The Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) is strategically located in Muscat. The venue attracts conferences, exhibitions, cultural events, and tourists to the capital of Oman, Muscat. The area around the OCEC is being developed into a modern business district. Meanwhile, the number of restaurants, hotels, and parks in the Madinat Al Irfan neighbourhood is increasing steadily. It is located around four kilometres from the international airport, making it a convenient location for both global business magnets and short-term visitors. In addition to business and entertainment opportunities, foodies, nature enthusiasts, and art lovers have ample opportunities to enjoy and explore the city from this base.
Muscat’s growing business and events hub
“Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) is expecting to hold more than 15 regional and international events in 2024. The centre experienced an exceptional rebound post-COVID-19 with around 1.5mn visitors in 2023, a 25% increase from 2022 figures. OCEC has positioned itself as Oman’s premier MICE venue by attracting large-scale events which have a significant impact on the sultanate’s economic development. Among the events this year, OCEC has hosted the Middle East Space Conference, the International Occupational Health Summit and the General Arab Insurance Federation Conference, welcoming thousands of visitors to its first-class convention centre, a press release stated. ” (Muscat Daily)
Source: https://www.muscatdaily.com/2024/03/10/ocec-to-host-over-15-international-events-in-2024
OCEC plays host to international conferences, exhibitions and meetings, making it a key business destination for corporate travellers. The exhibition complex comprises five exhibit halls with a combined indoor gross area of over 22,000 square metres of column-free interiors. This venue is situated in the emerging commercial district of Madinat Al Irfan, featuring a growing number of Grade A offices and modern infrastructure. Major conferences and exhibitions attract business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and specialists from Oman and abroad. These offer first-rate business networking opportunities for delegates, partners, clients and suppliers. In addition, OCEC stages events focused on energy, health, food, hospitality, technology, and other industries. Being in the close vicinity of the city’s business districts, properties like Tivoli LA VIE Muscat Hotel & Residences can offer a convenient base for those attending conferences, exhibitions and corporate events at OCEC.
Dining and food experiences
“Muscat’s culinary scene is gearing up for a winter like no other, with new players making their mark and luxury hotels raising the stakes to bring an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re a fan of seafood, Pan-Asian delicacies, Mediterranean flavours, or traditional Omani cuisine, this season offers something for every palate.” (Oman Observer)
Source: https://www.omanobserver.om/ampArticle/1160109
The area boasts an array of restaurants and hotel dining outlets, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a busy day of conferencing or sightseeing. Restaurants around the complex offer the option of a business lunch without the need to travel far from the convention centre. Variety is on the menu at the many different dining options, offering international cuisine to complement traditional Omani fare. Do not forget to sample local dishes, coffee and traditional flavours by adding delicacies like Shuwa (slow-cooked lamb, goat or beef), Majboos(one-pot rice and chicken dish) and Mashuai (roasted kingfish) to your lineup. Evening dining is the perfect way to unwind after a busy day at an exhibition or conference. Meals can also provide an opportunity for more informal socialising, or even as a prelude to an evening out. Those who are wondering which luxury hotels are closest to OCEC in Muscat may want to consider looking at properties in and around Madinat Al Irfan, where accommodation and dining facilities make it easy to combine business with meals and evening relaxation.
Gardens, nature and open spaces for relaxation
“Under the “Green Muscat” vision, the city is shifting away from fragmented open spaces towards a continuous ecological network that links wadis, farmland, mountains and the coastline into a single integrated green system. Based on the structure plan, the city will be built around four priority wadi parks, which are designed not only as recreational spaces but also as natural flood-control corridors that protect urban areas while restoring ecological balance.” (Oman Observer)
Source: https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1189493/oman/community/green-muscat-unveils-plan-to-build-a-connected-green-city
The OCEC precinct offers beautifully landscaped gardens and outdoor spaces where delegates can unwind after a hectic day of shuttling between meetings. OCEC’s conference centre offers a different perspective of this modern business facility with views of manicured gardens and water features. A nature reserve has been set up within the precinct, offering a habitat for local birds. The wadi running through the area provides an additional natural element to the urban setting, creating a softer landscape around the convention centre. Sustainability is also a key concern for the OCEC. Features such as rooftop solar panels and water-saving landscaping efforts are two examples of how the convention centre is able to provide ultra-modern facilities while still doing its bit for the environment.
Events, culture, shopping and leisure
“Al Shanfari added that the centre continues to develop well-established annual national exhibitions, including the Oman Perfume Exhibition, the Muscat International Gold and Jewellery Exhibition, and the Muscat Art Exhibition, as platforms that combine economy, creativity and culture. These events contribute to stimulating economic activity throughout the year, particularly during the summer season, alongside quality initiatives such as the “Sports Flame” event, which supports sports tourism and community engagement.” (Times of Oman)
OCEC’s large theatre and event spaces enable visitors to enjoy concerts and the performing arts in addition to hosting business events. The venue stages events which celebrate bringing art, culture and commerce together. OCEC’s event calendar changes throughout the year, so visitors can look out for what’s on during their stay. Annual events at this place include the Muscat International Jewellery Exhibition and Muscat Art Exhibition. Visitors can travel to the major shopping destinations in the region, such as Oman Avenues Mall and Mall of Oman. A visit to Muscat’s older district offers an alternative cultural experience to complement a business visit to the capital.
Conclusion
The OCEC area offers business, hospitality, dining and leisure to complement the region and create a truly integrated experience for both business and leisure seekers in Muscat. Delegates can enjoy a meal or a coffee or simply relax in a nearby park during a short break. Muscat is a perfect destination for business visitors who wish to prolong their visit and discover local cuisine, culture, shopping, history or Oman’s spectacular coastline. As the development of Madinat Al Irfan continues to grow, OCEC is set to become an integral part of Muscat’s business and leisure offering, with events at OCEC combining with the wider region to offer a unique opportunity to experience both business and leisure in one visit.