Oman
Openness : a key to leading in Oman
CMW EXPLORES THE SUBJECT OF LEADERSHIP WITH ENG . SAID AL SHANFARI , CEO OF THE OMAN CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE ( OCEC )
W hat insights can our industry draw from the leadership approaches in the Middle East ? The Middle East is a rapidly evolving region where innovation and cultural authenticity go hand in hand , making adaptability a key leadership quality here . Middle East leaders need to continuously innovate , especially in areas like sustainability and delegate experience , while staying true to their country ’ s values and heritage . It ’ s a mindset that ’ s not unique to this region , but it certainly stands out as a defining approach .
Adaptability is at the core of forwardlooking leadership , especially during times of rapid change . Strategic goals are essential , but so is the flexibility to adjust them as conditions shift . Take the Covid-19 pandemic , for example . Rather than seeing it as a setback , we leaned into our foundational purpose and adapted our facilities to serve the community by transforming into a vaccination centre . This experience emphasised that we are here not only for international events but also for the needs of our local communities . That is one example of best practice leadership : being solution-oriented and agile when responding to a crisis .
As leaders shape the future of events , what specific strategies should CEOs prioritise to position the Middle East as a long-term choice for international conferences and exhibitions ? Confidence-building should be a top priority for leaders in this region . Misconceptions about the Middle East can make some organisers hesitate . In Oman , we work closely with the Oman Convention Bureau , the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and hospitality partners to assure event organisers that
Above : Said Al Shanfari
Left : Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre our facilities and safety standards meet global expectations . This collective effort builds trust and reinforces our position as a reliable , peaceful and highquality destination for international events , helping to shift perceptions and elevate Oman as a business destination .
Another strategy is to spotlight our sustainability initiatives as a core advantage . Our venue now partially operates on solar power thanks to a new rooftop solar panel project , and we ’ ve invested in extensive food waste management programmes among other initiatives . These efforts contribute to a broader narrative about Oman ’ s commitment to sustainability .
In the end , transparency is crucial . CEOs should be clear about what their venues stand for , showcase their strengths and share their vision . This openness , backed by concrete examples and achievements , is the real key to long-term success .
How can organisers be inspired to embrace the Middle East as a prime destination for major global events , beyond just logistical considerations ? More and more , event organisers are looking for destinations that offer something beyond just a venue – they ’ re after an experience that reflects the spirit of the place . We ’ ve seen over the years that the cultural activities we can offer at OCEC are just as valuable as the logistical and financial benefits of hosting events here .
Cultural authenticity is one of Oman ’ s greatest assets . By pairing world-class facilities with an experience in Omani culture , we create events that resonate on a deeper level for attendees . Over time , this approach has helped establish Oman as a distinctive destination , not only for its infrastructure , but for the lasting cultural impact it offers delegates . It ’ s this authenticity that keeps Oman memorable for attendees long after the event ends . n
16 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 134