MUSCAT: The Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), a premier venue in the region, achieved a significant milestone in 2024, hosting 14 international and regional events of high-calibre.
The OCEC continues to establish itself as Oman’s leading destination for large-scale events that drive substantial economic and social impact. By attracting international events, the venue plays a pivotal role in supporting the Sultanate of Oman’s economic diversification goals under Oman Vision 2040.
Among the prestigious events hosted at the OCEC this year were the Middle East Space Conference, the International Occupational Health Summit, and the General Arab Insurance Federation (GAIF) Conference, which collectively brought thousands of visitors to the state-of-the-art facility. Other landmark events included the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) World Congress and the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) 18th Annual Forum, which combined welcomed over 5,000 delegates from more than 80 countries to Oman.
Kate Lancaster, CEO of RCOG highlighted Oman’s strategic advantage in hosting international events: “Oman has amazing facilities, such a central location for the whole of the Gulf region and beyond, very easy to get to and a beautifully welcoming country, so this was the perfect location for a global event.” Her sentiments were echoed by many participants at the RCOG World Congress, who recognised both Oman and the OCEC as ideal hosts for world-class gatherings.
The economic impact of these events has been profound. The GPCA Forum generated an estimated $33 million in direct and indirect economic benefits, boosting local suppliers and tourism stakeholders. Similarly, the GAIF Conference contributed an estimated $9 million to Oman’s economy, underscoring the significant influence that global gatherings have on the Sultanate of Oman’s financial landscape.
Eng Said al Shanfari, CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre expressed his pride in the venue’s achievements: “International events are truly the essence of why the OCEC was built in the first place. Our state-of-the-art venue is versatile, modern, and sustainable — reuniting all the factors required to host world-class events. It is vital for us to understand the economic ripple effect these events have, not only on our direct suppliers but also on external stakeholders such as hotels, local SMEs and other services. These events firmly position Oman on the global map across diverse sectors, while attracting foreign direct investments to the country. Ultimately, the OCEC remains a platform for global conversations that benefit Oman.”
Looking ahead to 2025, the OCEC is set to host several high-profile events, including Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue and Third ISC General Assembly Muscat, the 22nd Arab Association of Urology Congress, the ICANN Annual General Meeting, and the Green Hydrogen Summit 2025. These events reflect the growing demand for the venue and its ability to deliver a world-class experience.
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