Tuesday 17 / September / 2024
Muscat: The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) marks its 8th anniversary on 9th September 2024, celebrating its evolution into Oman’s leading events and exhibitions hub.
Over the past eight years, the OCEC has solidified its position as the Sultanate’s premier venue, hosting over 250 international and local events annually and welcoming thousands of delegates from around the world.
To commemorate this milestone, a series of staff activities were organised at the OCEC this week.
As a subsidiary of the successful OMRAN Group, OCEC has played a pivotal role in the development of the Madinat Al Irfan area.
With JW Marriott and Crowne Plaza OCEC hotels nearby, the venue has become a business-oriented complex, perfectly positioned for hosting major events, thanks to its proximity to the airport, world-class accommodation, and state-of-the-art facilities.
The OCEC has been a key player in Oman’s economic diversification, particularly in the business events sector.
Over the last eight years, it has attracted more than 50,000 international delegates to Oman, creating a platform for critical discussions on the country’s future.
Moreover, the OCEC has generated significant economic impact, driving investment and fostering growth across various business sectors.
Through its strong collaboration with OMRAN Group, the Ministry of Heritage & Tourism, the Oman Convention Bureau, and other key governmental stakeholders, the OCEC remains committed to generating positive economic outcomes for Oman.
The OCEC’s impact extends to the business events industry itself, having created thousands of jobs over the past eight years.
With a commitment to employing local talent, the OCEC has maintained an Omanisation rate of over 90 percent, focusing on providing opportunities for Omani graduates to develop their skills in this growing industry.
In addition, the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre has offered valuable work experience to over 500 interns in the past few years, preparing the next generation of professionals in the field of business events.
The venue has also prioritised the career development and long-term training of its staff, with many senior executives and managers participating in national training programmes to enhance their skills.
Reflecting on the OCEC’s journey, CEO Eng. Said Al Shanfari stated, “The OCEC is more than just a venue; it is a space where meaningful conversations about our country take place. Whether the topic is green hydrogen, technology, social care, or education, we facilitate actions and discussions between private and public stakeholders at both local and international levels. I am proud to work with a motivated and talented team, including many Omanis who are just starting out in the field.”
Looking ahead, the award-winning venue is poised for even greater achievements. Eng. Said Al Shanfari added, “This year, the OCEC received a regional award for its latest sustainable initiative—a solar rooftop panel project that will help offset our carbon emissions and provide greater incentives for event organisers to choose our green venue. In 2023, we were also recognised as one of the best venues in the Middle East, a testament to our ambition to position OCEC at the forefront of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) industry and to promote Oman as a leading international destination.”
Innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability remain at the core of the OCEC’s mission, with a strong emphasis on working with local SMEs to drive economic growth.
Within just eight years, the OCEC has become a leading venue in the region, attracting high-profile events such as the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists World Congress in October 2024, among many other significant events planned for the Sultanate this year.
