CONNECT continues to play a leading role in advancing Oman’s position as a regional and international hub for exhibitions, conferences, and high-impact industry dialogue, driven by its strategic partnership with the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC).

Through this collaboration, CONNECT has successfully delivered some of the Sultanate’s largest and most influential industry platforms, including the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show (OPES) and Oman Sustainability Week (OSW). These flagship events are currently the only industry platforms to fully utilise the entire OCEC venue, including all exhibition halls, meeting rooms, and ballrooms, reflecting strong international demand and growing sector engagement.

With global participation continuing to increase, CONNECT is preparing to introduce temporary event infrastructure within the next two years to support expansion and accommodate rising international attendance.

In 2025, CONNECT’s events attracted more than 70,000 visits from over 40 countries, reinforcing Oman’s growing reputation as a global convening hub for industry, investment, and knowledge exchange. The company’s flagship events delivered 70,955 visits, including more than 20,000 unique international attendees, generating significant value across tourism, hospitality, and service sectors.

Beyond economic contribution, CONNECT and OCEC are also advancing sustainability through joint initiatives, including a tree planting programme that supports environmental stewardship and contributes to national sustainability goals. The initiative reflects both organizations shared commitment to responsible event delivery and long-term environmental impact.

“Marking 40 years of CONNECT is a moment of great pride. Since its founding in 1986, CONNECT has grown from a pioneering idea into one of the region’s most respected event organisers: a journey built on excellence, ambition, and the dedication of exceptional people. The company’s recent international recognition reflects not only the quality of its platforms, but the values and professionalism behind them. As the industry evolves and new opportunities emerge, CONNECT is exceptionally well positioned to lead its next chapter with confidence and vision. I extend my sincere appreciation to our partners and our teams, past and present, for their contributions to this remarkable journey.” commented Sayyid Khalid bin Hamed bin Hamoud Al Busaidi – Executive Chairman, SABCO Group

“Since the opening of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) in 2017, CONNECT has been driven by a clear vision to design and deliver world-class events that align with the highest international standards and complement a venue of global stature. Guided by a commitment to generating measurable economic value for the Sultanate and supporting national strategic priorities, CONNECT has steadily expanded both its portfolio and industry influence. Today, CONNECT proudly delivers Oman’s largest and most impactful trade events, platforms of increasing international relevance that strengthen the Sultanate’s position on the global business, investment, and knowledge exchange stage,” according to Ashley Roberts, Managing Director, CONNECT

“Our partnership with CONNECT has shown how powerful collaboration can be in shaping Oman as a regional and international convening hub. The scale and quality of the platforms delivered at OCEC are a direct reflection of shared vision, operational excellence, and a commitment to creating meaningful outcomes for industries, communities, and the wider economy. We look forward to building on this momentum as global demand continues to grow,”  commented Eng. Said Al Shanfari, CEO, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre

CONNECT also achieved Great Place to Work Certification in 2025, placing it among a select group of companies in Oman to receive the internationally recognized accreditation, highlighting its strong focus on people, culture, and organizational excellence.