Latest news with #SaidalShanfari
Muscat Daily
23-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman's exhibition centre, TotalEnergies commission solar 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 16,600sqm 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. 'This project is a major milestone in our ambition to become a more sustainable venue,' said Said al Shanfari, CEO of the exhibition centre.
Observer
13-02-2025
- Business
- Observer
People and businesses gear up for Ramadhan
With the holy month of Ramadhan approaching, both citizens and expatriates, as well as the business community in the country, are already busy making plans to make the month more spiritually and materially beneficial. Hotels are planning various iftar and suhoor programmes in advance, while commercial outlets are clearing out old stock to make way for new stock as Ramadhan and Eid Al Fitr make up six months of their business. "Ramadhan is our busiest month, constituting half of our annual business. We create new promotional programmes to attract customers and try to retain all our staff by scheduling their annual holidays for other months. Additionally, we provide compensatory time off for staff working overtime during the month," a general manager of a leading hypermarket chain told the Observer. KA Shabeer, Regional Director of Lulu Hypermarkets, said, "We are running a sixty-day raffle draw for 6 cars nationwide to encourage all customers to participate. We will be giving away six Nissan Pathfinders through our stores across Oman." For hotels, Ramadhan is a time to showcase their spiritual and commercial interests by keeping their restaurants closed during the day and preparing for evening meals, iftar and suhoor. "We plan iftar and suhoor packages months in advance to make up for lost business during the day. The quality of food, service and ambiance makes a difference for our customers during the month," said a representative of a luxury hotel. The Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), Oman's iconic venue for international events and MICE events, is preparing to welcome guests this year as well. CEO of OCEC, Eng Said al Shanfari, stated, "The OCEC has been a popular venue for corporate iftars in recent years, welcoming leading companies in Oman. This year, we are expanding to individuals, ensuring our venue becomes a vibrant hub for connection and celebration for all. Whether enjoying the cooler weather in our outdoor Ramadhan tents or our versatile indoor spaces, we are proud to provide unforgettable experiences for all our visitors." In addition, OCEC will also host two of Muscat's most anticipated shopping events during the month: the Chic Expo and Dar al Atta exhibitions, which aim to create a one-stop destination for dining, entertainment and Eid preparations during the holy month of Ramadhan.
