CMW explores the subject of leadership with Eng. Said Al Shanfari, CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). What 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 forward-looking 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 our facilities and safety standards meet global expectations. This collective effort builds trust and reinforces our position as a reliable, peaceful and high-quality 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
