OCEC commits to sustainability and community engagement: CEO

Said Salim al Shanfari, CEO of Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC), recently outlined a vision for sustainability and community engagement during panels organised by Petroleum Development Oman (FD Ignite Week) and The Business Year (Oman Business Forum). Al Shanfari’s insights highlighted a strategic shift towards developing impactful, profitable projects that resonate with consumer expectations and contribute to national sustainability goals.

Al Shanfari emphasised that sustainability in Oman is a concrete commitment requiring investment in projects that are both impactful and profitable. In a post he said, “At this stage, it is utopian to develop projects which will not benefit our organisation or our target audience.” This pragmatic approach is exemplified by OCEC’s latest venture — a solar panel project aimed at advancing the venue’s net zero ambitions and redefining its market appeal.

The solar panel initiative represents a significant step towards sustainable operations and reflects a broader trend in Oman towards renewable energy adoption. In March, OCEC signed an agreement with TotalEnergies Renewables DG MEA to develop a 4.6 megawatt-peak solar rooftop, which is expected to produce over 7,000 megawatt-hours annually. This energy production will significantly cover OCEC’s electricity consumption, reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing energy efficiency. Al Shanfari noted, “This project has the capacity to change our venue positioning and make it more attractive while also supporting our net zero goals.”

In addition to sustainability, Al Shanfari proposed innovative solutions to seasonal challenges. Addressing the perception that Oman’s scorching summer months are unsuitable for events, he suggested repurposing OCEC’s exhibition halls into a summer sports complex. “They say: ‘there are no events in the summer in Oman, it’s too hot,'” he remarked. “I answer: ‘let’s transform our exhibition halls into a sports complex for the summer, benefiting the local populations and raising awareness about sports, health, and well-being.'” This initiative aims to maximise the utility of OCEC’s facilities and foster community engagement by providing a space for sports and wellness activities during the off-peak season.

Employee well-being and empowerment are also central to OCEC’s operational essence. Al Shanfari highlighted the importance of a supportive and empowering work environment as a cornerstone of organisational success. “Any organisation can thrive by focusing on the well-being of their employees,” he asserted. To this end, OCEC holds quarterly “pit-stop” meetings designed to empower employees to showcase their achievements. These gatherings celebrate individual and team accomplishments, reinforcing a culture of recognition and motivation.

Moreover, the team spirit that permeates every project at OCEC underscores the Centre’s commitment to a collaborative and inclusive workplace. By ensuring that employees are empowered and supported, OCEC cultivates an environment where innovation and excellence can flourish. This collaborative culture not only enhances employee satisfaction but also drives the Centre’s overall success and growth.