World-class events lined up for 2023 at OCEC

MUSCAT: With 2023 in full swing, the Sultanate of Oman’s premier events destination Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) is rolling out another world-class line-up of events and activities for the year – including a total of seven regional and international events in the coming months.

This follows on from OCEC successfully hosting in 2022 a combined total of 215 events (including six regional and ten international events), which attracted over 1.2 million visitors and over 10,000 delegates from over 85 countries to the venue through the year.

OCEC’s 2023 calendar reflects the venue’s internationally recognized status as an events destination in the Middle East with a proven track record of delivering exceptional services and facilities for event organizers, and for the many event delegates and visitors who have made their way to the OCEC since its inception.

Furthermore, the 2023 events schedule represents the OCEC’s capability in bidding for and securing high-profile, internationally recognized events for the nation of Oman – to add greater value to the country’s economy, society, and cultural legacy.

Speaking about the 2023 calendar, Eng Said al Shanfari, Chief Executive Officer, OCEC, stated: “Our commitment to hosting international and regional events avails numerous benefits for the Sultanate of Oman. Most visibly, international and regional events hosted by OCEC boost the volume of hotel bookings in Oman, as well as the number of arrivals at our flagship Muscat International Airport, which is just a few minutes away from OCEC by road. It should be kept in mind that research indicates business travelers are likely to spend – on average – up to four times more than leisure travelers while residing in a country. Furthermore, international events hosted by OCEC serve to attract greater foreign investment and foreign spend in our country’s economic ecosystem. Lastly and most importantly is the knowledge exchange and legacy creation that takes place in Oman as a result of these events.”

Eng Said al Shanfari added that OCEC’s securing of high-profile, internationally recognized events for Oman serves to increase competitiveness and improve economic activity through demand, while at the same time strategically placing the Sultanate as serious contender in hosting events in the Middle East region, and further afield.

For 2023, OCEC’s first international event for the year was the World Veteran Table Tennis Championships, which went ahead from January 15-21, and which welcomed over 1,600 table tennis competitors from 69 nations into Oman – mostly for the first time. For the World Veteran Table Tennis Championship event, the estimated economic value is more than RO 3 Million of direct & indirect revenue into the economy.

Another event scheduled for early 2023 will be the 2nd Asian Arabic Debating Championship, which will see around 300 intellectuals and academics heading to the OCEC from January 29 to February2 to engage in debate and cultural/ideas exchange.

Later in 2023 and 2024, the OCEC will host more than 35 regional and international events, which will welcome delegates from all over the globe.

All of the above events require a significant amount of administration work and technical expertise to host & organize events to remember in the OCEC where the world meets.