Paving the Road for Luxury Events: The future of Oman’s MICE Offering
To truly get under the skin of what Oman has to offer and what you can expect at our upcoming event in Muscat, we’ve caught up with Khalid Walid Al Zadjali from the Oman Convention Bureau Ministry of Heritage & Tourism to share his insights on the future of Oman’s comprehensive MICE offering.
Oman Convention Bureau is one of our event partners for inVOYAGE Oman – find out more here
Alternatively, if you have a brief and would like to be connected now, email us here
Khalid Walid Al Zadjali
Oman Convention Bureau Ministry of Heritage & Tourism
inVOYAGE: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us Khalid. It’s now just under 2 weeks to go until we welcome our delegates to inVOYAGE Oman! So, with that in mind, tell us - what are the key factors that make Oman a preferred choice for event planners looking to host corporate events and incentive trips?
Khalid: Oman owes a lot of its success to its natural beauty, modern infrastructure, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere and this has certainly fed into its reputation as an appealing choice for event planners seeking to host MICE Events in the Middle East. But if I were to narrow it down to just 6 factors, it would be the following:
Strategic Location
Diverse and Scenic Landscapes
Modern Infrastructure
Cultural Richness
Accessibility to Unique Activities
Visa Facilitation
inVOYAGE: You mention modern infrastructure and facilities - could you highlight some of the venues available in Oman that cater to the needs of MICE planners?
Khalid: Oman has invested significantly into modern infrastructure and facilities that cater to the diverse needs of MICE planners, whether you’re looking to host large-scale conferences, incentive trips, or smaller corporate meetings. Just some of the key modern facilities and venues in Oman include:
Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC)
Luxurious Hotels: Muscat and other major cities in Oman boast a range of luxury hotels with excellent conference and meeting facilities. Some well-known hotel chains include Shangri-La, InterContinental, Kempinski, and more. These hotels offer meeting rooms, banquet halls, and event spaces equipped with the latest technology.
Unique Event Venues: Oman's diverse landscapes provide opportunities for special event venues. Planners can organize events in the desert dunes, historic forts, beachfront locations, or amidst the majestic mountains.
inVOYAGE: Oman is certainly renowned for its rich, cultural heritage. Can you give us a sense of how event planners can incorporate Omani culture into their programs to create memorable and immersive experiences for attendees?
Khalid: Oman as a destination has always offered a unique and memorable setting for MICE events and incentives. From state-of-the-art conference facilities to immersive cultural experiences and outdoor adventures, Oman has much to offer your attendees. But it’s particularly the warmth and hospitality of the Omani people that make it a welcoming and safe destination for business and leisure. Consider Oman for your next event, and your attendees will leave with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for this captivating country.
Some of the best ways to incorporate Omani culture into your program include:
Traditional Welcome
Omani Cuisine
Cultural Workshops
Historical Tours
Visit Traditional Souks
Desert Experiences
Customized Gifts
With these elements, you can guarantee attendees a truly immersive and memorable experience of Omani culture, fostering a deeper appreciation for the country's rich heritage.
inVOYAGE: Incredible! Our delegates are certainly in for a treat when they join us in Oman! Now, Khalid, what can you tell us about the developments or projects currently on the horizon for Oman's tourism industry, especially in terms of expanding facilities and services for the MICE sector?
Khalid: In recent years, Oman has been actively investing into its tourism industry and several developments and projects are currently on the horizon for Oman's tourism industry with a real slant on the evolving needs of the MICE segment. In particular, you can look forward to the following projects:
The St. Regis Hotel Al Mouj (2024)
Oman Botanic Garden (2025)
Mandarin Oriental Muscat (2024)
Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar (2024)
Reopening JW Marriott Muscat- this year in October 15th
inVOYAGE: Wow, some very exciting projects in the mix there! Finally, what message or advice would you like to convey to any event planners and organisations currently considering Oman as a destination for their upcoming MICE events and incentives?
Khalid: Oman is a destination that seamlessly blends modernity with its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. For event planners, that means unique and memorable incentives with a strong cultural focus at heart. Couple this with the warmth and hospitality of the Omani people, and your attendees will leave with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation of this captivating country. Consider partnering with local event management companies and DMCs and you’ll have access to all the in-depth, ground knowledge you’ll need – from logistics to cultural nuances – to get your event off the ground.
inVOYAGE: Thank you Khalid! We’re delighted to be partnering with you for our upcoming event in Oman and we’re looking forward to showcasing just what Oman has to offer for our delegates. See you soon!
