Introduction to Oman
The Sultanate of Oman has a long and rich seafaring history, previously acting as a transit point for travellers between East and West. In 1970, the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said began the country’s transformation into a thriving and modern state with universal healthcare and education, and an advancing infrastructure system that supports national development O ver the past 50 years, the Sultanate’s progression to modern-day Oman adopted a balanced approach that supported industry and innovation while ensuring preservation of the country’s culture and traditions. Today, Oman is a peaceful and stable nation, continuing to honour its history and build a safe and sustainable future for the next generation. A WARM WELCOME TO
“Oman is an astonishing success story. We have a beautiful and safe country with an ancient culture and modern infrastructure to rival any in the world. With our new award-winning Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC), we believe our offering to the business events industry is leading the way in the region. Our good governance and clear, investor-friendly frameworks, coupled with a young, highly-educated and enthusiastic workforce, make Oman a terrific place with incredible opportunities for growth for both national and foreign investors. Our team approach is seen throughout the country: every sector works together, a holistic and integrative approach that puts sustainable development at the forefront and provides unique lessons to the region and the wider world in caring for the environment and investing in people. Come and discover Oman, where beauty has an address.” Khalid Al Zadjali, Director, Oman Convention Bureau
Why Oman? • The people: 60 per cent of the population are Omanis and they are well educated, leaders in their fields and keen to attract related conferences and share knowledge • World-class infrastructure, including the award-winning Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) • Hospitality sector: wide range of hotels and resorts at different price points • Safety: in the top two countries for safety in the World Competitiveness Report for the past five years • Access: fantastic connectivity, Oman Air flies to 54 destinations directly, 100 others via partners • Neutral country: a beacon of peace and stability in the region • MENA: a huge growth region on the doorstep • Ease of access: visas online for more than 70 countries, help for others • Sector consolidation: business consolidated under sector development companies, providing a unique and invaluable one point access • Unique and world-changing initiatives • Government support for business events • Associations working with Team Oman • Nature, adventure, culture and history
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Award-winning Oman At the World Travel Awards 2019, hosted in Muscat, Oman received an amazing 16 awards, with Oman Airports picking up three, including the Middle East’s Leading Airport award and the World’s Leading Airport Operator. Oman Vision 2040 The government of Oman’s Vision 2040, presided over by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, sets out an agenda for economic diversification that prioritises scientific research, social protection and environmental sustainability, among others. The agenda aims to double the Sultanate’s per capita GDP, bolster economic growth, strengthen national youth development and secure varied, long-term, reliable sources of national income. Invest Easy In 2015, the government consolidated all businesses under sector development companies, setting a new level for Omani business and a new value for ventures with a one-stop-shop. Now, Oman is working towards digitalisation so that people can open up in the Sultanate from abroad. With Invest Easy, and tailored baskets of incentives for each development sector, investing in Oman is a very attractive proposition. According to the United Nation’s Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 2019 World Investment Report, the FDI inflow into the country reached USD 4.1 billion in 2018, up from USD 2.9 billion the previous year. OMAN
Advantage Oman •
No income tax for individuals
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Tax exemptions for five years or more
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Freedom of transfer of capital and profits
Full foreign property rights
Beautiful Oman Blessed with abundant natural beauty, Oman offers a pristine coastline, towering mountains, ancient sites and modern adventures. A well-kept secret, Oman promises to both surprise and delight the visitor.
Convention Bureau “We do things a little differently here, you won’t find a menu of one size fits all services; we offer a bespoke, tailor-made service to fit each customer’s needs. We foster links, bring people together, find partners in industry, help with cultural programmes and add value wherever we can. We work closely with other stakeholders including the OCEC and Oman Air as Team Oman, to create a fantastic experience for the organiser. We make an experience from an event.” Khalid Al Zadjali, Director of the Oman Convention Bureau
“I started as a doctor in 1972. I have been involved with at least 12 international congresses and at least 25 per cent of attendees return post conference to Oman with their families. They are amazed by Oman, we are a little known country with so much to offer!” Dr Wahid Al Kharusi, President, Oman Cancer Association
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Convention infrastructure
WHERE THE WORLD MEETS With the official opening of the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre , huge infrastructure developments and new hotels, fantastic connectivity plus an unrivalled reputation for safety and hospitality, Oman offers the perfect destination for business events “The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre is a brand new purpose-built centre. With the best AV and one of the largest lyric-style theatres in the region, beautiful open spaces and landscaping, the OCEC provides a seamless experience throughout, making it easy for exhibitions, congresses and events. With a unique and world-class offering, the OCEC is building a strong reputation as a leading venue for business events in the region and the world. Now that we have a world-class conference and exhibition centre and a track record of handling successful events, we are really confident in what the OCEC and Oman have to offer, and the business case for bringing events here. Events want to attract people from Africa, Asia, India and Europe: we are easy to get to, extremely safe, offer online visas for over 70 countries, and everybody is welcome. “At OCEC we have been working on the sultanate’s first digitally native destination information and online travel booking platform. A solution that will empower both trade partners and suppliers alike, the new platform will connect the world to Oman’s abundant beauty and engage the global travel and tourism trade through an interface that will make it easier to list, book and experience the country’s full richness and diversity.” Eng Said Al Shanfari, CEO, Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) “Since our soft opening in 2016 we have hosted more than 185 regional and international events, and already confirmed more than 50 future events. We are very excited to have won the World Travel Award 2019 for the best new convention and exhibition centre. We know that our centre is absolutely amazing, but it’s fantastic to see that the whole world does, too.” Sheikha Al Mugheiry, Acting Director of Business Development, OCEC
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“Oman is a wonderful location to hold our biennial educational and research meeting for osteoporosis and related diseases in the region. By delivering the highest quality scientific content in a beautiful setting, we hope to optimise the delegate experience.” Judy Stenmark, CEO International Osteoporosis Foundation
Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre is a world-class, fully-integrated venue where the world meets and celebrates. Just four km from Muscat International Airport, the award-winning OCEC is set in its own precinct in Madinat Al Irfan, surrounded by a nature reserve, which is a haven for Oman’s exotic birdlife, together with parklands and a wadi (valley). Madinat Al Irfan is a huge mixed-use development that will be the new central business district. The Business Park is designed to house the offices of leading corporations, and is currently home to the new Omantel headquarters. The area provides a unique investment opportunity in an ideal and innovative business environment. • Winner of the World Travel Award 2019 for the best new convention and exhibition centre • Awarded LEED Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) • The purpose-built Madinat Al Irfan Theatre offers 3,200 seats and is the country’s largest lyric theatre and one of the largest in the region • 40,000 sqm total exhibition space • Exhibition Halls can accommodate 10,000 theatre-style seats • 20 meeting rooms for 25-360 delegates • The Grand Ballroom: 1,100 guests banqueting; 2,068 theatre-style • Junior Ballroom: 540 guests banqueting; 1,026 theatre-style • 10 hospitality suites and a VIP Pavilion • 120,000 sqm total hireable event space (indoor and outdoor) • Three hotels: • Five-star JW Marriott - a seven-storey luxury hotel with fully-equipped meeting amenities and enhanced business services; 304 rooms; direct connection to the Convention Centre • Four-star Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC - 296-rooms; extensive meeting and event facilities • Three-star IBIS Styles OCEC - 282 rooms; in the pipeline
Past and Future Significant Events •
2nd UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism & Culture 500 delegates
IRU World Congress 2018 800 delegates ISPCAN Regional Conference 300 delegates
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2019 IHF Muscat 43rd World Hospital Congress 500 delegates 40th SICOT Orthopaedic World Congress 2,000 delegates 1st Gulf Conference on Autism and Related Disorders 1,200 delegates IGU International Gas Research Conference 450 delegates
International Congress of Radiology 800 delegates
87th UFI Congress 600 delegates RCOG World Congress 2,500 delegates
Annual Congress of the International Solid Waste Association 1,000 delegates
World Renewable Energy Congress 600 delegates
International Symposium on Atherosclerosis, 2,500 delegates 2nd General Assembly of the International Science Council 600 delegates World Veteran Table Tennis Championships 4,000 delegates
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Contact Tariq Sultan | Sr. Business Development – International
Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre + 968 9140 8576 - tsultan@ocec.om
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Tourism
DRIVING GROWTH IN TOURISM With some of the most impressive sites in Arabia, a fascinating history and culture, and worldwide fame for warmth and hospitality, Oman has definite advantages as a destination for both leisure and business events O man Tourism Development Company SAOC (Omran) drives the investment, growth and development of the rapidly growing tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman. The company is the master
enormous potential. The sector is developing fast in line with the 2040 Vision, which offers a clear road map: a minimum of 10 million international visitors and the development of suitable products and infrastructure, plus 500,000 jobs and a contribution of 6 per cent of GDP by 2040. In addition to the enormous sums invested in infrastructure by the government, Oman seeks local, regional and international investors to the sector. Potential projects include Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs), massive projects integrating tourism, retail and real estate, as well as stand- alone resorts and hotels. The total number of hotel rooms in November 2019 was 24,531. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) is aiming to add 2,159 rooms in 2024 .
developer of major tourism, heritage, urban and mixed-use projects, delivering some of the nation’s most visionary and iconic destinations. An important regional economy with a thriving business sector, Oman is a place of stability and impartiality in MENA, making it an ideal place for meetings. With these advantages, the tourism sector is flourishing with significant growth over the past few years, and more promised for the next. One of the diversification economies, the tourism sector has
“We have been developing new products for new markets such as China, the USA and emerging markets. In the last eight years we have added around 14,000 different key rooms from five to one star. Today we have the development of five regional airports, the expansion of Muscat and Salalah and are connected to all the GCC countries by air, road and sea. “We believe that we have one of the best baskets of incentives for investors in the region. We have freehold opportunities and leasing up to 99 years, and a waiver tax holiday for the first five years. We work in collaboration with stakeholders and in partnership with the private sector to execute developments. “Tourism has diversified beyond leisure into medical, educational, adventure and business events. Our location and safety make us a fantastic match for MICE events. This year and beyond we are seeing massive growth in conferences. We want to retain visitors to Oman; 33 per cent of travellers are return tourists as we create an experiential destination.” H.E. Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary, The Ministry of Heritage & Tourism
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Aviation
GROWING GLOBAL REACH Unique worldwide, Oman’s aviation sector embodies the integrative and collaborative approach seen throughout the Sultanate O man’s aviation sector is expected to contribute more than USD 3.5 million to the Sultanate’s GDP by 2040, according to the Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC). The aviation sector works collaboratively to further the aviation sector’s development and with other sectors to develop value chains and create global markets. Says Sheikh Aimen Al Hosni, CEO, Oman Airports: “The aviation sector in Oman is unique worldwide. We are all under one umbrella with a common goal: to develop future possibilities for Oman, to leverage people, talents and infrastructure, contributing to Oman’s Vision 2040 by developing the sector’s business potential and promoting it globally. “We are a catalyst and enabling sector for tourism and logistics and a trade exchange house, sending
The National Air Cargo Strategy Aims: an increase in cargo tonnage to 780,000 tonnes by 2030 and 1.5 million tonnes by 2040; helping key businesses improve their operations. Oman Airports has worked closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, as well as select light industries such as the e-commerce market, to develop innovative approaches to grow Oman’s global reach.
“Oman offers fantastic connectivity: we fly to 54 destinations via Oman Air directly and 100 others via partners. We welcome 10 million passengers a year and more than 20 million through our airports. Two thirds of the world’s population is only six hours from Muscat. “Our award-winning airports welcome 13 carriers including BA and KLM.” The new 2018 terminal at Muscat International Airport (MCT) achieved a global ranking of 10 within the 10-20 million visitor category at the 2019 SKYTRAX World Airport Awards. Shabib Al Maamari, Sector Development & Promotion Expert
Trade Exchange House “In 2018 we looked at the exporting of fish by air and saw great opportunities. So we worked with the fishermen to understand the product, and then with markets to see what they wanted. We educated the fishermen in what type of processing, packing, labelling and delivery to the airport was required. Now, fish caught at six in the evening are on the shelves of a Paris hypermarket by nine in the morning. So we have developed a value chain for that business. Now we are looking at fruits and vegetables and the development of an air corridor. These are unique ecosystems,” says Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Chief Executive Officer, Oman Air.
our Omani products right across the world. Oman Airports can be the value engine of Oman’s economic growth by fully unlocking the potential of the Sultanate’s logistics sectors.”
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Logistics
MOVING FORWARD Oman’s location in the middle of accessible trade and transport routes, with connections to major markets including Asia, Europe and the Americas, has given it a unique strategic advantage A founding member of the GCC in 1981, Oman has political and economic ties to a market now worth USD1.2tn in global trade. With its main ports located Looking to the future • A dedicated air cargo corridor: with an increase in air freight capacity from 223,000 tonnes to 730,000 tonnes by 2030 • Bilateral open skies agreements with the EU and countries in Asia and Africa
outside the Strait of Hormuz, Oman is in a strong position to increase the volume of goods transported through its territory, particularly to neighbouring Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with which it has well developed road (the road network has been ranked the third best globally by the World Economic Forum) and rail links. These geographic advantages give the logistics sector major potential. The Sultanate of Oman Logistics Strategy (SOLS) 2040, developed in consultation with 65 specialists from different sectors, identifies key targets including a top 10 position in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, 300,000 jobs in logistics services and a GDP contribution of USD 36.4bn, which would make the sector the second-largest economic contributor after hydrocarbons. Results of rising investment in these areas can be seen in Oman’s increase in the LPI by 16 places since 2014, now ranking 43rd out of 160 countries. Oman’s score in the UN Conference on Trade and Development’s liner shipping connectivity index rose to a score of 63 in 2018, up from 62 the previous year.
• Five new pilot projects at the country’s ports, including construction of a 160-metre berth for handling goods and equipment at the Port of Suwaiq • The National Railway Network will connect the Sultanate’s port cities – Duqm, Salalah and Sohar – with other GCC countries The three major Free Ports The three major Free Ports each offer a customised solution for private sector needs: Sohar: easy access to the Gulf and Indian subcontinent Salalah: ranked amongst the world’s largest transhipment ports Duqm: a special economic zone, a new centre of economic gravity with great incentives, a port authority, terminal operator and landlord of 5,000 hectares for industrial, logistics and petro chemical plants
Oman Global Logistics Group ASYAD is the most comprehensive end-to-end logistics provider in the Middle East, covering ports, free zones and multimodal transportation. “Under Tanfeedh, the National Programme for Enhancing Economic Diversification, we are facilitating trade and enhancing regulation, building world-class infrastructure, leveraging technology as a disruptive enabler and building human capacity and skills, to attract business and investors. “Under the ASYAD umbrella, our three major ports offer a full-suite solution. ASYAD has also invested in smaller ports around the country, to harness collective integration, connectivity and positive competitiveness among all the Omani ports, to attract foreign investment and secure trade volumes for the industry to build business growth. “ASYAD is integrating its current portfolio of services such as Oman shipping and trucking services to support companies in the private sector. This will provide prospective customers with a comprehensive and effective solution to conduct business in the Sultanate, alongside the provision of logistics and freight services outside the country.” Omar Al Mahrizi, CEO SOHAR Freezone & Deputy CEO SOHAR Port
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Health
WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE HEALTHCARE
In 1979 Oman had just a few hospital beds and 21 physicians. Today, there are more than 8,600 doctors with over 60 community, tertiary and referral hospitals and Oman is rated one of the fastest developing countries in human development T oday, 95 per cent of the Omani population lies within five miles of a medical centre. A huge achievement in just 40 years. With a growing private sector, there are increasing opportunities. According to the GCC Healthcare Industry report published by Alpen Capital, current healthcare expenditure in Oman is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1 per cent to $4.9 billion in 2022, fuelled by an expanding population, mandatory healthcare insurance and rising cost of care.
UICC World Cancer Congress 2021 “This year we have introduced an international oncology update. We have three days with clinicians involved, but without drug advertising, creating a very ethical way of presenting cancer management and control. Interactive discussions between experts and non-experts will mimic evidence-based medicine. Delegates from over 170 countries are coming, all attendees will be put in touch with other congresses on Webinar, especially in low and middle income countries, to see how we can support them. “We also fund training and scholarships for staff in strife-ridden or poor countries. Our holistic approach includes regulatory bodies and the private sector so that people can learn how to register cancer cases and how to access private funds. Oman is a country in which to see the positive impact of consultation amongst people working together.” Dar Al Hanan OCA established the landmark project Dar Al Hanan (Home Away from Home) in 2011 for children with cancer across the country to tackle difficulties with transport and accommodation. Children and their families get free accommodation, meals and shuttle services to and from treatment at either the Royal Hospital or Sultan Qaboos University Hospital.
“Oman is one of the co-founders of the International Cancer Prevention Consortium – ICPC. The OCA has made dramatic progress in awareness, prevention and cure, working within Oman, and supporting low and middle income countries in the region through the ICPC. Oman has won numerous awards for its landmark projects changing attitudes to cancer. The National Cancer Control Plan’s awareness programme has reduced cases of late stage three breast cancer from 85 per cent to 21 per cent in just nine years. We are proud to be a chosen destination for the upcoming UICC World Cancer Congress” Dr Wahid Al Kharusi, President, Oman Cancer Association
“Oman is a young country, but progress since 1970 puts us on par with any of the leading countries. We are among world leaders on vaccinations, we provide continuity of care for mother and baby until the age of two, irrespective of clinic attended, something I have not seen elsewhere. We have combined clinics for women with gynaecological cancer so that patients can be seen by all relevant specialists. This, plus regular hospital meetings on morbidity and mortality, has decreased maternal mortality. “We are now starting a big new chapter in Oman: we have won the prestigious World Congress of the Royal College of Gynaecologists 2024, with around 3,000 delegates, chosen over Abu Dhabi and Dubai both because of our academic offering and because of our people and the beauty of the country. We are very proud to show what we can do.” Dr Noor Al Mandhari, Senior Consultant Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy; Honoured Member Omani Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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Agriculture and Fisheries
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES Targeted investment, easing of regulation and the integration of SMEs is all helping to increase sustainability and food security goals in Oman T he fishing sector is on course to produce 100,000 tons from aquaculture farms by 2023, with a target of 200,000 tons of fish by 2040, making a contribution of
Agriculture Agricultural modernisation and rural farm development are key pillars of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources’ Sustainable Development 2040 Strategy, part of the Oman Vision 2040. The Oman Food Investment Holding Company (OFIC) remit is to develop, invest in and implement programmes aimed at boosting farm production and food processing. This includes increasing exports of dates, honey, fruits and vegetables, dairy, eggs and red meat. Projects include dairy processing plants, poultry and red meat. The private sector plays a key role, working with international investors in projects such as the Oman Flour Mill’s egg production facility. Predicted investment opportunities in the sector are USD 320.5 million. Conference The 4th Oman AgroFood Exhibition and Conference, Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre. This important annual gathering will bring together key government decision-makers, international thought-leaders, regional trail-blazers and innovative technology and solution providers.
USD 500-900 million to the economy and adding 11,000 jobs by 2040 (World Bank 2015). Around 80 per cent of growth is through the private sector, including foreign investment (MOAF). Oman has significant competitive advantages in fisheries and aquaculture investment and development: • 3,165 km of pristine coastline abundant with sea life, including international large tuna resources • A shallow continental shelf (10-20km in places) offering easy access to cold water for land-based aquaculture
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Large pool of experienced fishermen and young and skilled workforce Neighbouring huge and growing markets for seafood with a well-developed air and ocean transport infrastructure
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Projects, research and development include: • Shrimp farms • A 300,000-sqm aquaculture project producing abalone and hamour • White prawn, tilapia and barramundi production • The New Duqm Fisheries Industrial Zone, worth USD 250 million, to farm 1,500 tons of grouper and 1,000 tons of sea cucumber
“With a coastline over 3,000 km long along three seas, Oman offers great potential for investment in the fisheries sector. We are keen to attract investment to sustain and increase our food production in the coming years, to increase employment and the diversification of our national economy.” H.E. Dr. Saoud Hamoud Ahmed Al-Habsi, Minister of of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources
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Abalone aquaculture aiming to develop novel hatchery technologies
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Environment
The Environmental Centre of Excellence GOING GREENER Oman is leading the way in the Gulf and across the world in engagement with environment issues O man was the first country in the Middle East to enact
“To foster sustainability we needed to establish a new mind set towards the environment and connect globally to best practices. We invited young Omanis to come up with innovative approaches to changing behaviour from which the programme ‘Oman Deserves’ grew, winning first prize from the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) and hitting a global audience with its anti-litter message. Now, we are setting a new benchmark for the region. “We want to share Oman’s experience with the rest of the world through our Centre of Excellence. We are connected with lots of institutions globally for R&D and we want to bring conferences to Oman to share knowledge. We have a strong relationship with ISWA and hope to hold the World Congress 2023, the first time it will be in the Middle East, in Muscat.”
a comprehensive environmental policy in 1982 and the first to establish an environmental ministry in 1984 with the objective of ensuring that economic development is not at the expense of the environment. The integrative approach across all sectors of the economy, and the involvement of the whole of society, ensures that problems are identified and solutions developed in a root and branch fashion that has produced startling results. The International Sustainability Resources & Technology Conference (ISRTC) Be’ah partners with VITO and ISWA to host the ISRT conference in Muscat. ISRTC will be hosted by be’ah and aims to contribute to the Oman Vision 2040 and the diversification of the economy, making the country a leading force in the technological transition to a sustainable future. https://www.gstic.org/edition-2019/isrtc-2020/
Dr. Mohab Al Hinai, Head, Environmental Centre of Excellence at be’ah
be’ah - Oman Environmental Services Holding Company “Sustainability is the vital global issue for future generations. We have really taken this on in Oman with one of the fastest and most efficient approaches to waste management “be’ah was created in 2006 to tackle the waste issues created by the rapid transformation of Oman into a modern country in just 30 years. In 2012 we began dealing with the 360 dumpsites throughout the country. By 2019, all sites were closed: a unique achievement globally. The difference in the Omani approach is that we view waste management as resource management. “At be’ah we work with different companies in different sectors to transform their production processes to eliminate waste. We are working with the electricity sector on a tender for a 3,800 ton per day waste energy plant, which will take us immediately to a greater than 55 per cent diversion rate: an extraordinary step in waste recovery. We work with oil and gas, the university and the agricultural and fishing associations. “We are positioning Oman as a knowledge hub in the region aiming to connect countries around us with best practice in waste and resource management.” be’ah won the Middle East Waste and Recycling Award for Medical Waste Management Best Practice in 2019. Tariq Ali Al-Amri, CEO, be’ah
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DISCOVER OMAN
SOHAR
MUSCAT
UAE
SAUDI ARABIA
OMAN
DUQM
SALALAH
omantourism.gov.om experienceoman.om ocec.om omran.om oag.om
Contact Fuad Musafir | Business Development Manager Exhibition
Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre + 968 24233842 - falbulushi@ocec.om
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