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UAE – BETWEEN EMOTION AND EXCLUSIVITY, OMAN REVEALS ITS MICE SOULOMAN CONVENTION BUREAU
Amid majestic mountains, pristine beaches, and a millennia-old culture, the Sultanate of Oman stands out as one of the Gulf’s most authentic and surprising MICE destinations. It is also exceptionally modern, thanks to cutting-edge infrastructure and a spirit of hospitality designed to meet every need.
From five-star luxury resorts to sunset cruises, from stargazing evenings in the desert to team-building activities across wadis and mountains, Oman impresses with the variety and authenticity of experiences that can elevate any event.
Direct Connections from Milan and Rome
Reaching Oman from Italy is now even easier thanks to year-round direct flights operated by Oman Air to Muscat. The national carrier links the country with Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino, ensuring comfort and schedules ideal for both business travel and MICE events.
From Milan Malpensa, flights depart four times a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday) at 21:05, arriving in Muscat at 06:15 the following day. Returns from Muscat operate on the same days, departing at 15:00 and arriving in Milan at 19:05.
From Rome Fiumicino, there are also four weekly frequencies (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), departing at 20:30 and arriving in Muscat at 06:05 the next day. Return flights depart Muscat at 15:35, arriving in Rome at 19:30.
Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre: Scenic and High-Tech
In the heart of Muscat rises the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC), a modern, striking complex at the core of the country’s congress offering, welcoming over 1.5 million visitors and hosting 250 events annually.
Designed to host every type of event—from large international conventions to the most exclusive corporate meetings—the OCEC epitomizes Oman’s balance of technology, elegance, and functionality.
Its bright, modular interiors adapt effortlessly to any organizational requirement. The Grand Ballroom (2,000+ seats) is ideal for gala dinners and large congresses, while the more intimate Junior Ballroom offers a refined setting for smaller events. The Madinat Al Irfan Theatre, with 3,200 seats, stands out for perfect acoustics and state-of-the-art technical equipment, complemented by an elegant 456-seat Auditorium and an exhibition hall that can host up to 1,200 in theatre style.
Outdoors, manicured gardens and expansive open-air areas set the scene for cocktails, gala dinners, or networking moments beneath Muscat’s starry skies—adding a touch of magic to every event.
Exclusive Venues for Every Need
With 600+ hotels and 26,000+ rooms, Oman offers the MICE sector a wide and refined accommodation portfolio. Highlights include the timeless elegance of Al Bustan Palace – A Ritz-Carlton Hotel; seaside resorts such as Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah and Jumeirah Muscat Bay; the contemporary Kempinski Muscat in the Al Mouj district; and nature-immersed eco-resorts Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar and Alila Jabal Al Akhdar.
Adding to the luxury offering are new openings like The St. Regis Al Mouj and Mandarin Oriental Muscat, which bring even greater exclusivity to Omani hospitality.
Experiences That Leave a Mark
Imagine team building in the desert, where participants—on camelback or in a 4×4—tackle group challenges on the sands of Sharqiya, or collaborate to build rafts and charity bicycles for local children. Picture a traditional pottery workshop led by Omani artisans, a cooking class to uncover the secrets of oriental spices, or a candlelit dinner in a private home, where hospitality becomes art.
These are just a few examples of unforgettable activities in Oman, where nature and tradition meet. For gala events, few backdrops rival the prestige of the Royal Opera House Muscat, UNESCO-listed forts, or a private beach illuminated by starlight.
Oman is also adventure and natural wonder: a scenic helicopter flight reveals the scale of the Hajar Mountains and turquoise bays, while outdoor pursuits—from snorkeling and dolphin watching to wadi trekking and abseiling on the cliffs of Jabal Akhdar—add an exhilarating twist.
Golf Between Desert and Sea
The Sultanate boasts a golfing heritage dating back to the 1970s, and Muscat is now home to top-tier courses set against spectacular mountain-and-sea scenery. Among the standouts, Al Mouj Golf (18 holes) is famed for its waterfront setting, alongside the renowned Ghala Golf Club, Ras Al Hamra Golf Club, and La Vie Golf Club—all 18-hole courses in the capital. Completing the offer is the Jebel Sifah Golf Course (9 holes) within the namesake resort.
Looking ahead, Omani golf will be further elevated by the planned Trump International Golf Club, slated to open in 2028.
The Added Value: Oman Convention Bureau
The Oman Convention Bureau (OCB) is the strategic partner that supports MICE professionals in discovering and delivering events in the Sultanate. As the sector’s official point of reference, the OCB offers comprehensive, free-of-charge support, providing impartial consultancy, facilitating international visas, coordinating site inspections, and connecting organizers with key local stakeholders.
From selecting the most qualified DMCs to sharing updates on new openings, and enabling access to financial incentives and institutional support, the OCB provides tailored assistance at every stage—turning event planning into a seamless, effective, and creative journey.