ICCA has taken major strides in advancing its presence in the Middle East by announcing three significant partnerships during IMEX Frankfurt 2025. These initiatives, launched in collaboration with stakeholders from Jordan and Oman, are part of ICCA’s ongoing mission to drive sustainable growth, empower local talent, and deepen international engagement in the global business events industry.
ICCA Middle East Summit 2026 to be hosted in Jordan
ICCA and the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) have signed an official agreement to host the ICCA Middle East Summit 2026 in Amman, solidifying Jordan’s position as a regional hub for international association meetings. This event will bring together leaders, decision-makers, and professionals for high-level dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.
Dr Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said: “Jordan’s strategic location, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to the Business Events industry make it an ideal host for the ICCA Middle East Summit 2026. We are delighted to partner with the Jordan Tourism Board and look forward to working together to deliver a successful and impactful event. This summit will not only enhance Jordan’s visibility in the global meetings industry but also create opportunities for knowledge exchange and business development.”
Luma Al Khatib, Head of the Convention Bureau at the Jordan Tourism Board, stated: “We are thrilled to welcome the ICCA Middle East Summit 2026 to Jordan. This agreement underscores our commitment to advancing the Business Events sector, showcasing Jordan’s world-class infrastructure, and promoting our country as a dynamic destination for international events. We look forward to providing a platform for industry professionals to connect, exchange knowledge, and create meaningful partnerships.”
Oman to host Association Day and launch ICCAUni Forum
ICCA also announced a strategic collaboration with the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) and the Oman Convention Bureau (OCB) to launch two distinct initiatives: Association Day Oman and the ICCAUni Forum.
Association Day Oman, scheduled for December 2025, will host 10 international associations for a curated, three-day experience. The event is designed to foster connections between global association leaders and Omani stakeholders, including local associations, tourism partners, and government entities.
Dr Senthil Gopinath said: “Association Day Oman is more than just a site inspection. It’s a curated experience that showcases the power of collaboration and destination storytelling. Oman is an emerging leader in our industry, and this initiative supports the country’s commitment to knowledge economy development, global partnerships, and long-term association legacies. We are proud to co-create this opportunity with OCEC.”
This initiative builds on the success of a similar 2023 programme, where associations from the energy, aquaculture, and cybersecurity sectors brought their events to Oman.
OCEC CEO Eng. Said Al Shanfari stated: “Welcoming international associations to Oman has proven to be a powerful way of showcasing our world-class infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and the unique value our destination offers. In Oman, the success of the business events industry relies on close collaboration between international and local associations. Offering them the chance to experience the destination firsthand and meet key stakeholders is essential to securing future international events.”
In addition, ICCA has partnered with the Oman Convention Bureau (OCB) and leading educational institutions in Oman, including Sohar University, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the ICCAUni Forum. This initiative aims to build capacity, engage stakeholders, and expand Oman’s share in the global business events market, with a focus on nurturing local talent and actively involving youth in legacy projects generated through association meetings.
The MoU was signed at IMEX Frankfurt, bringing together representatives from ICCA, OCB, and the participating educational institutions. This collaboration is part of ICCA’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable growth within the Business Events industry, while empowering the next generation of professionals.
Dr Senthil Gopinath said: “This partnership is a testament to ICCA’s dedication to empowering young talent and fostering sustainable growth in the Business Events industry. By collaborating with the Oman Convention Bureau and leading educational institutions, we are creating a platform that not only supports the development of local talent but also reinforces Oman’s position as a thriving destination for business events.”
Khalid Al Zadjali, Director of the Oman Convention Bureau, added: “This collaboration with ICCA and the participating educational institutions aligns with our vision to position Oman as a leading destination for business events. Engaging our youth through the ICCAUni Forum is an investment in our future, ensuring that Oman’s MICE sector continues to grow with a focus on innovation and excellence.”
The ICCAUni Forum will provide students from these institutions with hands-on experience in the business events industry, connecting them with professionals in the space, facilitating knowledge exchange, and encouraging their participation in legacy projects created through association meetings. This collaboration is a significant step toward bridging the gap between academia and the business events industry in Oman.
A unified vision for regional growth
These initiatives represent a unified regional strategy that combines education, destination promotion, and community engagement. Through deep partnerships in Jordan and Oman, ICCA is advancing its global mission to connect people and ideas, foster innovation, and create meaningful legacy outcomes in the Middle East and beyond.
The announcements come as part of a dynamic ICCA presence at IMEX Frankfurt 2025, where ICCA’s Board of Directors convened to discuss the association’s strategy going forward, celebrate standout moments, and unveil new projects.
