Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre hosts first major international event of 2025
Muscat: The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) proudly hosted the Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue and the International Science Council (ISC) Third General Assembly, marking the first major international event of the year at Oman's premier venue.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Asaad bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Special Representative of His Majesty, the event brought together 415 scientists, policymakers, funders, and educators from 132 countries, and showcased Oman's growing role as a hub for global dialogue.
The gathering concluded with the adoption of the Muscat Declaration, advocating for equitable access to knowledge, transformative science systems, and stronger global collaboration.
The ISC and the Oman's Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of Oman also signed a letter of intent to establish a Regional Focal Point in Muscat to strengthen cooperation on science, technology and innovation within and beyond the region. This landmark gathering sets the stage for a vibrant 2025 calendar, with several high-profile events on the horizon for the OCEC.
The forum aimed to bridge dialogue across sectors, fostering collaboration to advance science and inspire impactful discussions. Dr. Salvatore Aricò, CEO of the ISC, praised OCEC for its exceptional facilities and seamless organisation, stating that they "created an ideal environment conducive to meaningful exchanges among scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and experts."
Fuad Musafir, Director of Sales at OCEC, added: 'Our venue is purpose-built to host international events like the Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue and the ISC General Assembly. We are set to welcome more international events this year, building Oman's visibility as a key business events destination. With a fully booked calendar, 2025 is shaping up to be one of OCEC's most successful years yet.'
The ISC General Assembly marks the start of a dynamic year for OCEC, which is set to host a series of high-profile events in 2025. Notably, OCEC and Oman's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority have secured the bid for the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Annual General Meeting in October. The venue will also welcome the Society of Petroleum Engineers' International Hydro Fracture Technology Conference (SPE IHFTC) hosted by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) in September, followed by the 8th IATIS International Conference in December.
As Oman continues to position itself as a destination for impactful global events, the OCEC remains at the forefront, offering unparalleled facilities and experiences for delegates from around the world.
-Ends-
MEDIA ENQUIRIES - PLEASE CONTACT:
Manal Al Kiyumi – Marketing & Communications Director
Email: malkiyumi@ocec.om
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.
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