Oman
Oman’s economic development plan
set to boost exhibitions industry
man is known as the
Jewel of Arabia and has
serious appeal for events.
The country boasts a
fascinating history, geographical
diversity and cultural heritage,
which all helps make it a distinctive
and authentic destination. Omanis
have been welcoming visitors for
over 5,000 years and, now with the
government’s 2040 vision, the focus
is on education, health, commerce,
industry, agriculture and finance, all
sectors that encourage knowledge
exchange, dialogue and engagement
with the world.
Oman’s economy continues to
grow, driven by rising oil prices and
serious efforts to focus on expanding
GDP contribution from non-oil
sectors.
Andy White, General Manager of
Omanexpo, tells EW: “The ongoing
development happening in Oman
provides an excellent opportunity
for exhibition organisers to play a
significant role in supporting the
government’s economic development
plan. Oman’s exhibitions industry
is relatively stable and is not
experiencing the same market
volatility as some other Gulf states.
As long as we continue to innovate
and don’t become complacent, then
we have a great opportunity to grow
our business and make a valuable
contribution to the economy.’’
The opening of the world-class
Oman Convention & Exhibition
Centre in 2016 was a welcome
strategic development for tradefair
organisers such as Omanexpo, as it
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Issue 3 2019
signalled the heightened attention
placed on the exhibitions sector
and its continued growth for the
long-term. Omanexpo is Oman’s
largest exhibitions and conferences
organiser, running most of the
biggest international trade events
that span major sectors as oil and gas,
construction, energy and water, food
and hospitality, health and mining.
The 2018 opening of the state-of-
the-art Muscat International Airport
also provided further proof of these
growth initiatives.
“Supported by a world-class events
infrastructure, we are continuously
developing our shows and enhancing
their business appeal in order to
attract more international exhibitors
and visitors. This will hopefully
pave the way towards positioning
Oman as a key destination for events
in the Middle East and indirectly
support the tourism sector, one of the
government’s earmarked potential
growth sectors,” White added.
Despite Oman’s efforts to reduce
its long-standing dependence on oil,
the sector remains a key driver for
growth; at the same time, increased
investment is placed on other priority
sectors such as healthcare, transport
and logistics, mining, food processing,
fisheries and manufacturing.
As trade events are increasingly
playing a vital role in facilitating
business, the government is equally
taking a more active part in shaping
and providing the direction to these
events. This is evident in the Ministry
of Oil and Gas’ direct involvement
in Omanexpo’s recent rebranding of
Oil & Gas West Asia (OGWA), Oman’s
largest biennial upstream event, to
Oman Petroleum & Energy Show
(OPES), an annual all-encompassing
event, which will see its inaugural
edition in 2020.
As Oman diversifies its economy
to achieve its economic growth
objectives, the exhibitions industry
is becoming an increasingly
important factor in attracting inward
investment.
w w w.exhibitionworld.co.uk