq (away)
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
