MUSCAT: The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) has selected Madinat Al Irfan as the destination for its new headquarters, reinforcing the urban development’s role as an incubator for organisations shaping Oman’s economic future. The decision aligns with national efforts to bring major economic and administrative institutions within well-connected, purpose-planned districts developed to support long term operations. Designed as Oman’s largest connected urban development, Madinat Al Irfan has been masterplanned by OMRAN Group to enable this transition, providing entities with proximity to key facilities, modern infrastructure and an integrated environment established for long-term institutional operations.
Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism and Chairman of OMRAN Group, said: “Madinat Al Irfan is the urban centre for the sectors that underpin Oman’s diversification, from tourism and convention activities to business services and knowledge-based industries that generate skilled employment and attract investment. The Chamber’s decision to base its new headquarters here reflects this direction and strengthens Madinat Al Irfan’s role as a strategic base for institutions looking towards Oman. OMRAN Group is committed to guiding the city’s growth in a way that brings forward projects and institutions which deliver long-term economic value and support the priorities of Oman Vision 2040”.
Shaikh Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “This move represents an important step in strengthening the services and representation we provide to Oman’s growing business community. Operating from Madinat Al Irfan will allow us to engage more effectively with enterprises across sectors, respond more closely to their needs and contribute to building a business environment that supports competitiveness and sustainable growth. From this new HQ, we will continue advancing private-sector participation and supporting the national economic priorities”.
The new 10,000 sqm headquarters will be developed by Madinat Al Irfan on a site overlooking the upcoming Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex and within close proximity to the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, the JW Marriott and Crowne Plaza OCEC. Surrounded by integrated hospitality and service infrastructure, the strategic location will enable more direct engagement with the private sector while supporting the Chamber’s national mandate. Designed to house the Chamber’s core functions, including administrative operations, member services and business support programmes, the project will now move forward with the appointment of a detailed design consultant, followed by the selection of a construction contractor in accordance with established development procedures.
Eng Mohammed bin Abdullah al Salmi, General Manager, Madinat Al Irfan, added: “As Madinat Al Irfan continues its planned development, our focus remains on delivering projects that align with national priorities and accommodate the needs of the entities establishing their presence in the city. With several projects now moving ahead, the timing of the Chamber’s headquarters aligns with a period of ongoing progress across the city. Their presence brings an institution with an important role in advancing economic activity and we look forward to working with them as Madinat Al Irfan continues to enable effective public–private collaboration”.
He went on to add, “The OCCI headquarters will be developed to international sustainability standards, with WELL and LEED certifications targeted and incorporated into the project’s technical plan, construction oversight and commissioning to ensure occupant wellbeing, robust energy performance and long-term operational efficiency”.
The new OCCI headquarters will join a number of national projects currently taking shape across Madinat Al Irfan, contributing to the city’s development as Muscat’s new urban centre. As work progresses across its various phases, Madinat Al Irfan continues to evolve through coordinated partnerships that bring forward facilities, services and institutions that support the city’s role in Oman’s wider economic landscape.
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