The significance of the space industry in today’s competitive world cannot be overstated, as it significantly fosters innovation, job creation, and economic growth by developing technologies and creating new opportunities. According to a study by the World Economic Forum, the value of the global space economy is expected to increase from $630 billion in 2023 to $1.8 trillion by 2035.
(images by the owner)
Due to their outstanding contributions to the space sector, a few female entrepreneurs have achieved international recognition and are now considered role models for the next generation of female business leaders. Eng. Bahiya Al Shuaibi, a well-known Omani businessman, is one of these big names. Eng. Bahiya is the founder and CEO of the well-known Global Space & Technology Company & Zone 88.
Eng. Bahiya founded the Global Space and Technology Company (GSTC) in 2017 with the goal of creating the future of the space sector and advancing technology in Oman and the region.
Her company is the first private space company to support knowledge transfer of the space sector and modern technology to Oman and to inspire creativity in the field. It currently operates in several different but interrelated sectors, including space technology, advanced technologies, education initiatives, and space research and consulting.
Eng. Bahiya’s efforts to quickly and significantly expand projects and to bring the most advanced technology and skills to the Sultanate are truly remarkable. For example, in the Space Department, GSTC owned the first Commercial Space Launching Station in Oman, the Space Habitat Center, and provided unique satellite services. In addition, Drone Training, Drone Services, and Defense Technology & Simulations are part of the Advanced Technologies department in the Global Space & Technology Company.
Eng. Bahiya’s outstanding contributions to the space industry are further demonstrated by Zone 88, the Sultanate’s first scientific and economic zone dedicated to space industries and cutting-edge technology.
Zone 88 is being constructed in Duqm’s Special Economic Zone. Space Habitat Center, Commercial Space Launching Area, Unmanned Vehicles Technology Center, Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Testing Area, and Ground Station are part of this historic project. These initiatives aim to develop a sustainable knowledge-based economy in the area by advancing scientific research, attracting global investments, and strengthening the space and technology sectors. Zone 88 is a testament to Eng. Bahiya’s outstanding entrepreneurial and leadership acumen.
Eng. Bahiya’s accomplishments set her apart from others in her industry. In 2017, she launched the Global Space and Technology Company, making her the first entrepreneur to establish a private company in the space industry in the Sultanate of Oman & Middle East. This reflects her strong worldwide network in the space industry and her remarkable ability to develop and manage international connections.
For 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024, she was honored with several national and international accolades for her outstanding accomplishments. She was selected to be the Sultanate’s national representative on the Space Generation Advisory Council, which supports space applications, and received the Inspiring Women Award from the Omani-French Friendship Association in 2019. In Houston, Texas, the World Business Federation chose Global Space and Technology Company to receive the 2021 Business Excellence Award.
In addition, from 2018 to 2022, Eng. Bahiya played the role of chairwoman of the businesswomen committee at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In 2024, GSTC got ISO Certificates and a License from the Civil Aviation Authority to work in high-technology unmanned Vehicles & Drones.
Eng. Bahiya has a strong educational background. She has a master’s degree in satellites and mobile communications from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom and a graduate diploma certificate in space studies from the International Space University in France. In addition, she holds several other professional certifications in project management, transformation management, and Business & Diplomacy.
Eng. Bahiya’s story is truly inspiring. From a young age, she was fascinated by space, and unlike most children of her age, she loved reading about space. Growing up, she developed a stronger interest in space, which she pursued further and eventually decided to specialize in.
Success comes to those who embrace challenges. Eng. Bahiya is a great example of this. In the traditionally male-dominated space sector, she worked hard and overcame many challenges to become the lady she is today. Today, her accomplishments are too many to list here.
Eng. Bahiya Al Shuaibi is the most powerful Visionary Leader in the Private Space Industry in the GCC and one of the veteran women in the space industry in the world.