OCEC wins two major congresses
As a direct result of Oman’s new convention centre facilities, part of the new Madinat Al Irfan urban development, the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) and the Oman Convention Bureau are celebrating a double-win having successfully won two major congresses — the World Hospital Congress in 2019 and the Royal Congress of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists in 2020.
The World Hospital Congress of the International Hospital Federation (IHF) will bring its annual convention to Oman in 2019.
The announcement was made official following a bid presentation in Taipei, Taiwan where the delegation from the Ministry of Health led by Dr Qasem al Salmi, Director General, visited the Taiwanese capital to present to the International Hospital Federation. The congress is expected to bring approximately 1,000 delegates to the Sultanate and is expected to generate over RO 800,000 ($2 million) for the country.
Marisa Luisa Gil Lapetra, Knowledge Strategies Manager of the International Hospital Federation said, “Over the years, the healthcare system in Oman has made monumental steps in improving the medical facilities available to its residents. Having recently visited Oman, I can honestly say that the authentic culture and heritage is truly breathtaking. This congress is an ideal platform for industry specialists to share thoughts on the strategies and infrastructure of the healthcare system. We look forward to having the 43rd World Hospital Congress in Oman.’’
The success continues as the Oman Society of Obstetrics & Gynaecology won their first bid to host the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists’ World Congress. Oman is expected to welcome over 2,500 delegates for the world congress in the spring of 2020. Lynn Whitley, the Director of Business Development at RCOG stated, “The RCOG is very excited to be bringing our World Congress to Oman in 2020.
The brand new convention centre together with the enthusiasm of the local doctors and the beauties of Oman made it a winning combination and we are looking forward to a highly successful international congress.”
President of the Oman Society of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dr Tamima al Dughaishi commented, “The bidding process was a new and positive experience for the society and, with the assistance of the centre and the bureau, we are excited to welcome the Congress in 2020 that will compliment our mission to improve women’s healthcare across the world. I would like to encourage more associations in Oman to be active and to get in touch with the Oman Convention Bureau”.
Trevor McCartney, General Manager for the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre added, “The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre project is moving at a cracking pace and we will soon have a state-of-theart centre that truly befits a global city and one that marks Oman as the place for business events. We are lucky that we have such active and engaged local associations and dedicated local members and this is a key factor to winning bids.”