OMAN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE GETS READY TO HOST UFI GLOBAL CONGRESS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE MIDDLE EAST IN TEN YEARS

News

OCEC, Muscat 13 November 2022

NOVEMBER 2022, MUSCAT, SULTANATE OF OMAN: From 14 – 17 November, Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) – one of Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) projects – will host the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s 89th Edition of the UFI Global Congress. 

OCEC won the bid to host the 2022 UFI Global Congress in 2018, and this edition will now mark the first time in ten years – since 2012 – that the international version of this largest annual gathering for the exhibition industry will take place in the Middle East. 

The 2022 UFI Global Congress will mark another milestone achievement for Muscat and Oman’s premier events and conferencing venue, as it reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to welcoming into the country world-class events together with the international community. 

The congress will be inaugurated by His Excellency Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and will offer a line-up of over fifty high-profile international speakers from all sectors of the industry – including as a highlight the Pakistani-Canadian Academy Award-winning filmmaker, journalist, and activist Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, who will deliver the keynote address for this 89th Edition. 


The UFI Global Congress is considered the largest global meeting of its kind for the international exhibitions and business events industry. This year’s congress will offer a look at the future of the exhibitions and events industry, and is set to host around 600 delegates, including over 550 UFI members from over fifty countries. 


Along with networking opportunities, attendees will have the chance to exchange innovative ideas, and gain new insights into the latest industry developments. The congress’ four-day program will cover topics such as the state of the economy, global risks and opportunities, and trends in the industry. It will also take a deep dive into transformational topics, like the industry’s sustainability agenda and talent narrative, as well as the integration of digital data gathering for creating high-value event experiences. 

In the lead-up to the 2022 UFI Global Congress, Eng. Said Al Shanfari, Chief Executive Officer, OCEC, stated: “The UFI choosing OCEC to host the Global Congress this year is a clear indication that Oman’s premier events venue is a global contender in the international exhibitions industry. The OCEC has been a member of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry since 2015, and we are now honoured to host what we promise will be a highly enriching and engaging 89th Edition. We have an excellent line-up of speakers who I am sure will add fascinating and valuable insights into the state of the global exhibitions industry today. I welcome all attendees who will soon be arriving in Oman for this landmark event – I am sure you will enjoy all that our beautiful country has to offer.”

Al Shanfari also pointed out that Oman’s hosting of the UFI Global Congress will contribute significant value to the local economy, adding that recent research findings in the business tourism sector indicate that at least one in four event delegates typically return to the event destination – often for a family vacation or similar experience – following their initial attendance, while business tourists usually spend three times more than tourists in other categories.  

As part of this year’s UFI Global Congress, the OCEC team is preparing a full “Oman Experience” for regional and international event delegates, wherein OCEC’s team will highlight the authenticity and beauty of Muscat and Oman via a series of visits to local tourism attractions – like the Muttrah Souq, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, National Museum, luxury 5 Star Hotels, and other sites. 

Leading up to the 2022 UFI Global Congress, the OCEC’s team thanked a number of local strategic partners for their valuable support: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism; Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion; and Muscat Municipality; OMRAN group, as well as OQ, Oman Airports, CONNECT, and Oman Air. 

The 89th UFI Global Congress 2022 will take place at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre in Muscat from 14 – 17 November 2022. The first three days of the congress will welcome registered attendees and UFI members, while the final day will be open for non-member guests and the general public. For more information, interested parties can visit the event’s official webpage www.uficongress.org or follow the UFI Global Congress hashtag #uficongress on social media. 




MEDIA ENQUIRIES - PLEASE CONTACT: 
Manal Al Kiyumi – Marketing & Communications Manager 
Email: malkiyumi@ocec.om
Telephone: +968 2423 3849
Website: www.ocec.om

ABOUT: OMAN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE
#WhereTheWorldMeets
Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre is a world class, fully integrated venue located in the Sultanate of Oman’s capital, Muscat. In 2022, the OCEC team proudly celebrates the venue as a place #WheretheWorldMeets

OCEC: The Pride of Oman
OCEC’s entire complex features awe-inspiring modern architecture, integrated throughout with contemporary as well as traditional Omani design elements. The venue’s grand design represents its grand purpose:  To be a vital part of the Sultanate’s ongoing growth story, and drive towards modernity and economic diversification – as envisioned by Oman’s late, beloved leader, Sultan Qaboos bin Said (1940 – 2020). 

World Class Events Destination
The OCEC is located in its own fully integrated precinct just four kilometers from Muscat International Airport. It offers a multitude of spaces for a multitude of events. These include a total of fifty-five modern meeting places, auditoriums and exhibition halls, VIP lounges, Grand and Junior ballrooms, two international hotels, and a business park. As a state-of-the-art venue, the OCEC includes one of the largest theatres in the GCC, and one of the region’s largest column-free exhibition spaces – among many other highlights. The layout includes expansive concourse areas to host large delegations, with large-scale floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking landscaped gardens and water features. There is also a multi-story car park with a capacity for 4,000 vehicles. As a part of OCEC, The Precinct provides the infrastructure necessary to host successful international, regional, and local events and is there for the enjoyment of delegates, visitors, and the local community. It includes the 5 Star JW Marriott Muscat Hotel linked to the Convention Centre itself, as well as the 4 Star Crowne Plaza OCEC Hotel. A business park, surrounded by a nature reserve, which is a haven for Oman’s exotic birdlife, together with parklands and a wadi river valley, also form part of The Precinct. 

Premier Venue: Premier Events
The OCEC has redefined the way trade, tourism and entertainment events are hosted in Oman. Be it a conference, a trade show, a business meeting, or a special, once-off event, OCEC's expert events team can step in and make event planning hassle-free by doing the heavy lifting for organizers. OCEC delivers a comprehensive portfolio of event hosting facilities and infrastructure – including some of the world’s most advanced Audio-Visual equipment; brought to life by the venue’s professional and highly talented team. Event organizers and all interested parties planning to host an event at Oman’s premier events destination can contact the OCEC team via the venue’s website www.ocec.om

Beautiful Oman
Regionally and internationally, Oman has earned a reputation as being a stable and peaceful nation, which welcomes foreigners to its beautiful shores. All visitors and event patrons making their way through OCEC’s doors are welcomed with Oman’s legendary warmth and friendliness. The country has a modern infrastructure, which links Oman to the world – and the world to Oman. Aligned with Oman’s 2040 Tourism vision, and broader Oman Vision 2040 strategy, the OCEC looks to continue strengthening existing partnerships, and establishing new business relationships among a growing list of local, regional, and international markets.

OCEC: A Greener Future
While the OCEC is committed to maintaining the highest standards in business and operational excellence, the venue is also committed to long term environmental sustainability. OCEC is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified complex and features many examples of green architectural design and landscaping. On an operational level, OCEC is committed to contributing toward a more sustainable planet, and positive carbon footprint activity associated with the entire complex.

OCEC & OMRAN
Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre is a flagship establishment in the Oman Tourism Development Company SAOC (OMRAN) portfolio of major tourism, heritage, urban and mixed-use projects. OMRAN drives the investment, growth, and development of the rapidly growing tourism sector in Oman and has a proven track record of delivering tourism and related projects to a world-class standard due to their core philosophy of sustainability, transparency, and partnering with renowned regional and international investors.