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. This regional perspective along with his achievements at the OCEC led him to be recognised by Forbes Middle East as one of the Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders in 2024. 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.

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.

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.

FUAD AL BALUSHI

DIRECTOR OF SALES

With 15 years of experience, Fuad is a seasoned sales specialist in tourism and business events, bringing a holistic approach shaped by his extensive background in tourism promotion through his previous role in OMRAN Group. As the head of OCEC’s Sales Department, he oversees the centre’s integrated sales strategy for both local and international events. His contributions to prestigious international and regional exhibitions have been instrumental in attracting world-class business events to Oman and OCEC. Fuad understands that achieving lasting success in sales, event planning, marketing, and branding requires more than expertise, it demands passion, determination, and continuous growth. An alumnus of Oman Tourism College, he now gives back by sharing his insights with students through guest lectures. Recognised as an industry leader, he was awarded the prestigious Next Generation Leader Grant by UFI in 2019 and later served as a judge for its 2020 edition.

falbulushi@ocec.om
Tel: +968 2423 3842

MANAL AL KIYUMI

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Manal Al Kiyumi joined the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) in 2018 as Marketing & Communications Manager, and through her dedication and expertise, she advanced to the role of Marketing & Communications Director in 2023. Her professional achievements extend beyond OCEC; in 2022, she successfully completed The National Leadership Programme (Etimad) at the Royal Academy of Management, underscoring her commitment to personal and professional growth. With over 11 years of experience across internal communications, public relations, corporate social responsibility, and journalism, Manal has established herself as a seasoned expert in the field. Before joining OCEC, she served as Head of Communications at ASYAD Group, Oman’s flagship logistics company. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and information studies with a specialisation in Journalism from the American University of Dubai. Additionally, she has enriched her knowledge with a Certificate in Middle Eastern Studies, reflecting her dedication to continuous learning and a well-rounded perspective.