Oman's commercial spaceport operator Etlaq signed a letter of intent with French launch services provider Latitude to conduct the first experimental launch of a Latitude rocket from the Sultanate, the Omani startup said on July 1.

The agreement points to Oman's push to establish itself as a regional space hub, part of a wider strategy to diversify its economy by developing high-value technology sectors including space services and advanced aerospace, with the planned mission set to be one of the first orbital launch campaigns from the Arabian Peninsula.

The letter of intent was signed during the recent state visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to France, where he held talks with President Emmanuel Macron. It establishes a framework for cooperation, paving the way for an experimental launch currently targeted for late 2027, with the partners collaborating on ground infrastructure, operational planning and regulatory requirements.

"Working with partners like Latitude strengthens our capabilities and reinforces the growing confidence international players have in Oman as a space hub. We look forward to building a partnership that cements Etlaq's role as a key gateway to space," said Azzan Kais Al Said, chief executive of Etlaq.

Olivier Zarrouati, chairman of Latitude's strategic committee, described the agreement as reflecting a shared ambition by France and Oman to develop independent space capabilities.

"Space has become an arena where tomorrow's strategic balances are being shaped. This signing reflects the shared ambition of France and Oman to build an independent space capability together," said Zarrouati.

Etlaq said its location offered geographical advantages for commercial launch operations, with proximity to the equator enabling access to multiple orbital trajectories, including low Earth orbit, sun-synchronous orbit and mid-inclination missions from a single launch site.

The partnership marked the first step towards a long-term presence for Latitude in Oman, the company said, as demand grows globally for commercially available sovereign launch infrastructure.