ENG. SAID AL SHANFARI

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Eng. Said Al Shanfari is the Chief Executive Officer of the Oman Convention and Exhibition, the Sultanate premier events venue. An expert in the business event industry, Al Shanfari also represents the wider region as Chairman of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) for the Middle East and Africa chapter. With over ten years in senior management roles, Al Shanfari started his career in the telecommunication sector, managing large marketing projects for Omantel and Oreedoo. In 2017, Al Shanfari completed Oman’s National CEO Programme which prepared Oman’s brightest talent to compete in the global marketplace with an aim to build the next generation of Omani leaders. A leading voice in Oman, Al Shanfari was selected as one of the Top 100 Most Influential CEOs in Oman & OER Innovative CEO of the year in 2023. Al Shanfari holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Hull and a double Bachelor’s from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, in Computer Management and Information Systems, as well as Business Administration and International Business. He has completed additional leadership and management courses from the London Business School and the IMD Business School and is a qualified Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation.

HASSAN AL LAWATI

DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS & GOVERNMENT LIAISON

Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (OCEC) Board of Directors appoints the former Deputy General Manager of Oman International Exhibition Centre Hassan Ramadhan Suleiman Al Lawati, as the Director of Corporate Affairs and Government Liaison. Hassan's career spans 34 years of experience in the private and government sector, including the Office of Deputy Prime Minister for Finance and Economy (Ministry of Finance) and Office of the Special Advisor for His Majesty for External Liaison for 12 years. As successful banker with Oman International Bank (OIB) doing impactful and growth-oriented work, and building collaborative and customer-oriented products he steered the bank to a record-breaking growth in revenue and profit. He has also held the post of former Deputy General Manager of Oman International Exhibition Centre.

SAMIRA HILAL AL-NAAMANI

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES

Samira Al-Naamani serves in the position of Director of Finance and Corporate Services at Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, after joining the team in 2015. Her responsibilities include key stakeholder communications, implementation and management of company-wide financial systems, reporting and budget development, among many others. Al-Naamani brings with her an impressive history of experience in finance and accounts across the hospitality and tourism sector. Having joined the pre-opening team at Grand Hyatt Muscat, she went on to spend 18 years with the company, working her way to the position of Director of Finance and Administration. She holds an Associate Degree in Finance and Accounting from Modern College of Business and Science in Muscat, Oman.

MANAL AL KIYUMI

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Manal Al Kiyumi embarked on her journey with Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) in 2018, initially as the Marketing & Communications Manager, and her dedication and excellence led to her promotion to the role of Marketing & Communications Director by 2023. Her professional achievements extend beyond her time at OCEC. In 2022, she successfully completed The National Leadership Programme (Etimad) offered by the Royal Academy of Management, a testament to her commitment to personal and professional growth. With over 11 years of experience in various communication disciplines, including internal communications, public relations, corporate social responsibility, and journalism, Manal has established herself as a seasoned expert in her field. Prior to joining OCEC, Al Kiyumi held the position of Head of Communications with ASYAD Group – Oman’s flagship logistics group. Manal Al Kiyumi holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Information Studies, specializing in Journalism, earned from the American University of Dubai. Additionally, she has expanded her knowledge with a Certificate in Middle Eastern Studies, reflecting her dedication to a well-rounded education and an ever-evolving career.

NAGENDRAN NAIDU

DIRECTOR OF EVENT OPERATIONS

In Event Operations, OCEC has brought in Mr. Nagendran Naidu, who will oversee all event related operations. Mr. Naidu brings to OCEC over 26 years of event industry experience, having worked in various arenas, including hotels and large venues around the world. He is highly skilled in all aspects of business events activities, such as venue and facility management, strategic event planning, Food & Beverage operations, and Audio-Visual roll-out. Mr. Naidu’s role at OCEC will be to transfer his knowledge and expertise to young, up-and-coming Omani leaders in the industry.