MUSCAT : Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has made a new investment in Spanish space transportation company PLD Space as part of efforts to diversify its investment portfolio and expand Oman’s international investment presence.

The investment was made through the second Oman-Spain Private Equity Fund, according to a statement from OIA. PLD Space specialises in the design, manufacturing, development and operation of space launch vehicles.

The Spanish company signed a memorandum of understanding with Etlaq Spaceport in Duqm in February 2025 for the potential launch of its MIURA 5 rocket from Oman, subject to the completion of commercial and technical studies to assess the feasibility of the launch.

Founded in 2011 by Spanish entrepreneurs Raúl Torres and Raúl Verdú, PLD Space is headquartered in Elche in Spain’s Alicante region.

The company launched its MIURA 1 rocket in 2023, becoming the first private company in Europe to successfully launch a rocket, according to the OIA statement. It is developing reusable launch vehicles aimed at transporting small satellites into space.

PLD Space is currently developing MIURA 5, which is designed to carry small satellites and other payloads into low-Earth orbit through dedicated or shared launches. The company also plans to expand its capabilities to larger payloads, including cargo transportation, with longer-term plans involving human space transportation.

Saif bin Hamad Al Mahrouqi, Senior Manager of Joint Government Partnerships at OIA, said the investment forms part of the authority’s strategic partnerships aimed at increasing the geographic and sectoral diversification of its portfolio while generating sustainable returns.

He said such partnerships also seek to attract capital and transfer knowledge and expertise to Oman, supporting economic diversification and OIA’s role in advancing the Sultanate’s economic diplomacy.

The second Oman-Spain Private Equity Fund builds on an investment partnership between OIA and COFIDES, which is owned by the Spanish government.

The partnership began in 2018 with the establishment of the first Oman-Spain Private Equity Fund with capital of RO89.5 million (€204 million), with investments from both sides and a contribution from fund manager MCH.

A second fund was established in December 2023 with a size of RO45.6 million (€102 million), including commitments of RO22.4 million (€50 million) each from OIA and COFIDES, alongside a contribution from MCH.

The fund targets leading Spanish companies across sectors including manufacturing, tourism, logistics, healthcare, food and agriculture, energy and telecommunications. It also seeks opportunities to create links between its portfolio companies and Omani businesses and explore the expansion of Spanish companies into the Omani market.

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