Sohar University Hosts ICCA Uni Forum to Promote Oman as a Global Conference Destination
Sohar, The Gulf Observer: Sohar University in North Al Batinah Governorate successfully hosted the ICCA Uni Forum on Sunday, organized through a strategic collaboration between the university, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), and the Oman Convention Bureau under the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
The forum was inaugurated under the patronage of Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah, and featured participation from distinguished academics, industry specialists, and conference professionals from across Oman and international markets.
The initiative aims to create career pathways for Omani youth in the conferences and exhibitions sector while strengthening collaboration between academic institutions and the business events industry. It also seeks to establish Oman as a premier conference tourism destination regionally and globally, supporting the strategic objectives outlined in Oman Vision 2040.
Anju Gomes, Senior Regional Director for ICCA in the Middle East, highlighted the organization’s global leadership in the meetings and conferences industry, noting the sector’s substantial contribution to global GDP and its creation of millions of direct and indirect jobs worldwide. She emphasized that hosting forums in Oman demonstrates the nation’s expanding presence in the global conference landscape and enhances its economic competitiveness in business tourism.
Abeer Abdullah Al Jabri, Director of Communication and Marketing at Sohar University, underscored the university’s commitment to equipping students with practical competencies in event and conference management. She highlighted initiatives linking academic learning with workplace requirements while fostering leadership and administrative expertise among students.
Meanwhile, Khalid bin Al Walid Al Zedjali, Director of the Oman Convention Bureau, noted the remarkable growth Oman has experienced in hosting regional and international conferences. He emphasized the bureau’s strategic role in developing the sector, enhancing Oman’s competitive positioning, and aligning educational initiatives with national economic diversification goals.
The forum’s agenda featured an international perspective through Dr. Ubaldino Sequeira Couto from Macau University of Tourism, who presented “Seriousness in Events Education: A Case Study from Macau”, sharing insights on educational methodologies and competency development in conference management.
An expert panel discussion titled “Bridging Academia and Industry: Building the Future Workforce for Business Events” examined challenges and opportunities for sector development in line with international standards and best practices.
The event concluded with a student competition focused on developing bids to host international conferences, featuring ten teams from eleven Omani universities and colleges. The competition allowed students to deliver innovative presentations, gaining practical experience in presentation skills, persuasive communication, and collaborative planning within a professional environment.
Participating institutions included Sultan Qaboos University, University of Nizwa, University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Sohar, A’Sharqiyah University, University of Buraimi, National University of Science and Technology, German University of Technology in Oman, Mazoon College, Middle East College, Oman Tourism College, in addition to Sohar University.
The forum reinforced Oman’s commitment to nurturing a generation of qualified national professionals to support the growth of its conference tourism sector and advance its strategic vision for sustainable economic development.
