Thursday, May 29, 2025
The Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) in Muscat is rapidly establishing itself as a premier destination in the Middle East for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. As the Sultanate pursues its ambitious economic diversification and sustainability goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040, the OCEC is becoming a flagship symbol of this transformation, combining modern architecture, green initiatives, and authentic Omani hospitality to attract global business tourism.
Strategic Alignment with Oman Vision 2040
Oman Vision 2040, the Sultanate’s long-term development plan, emphasizes economic diversification, sustainable development, and enhancing Oman’s global competitiveness in various sectors including tourism and business events. The OCEC reflects these priorities by providing a state-of-the-art facility that supports these goals through infrastructure that reduces environmental impact and promotes cultural heritage.
The centre’s commitment to sustainability, digital innovation, and international business tourism contributes directly to Oman’s goal of transforming Muscat into a hub for regional and global trade and knowledge exchange.
Showcasing at Arabian Travel Market 2025 and IBTM
OCEC made a significant impact at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2025, where it presented a fresh vision for business tourism rooted in sustainability and Omani cultural authenticity. This platform allowed Oman to position itself as a rising player in the MICE industry, underscoring its dedication to responsible tourism and innovation.
In 2025, OCEC participated for the first time in IBTM, one of the world’s foremost exhibitions for the meetings industry. This debut marked a milestone in Oman’s MICE journey — positioning the centre not merely as a venue, but as a movement championing sustainable and culturally grounded business events on a global stage.
Commitment to Sustainability and Green Infrastructure
At the core of OCEC’s operational philosophy is sustainability. The centre boasts over 8,300 solar panels, contributing significantly to renewable energy generation on-site. It aims to achieve Platinum certification in sustainability, reflecting stringent environmental standards in design, construction, and operations.
OCEC incorporates several green initiatives, including:
- Waste composting and food reduction programs to minimize environmental impact.
- Cultivation of organic gardens providing fresh produce for onsite dining, promoting farm-to-table practices.
- Sourcing local natural products such as mountain roses and Omani honey, supporting local farmers and artisanal communities.
These measures illustrate how the centre not only meets but exceeds environmental benchmarks, fostering a culture of sustainability within Oman’s tourism and business sectors.
Impressive Visitor Numbers and Economic Impact
In 2024, OCEC welcomed approximately 1.8 million visitors, surpassing expectations and reinforcing its status as a magnet for regional and international events. This influx demonstrates the facility’s capacity to host major conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events that boost local tourism and contribute to Oman’s economic diversification efforts.
Events such as Oman Hospitality Week have been successfully hosted at OCEC, with plans for expanded editions that further stimulate economic growth and cultural exchange.
The Human Element: Authentic Hospitality and Experience
Sheikha Al Mugheiry, Sales Manager at OCEC, emphasizes the centre’s unique blend of technology and genuine hospitality:
“The OCEC is about authentic love and genuine hospitality. Our team’s dedication ensures every visitor experiences not just world-class facilities but a warm, culturally rich environment.”
This ethos of hospitality, rooted in Omani tradition, sets the centre apart, enriching the visitor experience and fostering long-term relationships with global partners.
Infrastructure and Digital Innovation
Beyond its environmental initiatives, OCEC integrates cutting-edge technology to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The centre’s digital infrastructure supports seamless event management, smart building operations, and advanced connectivity, positioning it as a model for future-ready convention centres.
Government Support and Strategic Importance
The Ministry of Tourism of Oman strongly supports the OCEC’s role as a catalyst for tourism and business growth. The centre aligns with national strategies promoting sustainable tourism and international collaboration, essential for achieving Vision 2040 targets.
The Ministry highlights the importance of developing high-quality tourism infrastructure to attract global events and diversify Oman’s economic base beyond hydrocarbons.
A Rising Star in the Global MICE Landscape
OCEC’s rapid rise reflects a broader trend in the Middle East, where sustainable development and cultural authenticity are becoming critical differentiators in attracting business events. The centre’s unique positioning — combining environmental stewardship, digital innovation, and Omani heritage — sets a new benchmark for convention centres worldwide.
Its expanding network of partnerships, both regionally and internationally, fuels ongoing growth and elevates Oman’s profile on the global business tourism map.
Summary
- Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) emerges as a leader in sustainable MICE infrastructure.
- Aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the centre supports economic diversification and sustainable development.
- Over 8,300 solar panels and a Platinum sustainability goal demonstrate environmental leadership.
- In 2024, OCEC served 1.8 million visitors, exceeding pre-pandemic and regional benchmarks.
- The centre features local sourcing, waste reduction, and organic gardens to promote sustainability.
- Debuted at Arabian Travel Market 2025 and IBTM, showcasing Oman’s blend of tradition and innovation.
- Strong government backing through the Ministry of Tourism supports OCEC’s strategic role.
- Positioned as a future travel hub of Northern Europe, OCEC fosters authentic hospitality and high-tech event management.
