The Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) has inaugurated its Art and Culture Season, introducing a series of concerts, theatrical productions, and art exhibitions aimed at expanding its cultural and entertainment offerings. The season opened with a performance by artist Rami Sabry and will feature appearances by notable Arab performers such as Saber Rebai, Tamer Ashour, and Elissa.
Among the highlights is the return of the ‘Muscat Art’ exhibition, which brings together artists, creators, and the public to engage in a shared cultural experience. The season will also present the Kuwaiti play “Engineer of Public Taste,” with additional live performances and events expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The initiative forms part of OCEC’s broader strategy to diversify its events calendar and enhance cultural experiences for both local audiences and international visitors, supporting Muscat’s reputation as a key destination for tourism and events in the region. Eng Said bin Salim al Shanfari, CEO of OCEC, emphasized that artistic, cultural, and entertainment events play a significant role in the business tourism and events economy. He noted that the economic impact of such events extends beyond the centre itself, benefiting sectors including hospitality, transportation, retail, and dining.
Al Shanfari highlighted that the Art and Culture Season aims to offer high-quality experiences to the public while reinforcing Muscat’s and Oman’s status as destinations that integrate business with cultural and entertainment activities. He pointed out that leisure tourism complements business tourism, with concerts and cultural events attracting visitors and encouraging spending across accommodation, transport, shopping, and dining sectors.
Furthermore, al Shanfari remarked that major events have the potential to enrich visitors' overall experience by linking attendance to Oman’s broader array of attractions and activities. This approach fosters stronger connections between the events, tourism, hospitality, culture, and entertainment industries.
OCEC collaborates with various institutions and organizations across these sectors to attract a diverse lineup of events throughout the year, bolstering Muscat’s position on the regional and international events landscape. The Art and Culture Season exemplifies this collaborative strategy through its multidisciplinary programme that includes music, visual arts, theatre, and live entertainment, with further cultural events anticipated.