Oman Continues Its Progress Towards Sustainability

The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) has firmly established itself as a premier destination for business events in the Middle East. Hosting large-scale energy conferences such as the GPCA 18th Annual Forum in 2024 and major exhibitions like Oman Sustainability Week, the venue has consistently demonstrated its versatility in orchestrating world-class gatherings with international delegates. As Oman takes significant steps toward sustainability, the sultanate is emerging as a destination committed to reducing its environmental impact.

Eng Said Al Shanfari, CEO of the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, highlights this commitment: “Oman has the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It is an ambitious target, but it is one that we have completely embraced at the OCEC to reduce our environmental impact.”

The sultanate has implemented concrete initiatives to lower its carbon footprint, earning global recognition. In a testament to these efforts, Oman was recently named the least polluted country in the GCC by the 2025 Pollution Index, a ranking issued by Numbeo, a global crowd-sourced database.

At an industry level, Eng Said Al Shanfari and other industry leaders signed the UFI Net Zero Carbon Events pledge, recognising that the business events sector must play a greater role in combating climate change. However, he is clear that reducing carbon impact requires collaboration: “We know that reducing our carbon emissions is not something we can achieve alone as a venue; our partners, whether from the government or private sectors, also play an integral role.”

As Oman continues its progress towards sustainability, the question arises: can the country position itself as a prime destination for sustainable events? According to the convention centre’s CEO, the answer is a resounding yes: “Oman isn’t just a venue for conferences, it’s a destination with purpose. When you host your event here, you’re not simply checking boxes; you’re becoming part of a broader conversation on sustainability in a country deeply committed to energy transformation. With local experts and insights, we offer more than one venue; we provide a platform for discussions on diversifying energy sources.”

For business event organisers seeking valuable insights and content, Oman is emerging as a rising destination on the map. The venue offers organisers the chance to host their events in a space committed to sustainability, providing an impactful and environmentally conscious setting.

OCEC’s journey toward sustainability is only beginning, but the venue has already made significant progress. As of 2024, 24 per cent of its total electricity is generated by 8,300 rooftop solar panels, making it one of Oman’s largest rooftop solar projects. In collaboration with Total Energies Renewables and with the support of OMRAN Group, the project aims to reduce CO₂ emissions by 3,317 tCO₂e annually. Combined with its LEED Gold Certification and advancements in waste management, including partnerships with local suppliers to repurpose cardboard and plastic waste, the convention centre is actively minimising the environmental impact of its events.

“Achieving sustainable impact requires the right partners. Oman’s circular economy and recycling sectors are growing, and further investment in this field will help reduce our carbon footprint.”

A key focus for OCEC is minimising exhibition waste, particularly disposable stands and food waste. In 2024, the venue donated over 1,000 meals to the Oman Food Bank and plans to expand this partnership while introducing on-site composting solutions.

For exhibitions, the centre draws inspiration from flagship events like Oman Sustainability Week, which promotes sustainable practices. This year, exhibitors will be encouraged to adopt the Better Stands initiative, ensuring stands and booths are reusable rather than disposable.

“One of our team members will serve on the jury for the Most Sustainable Stand Award 2025. It will enhance our expertise in recognising sustainable designs and guiding clients toward better solutions. Additionally, the events team has prioritised waste reduction, with 100 per cent of event carpets in 2024 either recycled or donated to charities.”

While the convention and exhibition centre is on its journey towards stronger sustainability credentials, Oman offers compelling opportunities for organisers looking to host renewable energy or sustainability-focused events. Adding to this sector’s strength is the venue’s accessibility and welcoming atmosphere for international delegates. Whether Oman can surpass other destinations in attracting renewable energy or sustainable events remains to be seen. Still, the country is on track to become a rising destination in this field.

According to Eng Said Al Shanfari, here are four key reasons to host a sustainable event in Oman:

A Venue Built for Sustainability  OCEC is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring energy-efficient infrastructure, solar power integration, and a commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. Its prime location near the airport ensures ease of access for international delegates.

Oman’s Natural and Cultural Appeal  From pristine beaches to vast deserts, the sultanate offers an inspiring setting that enhances any event. The country’s rich cultural heritage complements its sustainability efforts, creating a special and immersive experience for attendees.

A Nation Leading in Renewable Energy  Oman has invested significantly in green hydrogen and renewables. As a hub for global discussions on energy transition, it is a representative location for events focused on sustainability and innovation.

Oman is a growing force in Climate Action and actively addresses climate change through initiatives like Oman Climate Week, which draws international leaders and policymakers. Hosting events here aligns conferences with a country committed to environmental progress.