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Merge 104.8 | 24 March 2026
CONNECT’s partnership with the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre is strengthening Oman’s position as a global hub for exhibitions and conferences. Together, they have delivered major events like the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show and Oman Sustainability Week, which fully utilize OCEC’s facilities and attract strong international participation.
In 2025, CONNECT’s events drew over 70,000 visits from more than 40 countries, boosting Oman’s reputation and contributing to tourism and related sectors. With growing demand, the company plans to expand capacity through temporary infrastructure in the coming years.
Beyond economic impact, both organizations are committed to sustainability, including initiatives like tree planting. CONNECT, celebrating 40 years since its founding in 1986, continues to expand its global influence and was also recognized in 2025 as a Great Place to Work, reflecting its strong organizational culture and excellence.
“Marking 40 years of CONNECT is a moment of great pride. Since its founding in 1986, CONNECT has grown from a pioneering idea into one of the region’s most respected event organisers: a journey built on excellence, ambition, and the dedication of exceptional people. The company’s recent international recognition reflects not only the quality of its platforms, but the values and professionalism behind them. As the industry evolves and new opportunities emerge, CONNECT is exceptionally well positioned to lead its next chapter with confidence and vision. I extend my sincere appreciation to our partners and our teams, past and present, for their contributions to this remarkable journey.” –Sayyid Khalid bin Hamed bin Hamoud Al Busaidi – Executive Chairman, SABCO Group
“Since the opening of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) in 2017, CONNECT has been driven by a clear vision to design and deliver world-class events that align with the highest international standards and complement a venue of global stature. Guided by a commitment to generating measurable economic value for the Sultanate and supporting national strategic priorities, CONNECT has steadily expanded both its portfolio and industry influence. Today, CONNECT proudly delivers Oman’s largest and most impactful trade events, platforms of increasing international relevance that strengthen the Sultanate’s position on the global business, investment, and knowledge exchange stage.” – Ashley Roberts, Managing Director, CONNECT
“Our partnership with CONNECT has shown how powerful collaboration can be in shaping Oman as a regional and international convening hub. The scale and quality of the platforms delivered at OCEC are a direct reflection of shared vision, operational excellence, and a commitment to creating meaningful outcomes for industries, communities, and the wider economy. We look forward to building on this momentum as global demand continues to grow.” – Eng. Said Al Shanfari, CEO, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.
