OCEC celebrates record-breaking success with 1.5mn visitors in 2023
The Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) surpassed previous attendance records by hosting around 1.5mn visitors in 2023, a 25% rise from 2022.
This milestone underscores the OCEC’S significance as a leading event venue, showcasing its adaptability and commitment to excellence.
The venue successfully hosted 230 events - 19 regional and international - 149 local events supporting over 90 SMES, live events and corporate meetings, the centre stated.
OCEC also earned the prestigious Best Venue award at the Middle East Events Awards 2023.
Its exceptional rebound postCOVID-19 has been instrumental in attracting increased interest in Oman as a business events hub. The significant rise from the 2023 season reflects the growing confidence in the award-winning venue and Oman as a preferred destination.
As an international venue, the OCEC welcomed visitors from over 90 countries, increasing
Oman’s global visibility compared to 2022 attendance figures, it further informed.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone, marking a year of growth and regional acclaim for the centre,” said Said al Shanfari, CEO of the centre, while commenting on the OCEC'S success in 2023.
“OCEC is more than a venue; it is an enabler for strategic discussions between local, regional, and international players on topics of importance to the country,” the CEO proudly noted.
“The record-breaking attendance is a testament to our team’s dedication and the trust placed in us by our global and local partners. As we look forward to 2024, we remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences and contributing to Oman’s prominence on the world stage.”
At a strategic level, the OCEC has been focused on creating a positive economic impact for the sultanate and driving innovation.
According to independent research, the business events industry contributed to Us$1.9bn in total spending in Oman in 2023, with exhibitions and corporate meetings as leading sectors.
It has collaborated with key industry partners to drive economic investment and growth for Oman’s business events sector, benefiting leading airports, hotels, and tourism companies. The industry continues to be a viable source of employment as the sector generates thousands of jobs annually with many training programmes for Omani youth and young graduates.
“For 2024, the OCEC is focused on three core strategic drivers: sustainability, digitalisation and inclusivity,” Shanfari said, while giving an idea about the centre’s target in 2024.
“For us, this year will be all about catering for all generations in Oman, ensuring that we have a diverse and inclusive range of events to activate our venue all year round.”