ES. At the onset, could you please tell us about your background and how your journey in the MICE industry began?
Said Salim Al Shanfari. My career began in telecommunications with major players in Oman, where I managed large-scale marketing projects. In 2017, I completed Oman’s National CEO Programme, which sharpened my leadership abilities and prepared me to compete on a global stage. Transitioning into the MICE industry felt like a natural progression, and leading the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) has allowed me to channel my passion for economic development while positioning Oman as a key destination for international events.
In addition to my role at OCEC, I also serve as Chairman of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) for the Middle East and Africa. This position gives me the opportunity to represent and promote the region’s potential within the global business events industry, driving collaboration and unlocking new opportunities across borders. Thanks to UFI, I am also able to visit other markets, like Germany for the UFI Congress 2024, but also India more recently during a UFI delegation visit to Mumbai and New Dehli in August. It’s rewarding to contribute to both OCEC’s growth and the advancement of the wider region’s events landscape.
Think beyond conventional formats and view challenges as opportunities. Our venues are blank canvases where you can bring your vision to life – whether that’s in sustainability, digital innovation, or inclusivity. We can create spaces that not only host events but drive meaningful conversations and shape the future of our industry, region, and world.
ES. As the CEO of one of the Middle East’s premier convention and exhibition centres, what are the key responsibilities and challenges you face in ensuring that OCEC remains competitive on a global scale?
Said Salim Al Shanfari. The role of a CEO extends beyond promoting the venue itself; it’s about positioning the country as a leading destination for business events. Our aim is to stay ahead in areas such as technology, sustainability, and customer experience to meet the needs of event organisers. At the OCEC, we thrive in seeing challenges as opportunities for growth. When the COVID pandemic hit, our venue was transformed into a vaccination centre, showcasing to adapt our venue to external demands. During a recent workshop at the ICCA Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi, we discussed that creativity, flexibility, and innovation are key drivers of long-term success for any venue. These qualities have become central to how we operate at OCEC.
ES. What do you think makes OCEC an attractive venue?
Said Salim Al Shanfari. OCEC stands out for many reasons. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure supports events of any size, from smaller gatherings to large international conferences. Our LEED Gold-certified building reflects a commitment to sustainability, with intelligent design that maximises natural light and airflow, reducing environmental impact while providing a comfortable environment for delegates. Our location within Oman’s, 15 minutes away from the airport, seamless access to high-end hotels, including the upcoming JW Marriott and Crowne Plaza is also a competitive advantage. But what truly sets us apart is the experience we deliver – whether through Omani hospitality or offering delegates the chance to explore the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Our strength is being in Oman, surrounded by incredible sceneries, with modern infrastructure, giving delegates the most enjoyable experience.
ES. How does OCEC contribute to Oman’s vision of becoming a leading destination for the business events industry?
Said Salim Al Shanfari. OCEC plays a pivotal role in Oman’s ambition to be a key player in the global business events industry. We act as a gateway for international organisers and associations, enhancing Oman’s visibility as both a business hub and tourism destination. When we host high-profile conferences and exhibitions across sectors such as energy and healthcare, we support our nation’s Vision 2040 by bringing international stakeholders to Oman, creating impactful discussions and opening new sectors of growth for our countyr. We are also part of a larger tourism ecosystem through our group company OMRAN, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and private stakeholders like Oman Airports. Our ability to build strong partnerships across public and private sectors can only strengthen our position and supports Oman’s destination growth.
ES. Can you share some of the sustainability initiatives implemented at OCEC?
Said Salim Al Shanfari. Sustainability is embedded in everything we do. Our LEED Gold-certified architecture reflects a commitment to reducing environmental impact, with features that maximise natural light. We also prioritise waste management, recycling, and sustainable catering practices, working with local suppliers to minimise our carbon footprint.
A recent partnership with TotalEnergies Renewables Middle East & Africa further highlights our sustainability efforts. We’ve launched a 4.6-megawatt rooftop solar project, which will generate 7,805 megawatt-hours of solar energy annually – covering approximately one-fourth of OCEC’s electricity needs. This collaboration demonstrates how corporate partnerships can drive meaningful change and reinforces our commitment to sustainable operations.
ES. Highlight the significant events that have taken place at the centre.
Said Salim Al Shanfari. Over the years, OCEC has hosted numerous high-profile events across various sectors. These include the General Arab Insurance Federation Conference (2024), the World Veteran Table Tennis Championship (2023), the Middle East Space Conference (2024), the International Occupational Health Summit (2024), the UFI Congress (2022) and, more recently, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists World Congress (2024). These events highlight both the versatility of our venue and the expertise of our in-house teams. In many cases, support from local associations has been instrumental in securing international conferences that add real value to the country.
ES. What are the current trends in the region’s MICE industry, and how is OCEC adapting?
Said Salim Al Shanfari. Several trends are shaping the MICE industry in the region, with sustainability being a top priority. There is increasing demand for green venues that offer solutions to reduce the environmental impact of events, particularly following UAE’s hosting of COP28 in 2023. We are also witnessing a surge in demand for hybrid event formats and experiential gatherings. The key is not only to offer cutting-edge facilities but to promote the unique cultural and natural attractions of the host country. For OCEC, this means positioning Oman as a destination that offers not just great events, but memorable experiences for delegates. The GCC region is experiencing strong growth in the MICE sector, and with market share expected to rise, the ability to stand out becomes crucial. OCEC remains agile by continually innovating, strengthening regional collaborations, and showcasing Oman’s distinctive offerings.
