World Report

Oman's International Exhibition Centre: the place to do successful business

The Oman International Exhibition Centre (OIEC) is looking to raise its profile on the international events circuit. The centre – located close to Muscat’s Seeb airport, the country’s premier gateway – is well-positioned to take a larger slice of the growing conference and exhibition market in the Gulf.

Mohd. H. Al Hosni, OIEC’s General Manager, says the future of this top exhibition centre is closely linked to that of the economy. The arrival of more business visitors, he says, will result in other projects, such as new hotels and restaurants, as well as enhance the international image of the country. “It will promote Oman,” he says.

The business venue has ambitious plans for the future. Currently, it consists of one fully air-conditioned 12,000 sq metres exhibition hall, plus a further 3,000 sq metres of space outside the building. There are separate meeting rooms, catering facilities and offices. The intention is to add another exhibition hall and to build state-of-the-art conference facilities and a business centre to complement the existing infrastructure.
Mr Hosni says that various ideas are now on the drawing board to develop the project.

This includes studying funding possibilities and marketing issues. The goal is to develop an integrated facility offering international standards. “I believe the exhibition centre of each country is the mirror of its economy,” he says. “Through exhibition centres you can sell your products and trade with other countries, and you can’t succeed unless you have good facilities.”

OIEC is already home to several top business exhibitions and consumer fairs. These include the annual Muscat international book fair and motor show, IT showcase ‘Comex’, the Muscat international trade fair and a biennial oil and gas show.
There is a great deal of confidence that Oman can compete with the very best in the world. According to Mr Hosni, Muscat can offer a unique alternative venue to compliment other destinations, like Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

“Our mission is to elevate the exhibition centre to an unparalleled status within the region. By providing world-class facilities, by enhancing the infrastructure and upgrading the resources available to meet international standards, we are sure we will be able to achieve this and be competitive internationally.”