MUSCAT, DEC 22
Since taking the helm as CEO of the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC), Eng Said bin Salim al Shanfari has led the company through a remarkable journey of growth, sustainability and international recognition. His leadership philosophy, rooted in purpose and collaboration, has driven the OCEC to achieve significant milestones in the global business tourism industry.
A PIVOTAL TURN
Eng Said al Shanfari’s path to becoming a CEO was guided by a deep desire to empower others and contribute to Oman’s global standing in the events and tourism sector. His career took a pivotal turn in 2017 when he joined Oman’s National CEO Programme, which he credits for sharpening his leadership skills.
In an interview with Observer, “When I was offered the position of CEO at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, it felt like a natural fit — not just for my career aspirations but also for my personal vision. I saw this role as an opportunity to contribute to Oman’s positioning as a top global destination for business tourism,” he shared.
MILESTONES IN SUSTAINABILITY AND ECONOMIC IMPACT
Under Al Shanfari’s leadership, sustainability has become a core pillar of OCEC’s strategy. The centre’s green initiatives include the recent launch of a 4.6 MWp rooftop solar project in partnership with TotalEnergies Renewables. This project underscores the OCEC’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting Oman’s renewable energy goals.
“This initiative not only highlights our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint but also supports Oman’s renewable energy goals. It was an honour to present this project at the Forbes Middle East Sustainability Summit,” he noted.
OCEC’s sustainability efforts earned the prestigious “Sustainable Initiative Project of the Year” award at the 2024 Sustainability Innovation Awards — a proud moment for the entire team.
Beyond environmental sustainability, OCEC has driven significant economic impact by hosting high-profile international events. In 2024 alone, the centre hosted 14 major events, including the Middle East Space Conference and the GPCA Forum, which generated an estimated $33 million in economic benefits.
CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Madinat Al Irfan Theatre, part of the OCEC complex, has emerged as a cultural hub, hosting sold-out performances by global artists such as comedians Bassem Youssef and Maz Jobrani, as well as singer Assala. Al Shanfari hopes to attract even bigger names in the future, further enhancing Oman’s cultural and tourism appeal.
Reflecting on OCEC’s community-focused initiatives, he said, “When the pandemic struck, we transformed our venue into a vaccination centre, enabling thousands of people to get vaccinated. This experience reinforced the importance of staying true to our vision and values, even during difficult times.”
LEADERSHIP BUILT ON COLLABORATION AND TRUST
Al Shanfari’s leadership style is defined by collaboration, trust and empowering his team. He believes that fostering a culture of openness and innovation has been key to OCEC’s success.
“My approach isn’t top-down; it’s about creating an environment where ideas can flow freely and everyone feels empowered to contribute,” he explained.
One notable example is the formation of OCEC’s “Green Team,” which brings together employees from various departments to drive sustainability initiatives. Their collective efforts have helped keep sustainability at the forefront of the company’s operations.
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
As Chairman of UFI’s MEA region, Al Shanfari has a strategic perspective on the future of the events industry. He envisions OCEC playing a central role in shaping the global exhibition sector by embracing innovation, digital transformation and sustainable practices.
“We aim to remain competitive by continuously investing in innovative solutions, enhancing our digital capabilities and creating authentic, engaging experiences for our clients and audiences,” he concluded.
With a clear vision and a purpose-driven leadership style, Eng Said al Shanfari continues to steer the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre towards greater sustainability, economic impact and international recognition. His journey serves as an inspiring model for aspiring leaders in Oman and beyond.
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