Mindful luxury conference to ‘inspire Omanis’

Muscat: Condé Nast International’s upcoming conference in Muscat will add to Oman’s global recognition, according to a top official at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
“This is an aspirational conference that brings together the world’s most renowned fashion and luxury brands innovators and leaders. It is an opportunity to showcase our diversity, authenticity and creativity before both global business audiences, while inspiring future generations of Omanis business and creative leaders,” said Mohsin bin Khamis Al Balushi, advisor to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The theme of this year’s event is “Mindful Luxury,” which navigates the new silk routes and epitomizes the development of Oman as a destination synonymous with a rich heritage, robust cultural roots and a strong but welcoming cultural identity.
“Holding this luxury event in Oman—as Suzy Menkes has highlighted—which is at the nexus of global trade is exciting for our country, and the opportunities to share both knowledge and create business partnerships from us all coming this week cannot be over-estimated,” he added.
“As Suzy also highlighted ‘luxury needs to be less about showing off wealth to the world—and more about what we find meaningful.’”
“This maritime heritage has shaped the Omani DNA of cross cultural tolerance and warm, friendly and authentic hospitality.”
Unique destination
He further went onto say that Oman offers a unique destination for such events. “With our incredible natural beauty, safe, welcoming and creative culture, Oman offers a unique destination perfectly suited for international business and creative leaders, to come together to discuss how to grow the global luxury industry into the 21st Century.”
“The Condé Nast International Luxury Conference is an unprecedented opportunity to build a vibrant global legacy in a region filled with a proud and rich heritage, which will benefit the youth and generations to come.”
This is a prestigious and important first for Oman and the region—to hold a very significant international conference for the luxury and fashion industries.
Today, Oman is working to open new horizons in tourism, reviving our heritage and creating new opportunities that are inspired by the essence of Oman’s originality, authenticity and beauty, symbolised by ‘Mindful Luxury’ and iconic developments that are today creating a sustainable future for its people and unique experiences for all.
Sidab creates 550 bags
The Sidab Women’s Association was assigned by Conde Nast International to sew 550 bags for the conference in Muscat.
An official from Omran told the Times of Oman, “They usually get their bags sewn from other countries, but this time they said that they wanted to hire a local group for the job to give back to the community, and after seeing the work of the Sidab Women’s Association they selected them.”
“The women in this association sometimes get their homes repaired with their incomes through similar ventures.
“So the conference organisers first went to the souq with the women in the association and chose the material. It was a great experience for the women to know the best of international people, the opportunity gave the ladies a lot of confidence, their self esteem increased and they were really happy. Conde Nast is actually investing in people through such initiatives.”