Latest news with #SaidAlShanfari
Times of Oman
23-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre and TotalEnergies officially commission a landmark solar PV rooftop project
Muscat: The Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) based in Muscat, in collaboration with TotalEnergies Renewables Distributed Generation Middle East & Africa and with the support of OMRAN Group, has officially commissioned its solar rooftop project, now fully operational and powering the venue with clean solar energy since early 2025. The project agreement was signed in March 2024, with construction commencing immediately thereafter. Completed in record time, the installation comprises 8,300 state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic (PV) modules spanning 16,600 square metres across the OCEC's Atrium and Exhibition Halls rooftops. For perspective, this area is equivalent to 63 tennis courts, or two full-sized football pitches now covered with high-efficiency solar panels. Designed to significantly reduce the venue's carbon footprint, the system is expected to avoid approximately 3,300 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually amounting to over 72,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided over the project's lifetime. In addition to generating around 25% of OCEC's total energy needs, the PV modules offer added benefits such as lowering indoor temperatures by providing shade and protecting the roof from direct UV and rain exposure, contributing to further energy savings. This initiative represents a major step in OCEC's wider sustainability journey, in line with Oman's national Net Zero 2050 ambitions. It complements a range of ongoing efforts, including the venue's LEED Gold certification, the development of a biodiverse garden, regular food donations, a robust waste recycling program, and close collaboration with local suppliers and SMEs to implement further sustainable solutions. Commenting on the launch, Eng. Said Al Shanfari, CEO of Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, said: 'This project is a major milestone in our ambition to become a more sustainable venue. It's not only a positive step for our local environment, but also a strategic move to meet the growing demand from international event organisers seeking green and future ready destinations. It also reflects the strength of partnerships: our collaboration with TotalEnergies Renewables Distributed Generation Middle East & Africa enabled us to deliver a highly efficient, high-impact solution tailored to our venue's needs.' Completed by Hamady SY, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Renewables Distributed Generation Middle East & Africa: 'We are honored to provide clean energy to major exhibition centers such as OCEC, contributing to a more sustainable future in the Sultanate of Oman. This collaboration represents another step forward in accelerating the adoption of renewable energy in the region.' The system has already begun reducing emissions and supplying green power to events hosted at the Centre. Many events taking place at the OCEC will be benefiting from this new initiative, including the upcoming beneficiaries is Oman Sustainability Week, set to take place from 12–15 May 2025, which will be partly powered by this renewable energy source.
Muscat Daily
09-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre becomes a Ramadan destination for Iftars
Muscat – The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) has established itself as the premier venue for corporate iftars in Oman, hosting some of the country's leading companies under its annual Layali Al Irfan campaign. This year, OCEC is expanding its offerings with public iftars in the stunning Exhibition Gardens, allowing visitors to break their fast outdoors, in a serene and green environment. In collaboration with the five-star JW Marriott hotel, OCEC continues to provide tailored indoor iftar experiences for companies in Oman in its Junior and Grand Ballrooms as well as exhibition halls. In the first two weeks of Ramadan only, the venue is already booked out by major organisations including Ahli Bank, OQEP, the Ministry of Awqaf & Religious Affairs, Towell Group, Muscat Private Hospital, Abraj Energy Services, and OMRAN Group for exclusive gatherings. With its one-stop-shop services, OCEC ensures seamless experience, managing every aspect of event planning from catering to décor. A highlight this year is the introduction of outdoor public iftars, a direct response to OCEC's growing popularity as a Ramadan hub, particularly during Eid shopping events. Hundreds of SMEs are set to exhibit at consumer shows like Dar Al Atta'a Exhibition (6–8 March) and Chic Expo (19–22 March), drawing large crowds to the venue. The public iftar, organised in partnership with Go Kiks, offers a serene dining experience with convenient access to the exhibition area. Visitors can enjoy a curated menu, blending traditional Ramadan dishes with contemporary flavours, all in a relaxed, simple, open-air setting. As part of its CSR efforts, OCEC has partnered with Dar Al Atta'a to provide vouchers for exhibition staff, ensuring they can break their fast without disrupting their work. A donation screen will also be placed in the public iftar tent to support charitable contributions, allowing guests to give back to the community during the holy month. Additionally, OCEC is also the host venue to the Layali Al Irfan Festival, organised by OMRAN Group from 4 to 30 March. The festival will feature over 50 local entrepreneurs showcasing their products, along with family-friendly entertainment, prize draws, a sports zone, interactive gaming sessions, and live performances, further enhancing the venue's role as a key Ramadan destination. Eng. Said Al Shanfari, CEO of OCEC, commented: 'This year, our team has gone above and beyond to create an inclusive Ramadan experience for both corporate and public guests. The versatility of our venue and the creativity of our staff continue to make OCEC the leading choice for impactful iftar events. We are proud to offer a setting that brings people together in the spirit of Ramadan, whether for business gatherings or community celebrations.' Public iftars will run until 22 March, with bookings required at Prices are 10 OMR per adult, 6 OMR for children aged 7–12, and free for children under 6. Corporates can book their iftars by contacting [email protected].
Trade Arabia
06-03-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre to host ICANN AGM
Oman's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), in collaboration with the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), has secured the bid to host the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2025. The event, set to take place from October 25 to 30 at the OCEC, will be hosted by the TRA, with the venue supporting the successful delivery of the event. The ICANN AGM is the organisation's most significant annual gathering, serving as a crucial forum for shaping global policies related to the Domain Name System (DNS), Internet governance, and technological advancements. The meeting will bring together a diverse group of global stakeholders from government officials to private sector leaders, civil society representatives, and technical experts, with the aim to discuss transparency, accountability, and capacity-building initiatives that support the evolving digital landscape. Speaking from the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona, where game-changing technologies are being presented, Omar Al Qatabi, Vice-President of the Telecom Regulatory Sector at TRA, reflected on the significance of the ICANN event in October: 'Hosting the ICANN Annual General Meeting in Oman is a testament to the country's strategic position in the global digital landscape. This event will not only bring influential stakeholders to the Sultanate but also enhance Oman's contribution to shaping the future of Internet governance.' As the host venue, the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre is playing a key role in supporting Oman's ambition to attract world-class events. Commenting on the significance of hosting the ICANN AGM, OCEC's Chief Executive Officer, Eng Said Al Shanfari said: 'We are proud to welcome ICANN 2025 to OCEC. This event reinforces Oman's growing reputation as a premier destination for global conferences, with state-of-the-art facilities that foster meaningful discussions and drive innovation. Hosting international events like these brings both direct and indirect economic benefits, injecting new innovative perspectives and contributing to the broader growth of our economy. We look forward to delivering an outstanding experience for ICANN's international delegates.'
Times of Oman
06-03-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre becomes a Ramadan destination for Iftars
Muscat:The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) has established itself as the premier venue for corporate iftars in Oman, hosting some of the country's leading companies under its annual Layali Al Irfan campaign. This year, OCEC is expanding its offerings with public iftars in the stunning Exhibition Gardens, allowing visitors to break their fastoutdoors,in a serene and green environment. In collaboration with the five-star JW Marriott hotel, OCEC continues to provide tailored indoor iftar experiences for companies in Oman in its Junior and Grand Ballrooms as well as exhibition halls. In the first two weeks of Ramadan only, the venue is already booked out by major organisationsincluding Ahli Bank, OQEP, the Ministry of Awqaf & Religious Affairs, Towell Group, Muscat Private Hospital, Abraj Energy Services, and OMRAN Group for exclusive gatherings. With its one-stop-shop services, OCEC ensures seamless experience, managing every aspect of event planning from catering to décor. A highlight this year is the introduction of outdoor public iftars, a direct response to OCEC's growing popularity as a Ramadan hub, particularly during Eid shopping events. Hundreds of SMEs are set to exhibit at consumer shows like Dar Al Atta'a Exhibition (6–8 March) and Chic Expo (19–22 March), drawing large crowds to the venue. The public iftar, organised in partnership with Go Kiks, offers a serene dining experience with convenient access to the exhibition area. Visitors can enjoy a curated menu, blending traditional Ramadan dishes with contemporary flavours, all in a relaxed, simple, open-air setting. As part of its CSR efforts, OCEC has partnered with Dar Al Atta'a to provide vouchers for exhibition staff, ensuring they can break their fast without disrupting their work. A donation screen will also be placed in the public iftar tent to support charitable contributions, allowing guests to give back to the community during the holy month. Additionally, OCEC is also the host venue to the Layali Al Irfan Festival, organised by OMRAN Group from 4 to 30 March. The festival will feature over 50 local entrepreneurs showcasing their products, along with family-friendly entertainment, prize draws, a sports zone, interactive gaming sessions, and live performances, further enhancing the venue's role as a key Ramadan destination. Eng. Said Al Shanfari, CEO of OCEC, commented: 'This year, our team has gone above and beyond to create an inclusive Ramadan experience for both corporate and public guests. The versatility of our venue and the creativity of our staff continue to make OCEC the leading choice for impactful iftar events. We are proud to offer a setting that brings people together in the spirit of Ramadan, whether for business gatherings or community celebrations.' Public iftars will run until 22 March, with bookings required at Prices are 10 OMR per adult, 6 OMR for children aged 7–12, and free for children under 6. Corporates can book their iftars by contacting [email protected].
