Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre
Located in Oman’s port capital of Muscat, the striking new Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre provides an ideal event space full of sophisticated charm
In 2016, Oman made its first significant venture into the conference and event industry with the opening of the first phase of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. Now, the space has become an iconic landmark in Muscat, a city that sits on the Gulf of Oman in the north of the country.
Oman is the third-largest nation on the Arabian Peninsula, sharing borders with the United Arab Emirates to the north-west, Saudi Arabia to the west and Yemen to the south-west. The country is home to a wealth of natural beauty and a warm and welcoming culture.
The world-class Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, which is located in its own fully integrated precinct, was among the first buildings to meet the US Green Building Council’s rigorous LEED standards. The site is also conveniently located just 10 minutes from the new Muscat International Airport.
The centre’s flexible multipurpose spaces, complete with the most advanced audiovisual technology, can be used for anything from conferences to concerts and gala dinners
Omani hospitality
The Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre features two auditoriums that seat 3,200 and 450 people respectively, in addition to five halls boasting more than 22,000sq m of column-free exhibition space. The centre also includes an additional 20 meeting rooms for 25 to 360 delegates, as well as 20 hospitality suites and a VIP pavilion.
The Grand Ballroom, which seats up to 1,200 guests, is the largest ballroom in Oman, while the Junior Ballroom seats up to 540 guests for a banquet. In total, the centre offers more than 55 meeting space options, plus a multistorey car park with capacity for 4,000 vehicles.
The centre’s flexible multipurpose spaces, complete with the most advanced audiovisual technology, can be used for anything from conferences to concerts and gala dinners, all in a vibrant business environment. In the concourse areas, floor-to-ceiling windows overlook attractive gardens and water features, while arabesque designs add a distinctive flourish.
Guests looking for some rest and relaxation can take advantage of the nearby four-star Crowne Plaza hotel, while a five-star JW Marriott adjacent to the centre will soon be available. In Muscat, guests can also find a number of beachfront hotels, luxury resorts and spas, as well as international hotel chains like Radisson Blu and Ibis.
Business is booming
Oman enjoys an abundance of natural beauty, as well as a rich history and culture. This means that when it comes to exploring the country, there is something for everyone. Adventure-seeking visitors can tour World Heritage sites, visit famous souqs, go trekking on desert safaris or retrace the historic frankincense route. Those looking to sit back and relax can spectate the authentic Arab sport of camel racing or go whale or dolphin watching in the Gulf.
The best time to visit Oman is between October and May, when temperatures average between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius during the day. Summer – from June to September – can be much warmer and more humid.
The country’s location on the Arabian Peninsula, while not exactly central to the business world, means it is only a seven-hour plane journey to continental Europe and Asia. Visitors from Dubai and Abu Dhabi will travel for less than an hour, while those from India can take a two-hour flight.
Oman’s business community is flourishing, with the country establishing itself as one of the world’s intellectual capitals. Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre is just one way the sultanate is standing out in the Arabian Gulf.
