The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) hosted the Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue and the International Science Council (ISC) Third General Assembly, 28-29 January, its first major international event of the year. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Asaad bin Tariq Al Said, deputy prime minister for international relations and co-operation affairs and special representative of His Majesty, the event brought together 415 scientists, policymakers, funders, and educators from 132 countries.
The gathering concluded with the adoption of the Muscat Declaration, advocating for equitable access to knowledge, transformative science systems, and stronger global collaboration. The ISC and the Oman’s Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of Oman also signed a letter of intent to establish a Regional Focal Point in Muscat to strengthen co-operation on science, technology and innovation within and beyond the region.
Fuad Musafir, director of sales at OCEC, said: “Our venue is purpose-built to host international events like the Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue and the ISC General Assembly. We are set to welcome more international events this year, building Oman’s visibility as a key business events destination. With a fully booked calendar, 2025 is shaping up to be one of OCEC’s most successful years yet.”
Among the high-profile events expected in Muscat in 2025 are the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) AGM in October, secured by Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority. The OCEC will also welcome the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ International Hydro Fracture Technology Conference (SPE IHFTC) hosted by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) in September, followed by the 8th IATIS International Conference in December.
