Oman to Host Exclusive ICCA Association Day in December 2025 to Boost Business Events and Tourism

The Sultanate of Oman is set to enhance its position as a premier destination for international business events by hosting an exclusive Association Day in collaboration with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) this December 2025.

This landmark event, scheduled to take place at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) in Muscat, will bring together ten prestigious international associations to explore Oman as a future venue for conferences, meetings, and conventions.

This significant initiative aligns with Oman’s broader strategic vision to develop business events as a vital component of its knowledge economy and tourism sectors.

The government, through various official channels such as the Oman Ministry of Tourism and the Oman Convention Bureau, continues to emphasise the importance of business tourism in driving economic growth and international collaboration.

Strengthening Oman’s Business Events Sector

The announcement was made at the high-profile IMEX Frankfurt 2025, a global platform for the meetings and events industry. The partnership between OCEC and ICCA underscores Oman’s commitment to attracting large-scale international gatherings. The three-day Association Day event is designed to showcase Oman’s capabilities, infrastructure, and hospitality services to the leadership of international associations, enabling them to consider Oman for future event hosting.

“The success of Oman’s business events sector depends heavily on fostering strong partnerships between international and local associations,” said Eng. Said Al Shanfari, CEO of OCEC. “By inviting these associations to experience Oman firsthand and engage with key stakeholders, we provide them with the insight and confidence necessary to bring their future events to the Sultanate.”

According to the Oman Investment Authority, the influx of international business events significantly boosts local economies by generating revenue across multiple sectors including hospitality, transportation, and retail. Hosting just one major international conference can bring substantial economic benefits, including increased hotel occupancy, job creation, and enhanced global visibility.

Economic and Knowledge-Based Benefits of International Conferences

Oman’s strategic focus on business tourism is reflected in its past successful events, such as the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RCOG) World Congress.

This prestigious medical event attracted over 2,100 doctors from 88 countries, delivering considerable benefits not only to Oman’s hospitality and tourism sectors but also advancing its standing in the global medical and scientific communities.

Events of this scale contribute to the transfer of knowledge and expertise, enhance Oman’s reputation as a hub for specialized conferences, and encourage networking opportunities that can spur innovation and collaboration across industries.

The Ministry of Health’s support and the engagement of local scientific societies further amplify these benefits, showcasing Oman as an ideal destination for professional and academic gatherings. Details about Oman’s initiatives in healthcare and science events can be found on the Ministry of Health’s official site.

Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre: A State-of-the-Art Venue

The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre stands as a beacon of modern infrastructure, designed specifically to cater to large-scale international business events.

The Centre offers world-class facilities including expansive exhibition halls, versatile conference rooms, and advanced technological support to meet the complex requirements of global conferences.

As the CEO of OCEC pointed out, the Centre’s goal is to provide a seamless experience that reflects Oman’s unique cultural heritage while meeting the expectations of international event organizers.

This approach aligns with Oman’s vision for sustainable tourism growth and economic diversification, as outlined in Oman’s Vision 2040, which prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity.

ICCA’s Role and Oman’s Emerging Leadership

The ICCA is an influential global organization dedicated to the meetings and conventions industry, with a network that spans over 1,000 members worldwide. Its collaboration with Oman symbolizes a vote of confidence in Oman’s growing stature as a destination for business events.

Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, remarked, “Oman is rapidly emerging as a leader within the business events industry. Partnering with OCEC to co-create this Association Day highlights Oman’s potential and the opportunities the country offers for international associations.”

ICCA’s involvement ensures the event will draw top-tier associations, facilitating meaningful exchanges between decision-makers and Oman’s business events sector, including the Oman Convention Bureau, local societies, and tourism partners.

Additional High-Profile Events at OCEC in 2025

In addition to the ICCA Association Day, OCEC will be hosting several other high-profile international events throughout 2025, demonstrating Oman’s growing appeal on the global stage. These include:

• The Middle East Investor Relations Association Conference, which will attract key players from the financial sector, fostering investment and economic collaboration across the region.
• The 18th Arab Steel Summit, a critical event for stakeholders in the steel industry, focusing on developments and opportunities in the Arab world.
• The ICANN Annual General Meeting, which gathers global internet governance experts and stakeholders, emphasizing Oman’s role in advancing technological innovation and global connectivity.

The diversity of these events showcases Oman’s versatility and readiness to support a wide range of sectors, from finance to technology and industrial development.

Oman’s Tourism Strategy and Business Events

Business tourism is an integral part of Oman’s national strategy to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues. The government’s initiatives encourage investment in the hospitality sector, infrastructure, and services that cater to international visitors attending business events.

The Ministry of Tourism’s campaigns promote Oman as a unique destination combining modern facilities with rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and a safe, welcoming environment. Business events act as a catalyst, bringing in visitors who often extend their stays to explore Oman’s historic sites, natural landscapes, and vibrant culture.

The Oman Convention Bureau plays a crucial role in this ecosystem by providing comprehensive support to event organizers, including logistical assistance, marketing, and partnerships with local stakeholders.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Oman’s Business Events Industry

The exclusive ICCA Association Day event in December 2025 marks a milestone for Oman as it continues to establish itself as a key player in the international business events arena. Through strategic partnerships, world-class infrastructure, and government support, Oman is poised to attract more global associations and conferences, generating significant economic and knowledge-based benefits.

This event, alongside Oman’s ongoing commitments and future international conferences, positions the Sultanate not only as a vibrant tourist destination but also as a thriving hub for business, innovation, and global collaboration.

Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/oman-to-host-exclusive-icca-association-day-in-december-2025-to-boost-business-events-and-tourism/