Oman’s First Robotic Observatory: A great achievement for Oman
Dr. Syed Mehboob
Political and Economic Analyst
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Scientific advancement is very important for any country’s development, progress, and prosperity. Farsighted nations and their leadership give much importance to science and technology and equip their youth with scientific skills. Omani leadership is highly committed to its nation and leaves no stone to unturned to equip its youth with skills and knowledge of science and technology. It is a matter of great pride and happiness that Oman’s first fully integrated remotely operated astronomical observatory has been inaugurated at Jabal Shams Resort in Al Hamra, Dakhliyah, opening new opportunities for astronomy, astrophotography, scientific research and astro tourism.
Developed by the Oman Astronomical and Space Society, the observatory is equipped for remote astronomical observation and imaging, allowing researchers, students, and astronomy enthusiasts to conduct observations and astrophotography from a distance.
Its location is at Jabal Shams, with its high elevation and clear skies providing favorable conditions for observing and imaging the night sky. The project was supported by the Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) through its community investment programme and its support for scientific and knowledge-based initiatives.
The observatory brings together scientific research, public awareness and astrophotography, while offering researchers, enthusiasts and visitors opportunities to explore Oman’s night skies.
Speaking to the press and media, Mr. Ishaq Al Suhaili, the Chairman of the society, said that the launch formed part of efforts to strengthen the society’s astronomical capabilities and encourage wider community participation in its programmes. He said that the observatory could also support and promote the development of astro-tourism in Oman while providing a platform for specialists and researchers. He also said that the facility is focused on astrophotography and that fees for its use would be announced soon. He also credited society members and partners for supporting the project.
On the sidelines of the inauguration, the society launched the ‘Oman at Night’ initiative to showcase Oman’s night skies, identify suitable locations for astronomical observation, and promote astro-tourism while preserving dark-sky environments. The initiative also aims to link astronomy with environmental awareness and tourism development, highlighting Oman’s natural and scientific assets. The society was studying the possibility of establishing observatories in Al Wusta Governorate.
A robotic observatory is an astronomical facility that operates completely automatically without human intervention on-site. It uses computer software and scheduling, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to pick targets, track objects, and manage dome closure based on weather.
It reacts to cosmic alerts and warnings in seconds to capture brief explosions like gamma-ray bursts. It also links multiple stations around the earth for continuous 24-hour observation.
There is another achievement of our brother country, Oman. On September 29, 2026, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) organized an event where an Omani researcher's research, “Sustainability of the Sidr Tree ( Christ’s thorn jujube) in the Sultanate of Oman in Light of Scientific and Traditional Knowledge Associated with Cultural Heritage,” received great acclaim and was awarded by the Institute. The research integrates modern science and traditional knowledge to assess the Sidr tree’s value and recommends enhanced conservation and planting near apiaries to support honey production.
It was a great success for Omani researchers Dr Huda bint Mubarak Al Dairi and Dr Thuraya bint Abdullah Al Jabri, who won the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage for the best research and studies in cultural heritage in the Arab category for their joint study on the sustainability of the Sidr or Sarh tree in Oman.
The award-winning paper “ The Sustainability of the Sarh tree in the Sultanate of Oman in light of scientific and traditional knowledge associated with cultural heritage “ brings together traditional knowledge, folklore and modern scientific research to examine the ecological, social and economic significance of the Sarh tree.
The study highlights the importance of the species not only as a natural resource but also as part of Oman’s living cultural heritage. Drawing on traditional knowledge associated with the tree and scientific data, the researchers examined ways to enhance its conservation and ensure its continued presence in the Omani environment.
One of the key recommendations of the study is to expand the cultivation of sarh trees, particularly in areas surrounding apiaries. The researchers noted the tree’s importance to beekeeping and its potential contribution to increasing honey production and improving the quality of locally produced honey.
The study also calls for stronger environmental protection measures involving government institutions and local communities. Such efforts, the researchers said, are important to safeguard the species as both a natural asset and an element of Oman’s cultural heritage.
The award, organized by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, recognizes contributions to documenting, preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage. The award supports efforts aligned with international heritage preservation principles, including those promoted by UNESCO.
The recognition places renewed attention on the value of integrating traditional environmental knowledge with scientific research in efforts to conserve Oman’s natural and cultural heritage.
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