Oman Convention centre creates interest

Muscat: Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) took advantage of events’ industry powerhouse IBTM Arabia to conduct meetings with high profile associations and professional conference organisers from the regional and global markets.
The OCEC team leveraged this participation to create meaningful business connections with a host of qualified buyers boasting an average budget of $5.1 million.
With its grand opening fast approaching, the world-class new venue attracted an unprecedented level of attention at the highly regarded event.
As OCEC Business Development Manager Sheikha Al Mugheiry explained, “We were inundated with requests for appointments, and as the maximum possible was 30, we had to work with a very strict set of criteria to choose those, which best fit our goals and objectives, prioritising the sectors of transport and logistics, manufacturing and food processing, health, education, technology and telecommunications, agriculture and fisheries, as well as tourism.
“Fortunately, the regular networking sessions gave us a valuable opportunity to catch up with potential clients and we will be able to confirm a variety of new additions to the OCEC calendar in the very near future.”
According to Al Mugheiry, the IBTM Arabia delegates were impressed with the OCEC facilities and its flexibility. In addition, significant selling points included the fact that the venue sits in its own purpose-built precinct and is just a 10-minute drive from the Muscat International Airport and offers global accessibility.
Knowledge hub
Also drawing their attention is Oman’s reputation as a burgeoning knowledge hub and intellectual capital.
Eric Moris, managing director, Business Pass Travel and Incentive Company, said, “I have been to Oman several times and I believe it will be a great destination for MICE travel.”
Advancing to the final stages of preparation for its launch in September this year, the OCEC is currently conducting exhaustive tests on a host of elements, including the sophisticated lighting and air conditioning systems in five Exhibition Halls and 10 Hospitality Suites.
OCEC is located in its own fully integrated precinct only four kilometres from the Muscat International Airport.