At the event MoT and the OCEC held a media conference to officially announce the phase one opening of OCEC on August 15 and the launch of the Oman Convention Bureau (OCB). OCB has been created to provide regulatory assistance for business tourism in Oman and spearhead growth of the emerging industry stated a press release.

H E Maitha al Mahrouqi Undersecretary at the Ministry of Tourism said 'Oman is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the world's most exciting meeting convention and exhibition destinations with the catalyst being the nation's pillar project the OCEC.

'IMEX Frankfurt 2016 is a valuable opportunity to present the formidable array of assets that make Oman such a dynamic meetings environment and to introduce the OCB and its diverse services to the global events industry.'

H E Maitha also highlighted sultanate's robust economy flourishing enterprise culture immense intellectual capital reputation as one of the world's safest and most tranquil destinations and its youthful and ambitious multi-cultural population. She also pointed out the sultanate's wealth of natural assets including an enviable location at the nexus of East-West trade routes and stunning natural beauty.

Trevor McCartney general manager OCEC said 'OCEC is ready for business and we can't wait to meet the world. 'With our Phase I facilities going online on August 15 we are set to impress with 22000sq m of flexible column free exhibition space and ten state-of-the-art hospitality suites supported by a full service kitchen and expert chefs.'

McCartney added 'IMEX Frankfurt 2016 is a great platform that has helped us nurture global networking opportunities with potential clients interested in bringing their business to Oman and the OCEC as one of the world's most compelling events destinations.' While participating at IMEX Frankfurt 2016 the OCEC also engaged in meetings with important organisations and professional associations from sectors pivotal to Oman's economic diversification strategy.