Oman’s burgeoning tourism sector received a significant boost in 2025, largely attributed to the success of the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC). The centre played a pivotal role in fostering a qualitative transformation in conferences and exhibitions tourism, generating an estimated OMR 15 million in direct economic impact and solidifying the Sultanate’s position as a premier destination for global events. This success story highlights Oman’s commitment to diversifying its economy and building a thriving knowledge-based society.
OCEC’s Economic Contribution in 2025
The figures released showcase a remarkable year for the OCEC. With the participation of over 20,000 delegates and investors hailing from approximately 60 countries, the centre hosted 15 major regional and international events. This influx of visitors had a ripple effect throughout the Omani economy, particularly benefitting the hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors. The impact went beyond simple revenue generation; it elevated Oman’s profile on the international stage.
A Multifaceted Event Hub
However, the OCEC wasn’t solely focused on large-scale international gatherings. Throughout 2025, the venue hosted more than 250 diverse events, including local conferences, cultural showcases, artistic performances, concerts, and even large graduation ceremonies. This comprehensive approach attracted a total of over 1.9 million visitors, participants, and investors, positioning the OCEC as a truly multi-use destination. It’s become a crucial space where cultures converge and sustainable economic and social growth is fostered.
Boosting Oman’s Tourism and Hospitality Sectors
The success of the OCEC directly translated to improved performance in related industries. Increased footfall led to significantly higher hotel occupancy rates across Muscat and surrounding areas. Restaurants, local businesses, and transportation services all experienced a surge in demand. This symbiotic relationship underscores the importance of strategic investment in tourism infrastructure for broader economic development.
According to Engineer Said bin Salim al Shanfari, CEO of the OCEC, these achievements reflect the centre’s core mission: to act as a national platform supporting Oman’s economy and strengthening its competitive edge in the global conferences and exhibitions tourism landscape. The OCEC’s performance is closely aligned with the ambitious goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040, which prioritizes economic diversification and the creation of a knowledge- and services-driven economy.
Collaboration for National Promotion
This alignment is achieved through a robust collaborative framework involving the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Oman Convention Bureau. This integrated national promotional strategy ensures a unified and effective approach to attracting high-caliber events to the Sultanate. This unified approach isn’t just about bringing events to Oman, it’s about showcasing everything the nation has to offer – its culture, history, and modern capabilities.
Sustainability at the Forefront
Beyond economic impact, the OCEC demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility throughout 2025. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but a core operational pillar, evidenced by the implementation of over four dedicated sustainability projects. These included expanding the utilization of solar energy, planting indigenous Omani fruit trees to enhance biodiversity, and actively pursuing food-waste reduction initiatives.
The “Preserving Blessings” program, in partnership with the Omani Food Bank, proved particularly successful, saving over 500 kilograms of food from waste. These efforts highlight the centre’s dedication to minimizing its environmental footprint and contributing positively to the Omani community. Such initiatives are crucial for responsible event management and attracting events aligning with global sustainability goals.
Supporting Local Businesses and Community Empowerment
The OCEC’s commitment extends to empowering the local Omani community. Throughout the year, the centre actively supported more than 100 small and medium enterprises (SMEs), providing them with valuable opportunities to showcase their products and services. Further highlighting its social impact, the venue hosted graduation ceremonies for over 65,000 students, acknowledging their achievements and investing in the future generation.
Cultivating Culture and Attracting Quality Events
The ongoing development of established annual national exhibitions, like the Oman Perfume Exhibition, the Muscat International Gold and Jewellery Exhibition, and the Muscat Art Exhibition, remained a key priority. These events cleverly blend economic activity with the promotion of Omani creativity and cultural heritage. Initiatives such as “Sports Flame” further broaden the appeal, fostering sports tourism and active community engagement.
Cultural and artistic events, including concerts and performances, drew over 11,000 visitors from both within Oman and internationally. These events contributed not only to the vibrancy of Muscat’s cultural scene but also to increased hotel occupancy rates and extended visitor stays. The OCEC is actively working to attract more high-quality events focusing on specialized sectors to further contribute to Oman’s economic growth.
Looking Ahead: OCEC’s Vision for the Future
Engineer Al Shanfari emphasized that the OCEC is strategically positioned for continued success. Through ongoing partnerships with national institutions and a compelling vision for the future, the centre aims to attract even more prestigious events and reinforce Oman’s position as a leading destination for business tourism. The goal is to seamlessly integrate business, culture, and society, driving sustainable economic growth and enhancing Oman’s global profile. The OCEC is not merely a venue; it is a catalyst for progress, playing a vital role in shaping a brighter future for the Sultanate.
The OCEC’s achievements in 2025 serve as a powerful testament to Oman’s growing capabilities in the conferences and exhibitions sector. For further information on upcoming events and opportunities, please visit the OCEC website and explore how you can be a part of Oman’s dynamic journey.
