04 April 2017
Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre hosts over 50 events in 6 months

Muscat - The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) has successfully hosted 55 regional and international events, since its doors first opened six months ago in October 2016. Representing a catalyst for change the iconic venue has made significant strides towards developing the Business Events sector in Oman as it continues to attract local, regional and international events.

With a skilled bidding process and development team, OCEC has fought off strong international competition to win prestigious conventions including the 2019 International Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (SICOT) World Congress with up to 3,000 delegates expected. In addition this December, the Airports Council International ACI Airport Exchange, from 5-7 December will bring together the world’s airport community for the largest event in the ACI calendar, to the Sultanate. Since last September, OCEC has hosted the international IGN Convention and the Output Exhibition for the government's National Programme for Enhancing Economic Diversification (Tanfeedh). OCEC has also hosted a number of national and international exhibitions during the last few months including; Lebanese Week in Muscat, the Oman Bride Show, the Iran Solo Country Exhibition,  the Oman Ophthalmic Conference, the Motor Show Oman 2016, the 7th United International Public Transport (UITP) and MENA Assembly & Training Sessions and the largest event in Oman; the Muscat International Book Fair.

The next few months will see a number of high profile events at OCEC including the International Medical Tourism Exhibition and Conference (IMTEC), the Oman Energy & Water Exhibition and Conference in addition to Electro Oman, Infra Oman, Agro Oman, Edutrac and others.  The 27th Edition of Oman’s prominent event for IT, Telecom & Technology, COMEX has just taken place together with the 1st Edition of a Smart City Summit and both events have been proclaimed a great success.

Trevor McCartney, General Manager of OCEC said, “Six-months marks a milestone in the success of our operations, and it is fantastic to see what we have accomplished so far. At OCEC, it is our goal to become the central hub for business events in the Arabian Gulf and to provide a world-class experience for clients and guests alike. By hosting local and international exhibitions, OCEC is contributing to the diversification of Oman’s economy and bringing new and exciting events to the region.”

He added, “As we look ahead to our future, we remain focused on collaborating with local organisations and supporting SMEs, as well positioning Oman as an appealing destination for global and regional business events.”

OCEC will soon reveal details of its Layali Ramadan programme for the holy month of Ramdan.  It is set to feature Iftar Layali, Suhour Layali, a Souq Layali, sporting activities including the Koooora Corporate Football Tournament,  a special children’s area and plenty of interactive activities  with something for everyone  - “OCEC is the place to be at Ramadan”.

-Ends-

About OCEC
The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC), the pillar project of Oman officially opened for business in October this year when the exhibition centre, hospitality suites and concourse opened and this will be followed the convention centre and associated facilities in December 2017. 

OCEC is located in its own fully integrated precinct only four kilometres from Muscat International Airport. Owned and developed by Omran, the centre forms part of phase 1 of Madinat Al Irfan, an exciting new urban centre.

The precinct includes a JW Marriot (five star hotel) linked to the Convention Centre and a Crowne Plaza (four star hotel) both opening in 2017. The area is surrounded by a nature reserve, which is a haven for Oman’s exotic birdlife, together with parklands and a wadi (valley) park, are also part of this picturesque precinct.

Features of the Centre will include a tiered theatre seating 3,200 people, plus an additional 450 auditorium and 20 dedicated meeting rooms, two luxury ballrooms, hospitality suites and 22,000 square metres of exhibition space – that is more than 55 different meeting space options.

To download imagery to support this release visit http://www.omanconvention.com/Gallery/Centre_Images.aspx

About Omran & AEG Ogden
OMRAN
Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) drives investment, growth and development of the rapidly growing tourism and real-estate sectors in the Sultanate of Oman. We are the master developers of major tourism, heritage and urban developments, delivering some of nation's most iconic destinations. Our projects create unique experiences that benefit the social and economic growth of the Sultanate.
Omran has a diverse portfolio of developments, hospitality assets and joint ventures that span across the Sultanate and contribute to growing the capacity of the Oman's tourism sector. Our key projects include Madinat Al Irfan Urban Centre; a 7.4 million sqm mixed-use development designed to the best international standards in urban planning and strategically linked to the nearby Muscat International Airport and the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre; the Sultanate's upcoming flagship business centre. Madinat Al Irfan will generate significant inbound revenues, and through Public Private Partnerships will increase capital retention within the local economy which is estimated to contribute OMR 450-500 million annually to the Sultanate's GDP upon completion.

We are also the master developers of Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront, that is set to be one of the top waterfront destinations in the region. The project is centred around the timeless scenery of Muttrah's historic port, fort and mountains. The first phase of the waterfront will be delivered in time for the upcoming global events in the region such as Expo 2020 and the FIFA 2022 World Cup. It will consist of various hospitality, lifestyle, and entertainment, cultural zones as well as residential units that will redefine the experience of Muscat and provide investors with a significant opportunity to participate in a unique and unparalleled marketplace offering.

We develop relationships that create solid foundations for future economic diversification and prosperity of Oman, as well as providing outstanding long-term investment opportunities for private and public sector companies. Omran 's proven track record of delivering tourism projects to a world-class standard is an outcome of our commitment to integrity, transparency and collaboration. By working in partnership with local communities and embracing the unique aspects of Oman's culture and heritage, we built sustainability into every project while safeguarding the natural beauty of the country for the future generations.

AEG Ogden
AEG Ogden is part of AEG Facilities of the United States, a division of AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company.

AEG Ogden manages venues throughout the Asia Pacific and Middle East, including convention and exhibition centres in Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Kuala Lumpur, Oman, and the ICC Sydney; Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane; and arenas including the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and adjacent Sports Centre, Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Perth Arena, and Dubai Arena (opening December 2018). AEG Ogden is also the owner of National Basketball League (NBL) team, the Sydney Kings. More information aegogden.com

In addition, AEG Facilities operates the Los Angeles Convention Centre, Hawaii Convention Centre, and Puerto Rico Convention Centre. More information aegworldwide.com

© Press Release 2017