العربية
Sohar, Oman – October 26, 2025 – Sohar University hosted the ICCA Uni Forum on campus in collaboration with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) – Middle East Chapter and the Oman Convention Bureau, bringing together over 60 students from 11 higher education institutions across the Sultanate. The event was held under the patronage of H.E.Mohammed Bin Suliman Al Kindi the Governor of North Al Batinah, and attended by industry experts, academics, and professionals from the regional events sector.
Participating institutions included Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Nizwa University, Sohar University, University of Buraimi, A’Sharqiyah University, National University of Science and Technology, Mazoon College, German University of Technology, Oman Tourism College, and Middle East College.
The forum aimed to inspire students to explore careers in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, while strengthening collaboration between academia and the business events sector. It also sought to position Oman as a leading regional hub for international conferences and exhibitions through knowledge exchange, capacity building, and youth empowerment.
The event opened with a welcoming address from Anju Gomes, Senior Regional Director – ICCA Middle East, who emphasized who welcomed the audience and emphasized during her presentation that the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is a global community and knowledge hub for the international meetings and congress industry, serving both governmental and non-governmental organizations. She highlighted that ICCA provides unique data and insights, educational programs, communication channels, business development opportunities, and professional networking. ICCA is recognized as one of the world’s leading organizations supporting the meetings and conventions industry, offering its global association community educational resources, tools, and connections to help them organize more effective and successful events.
This was followed by a speech from Ms. Abir Al Jabri, Manager of Communication and Marketing at Sohar University, highlighting “This forum is more than just an event — it’s a bridge between education and industry, connecting ideas with opportunities. Our partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and ICCA reflects Sohar University’s strong commitment to creating a platform that connects all sectors and encourages collaboration. As a university, our role goes beyond building human capacity in emerging sectors like the MICE industry. We are also proud to promote and position Sohar University as a leading institution that attracts regional and international conferences, contributing to the national effort to promote Oman as a business events destination.”
Mr. Khalid Al Zadjali, Director, Oman Convention Bureau, also addressed the attendees, noting that “The business tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman is one of the key sectors driving economic growth, as it provides promising opportunities that contribute to revitalizing various industries such as hospitality, transport, and services. We emphasize the importance of engaging students in the programs and initiatives of this sector, as they are the leaders of the future. Our goal is to prepare a qualified generation capable of further developing the business tourism industry and enhancing Oman’s position on the regional and international map.”
The program featured a keynote session titled “Getting Serious about Event Education: A Case Study from Macao” – Dr. Ubaldino Sequeira Couto, Macao University of Tourism, as well as a Panel Discussion: “Bridging Academia and Industry: Building the Future Workforce for Business Events” – with experts from ICCA, OCEC, and Oman Convention Bureau & Abu Dhbai Convention & Exhibition Bureau.
The day concluded with a student competition, where 10 teams from 11 universities presented innovative Business Events Bid Proposal Competition. The competition provided a dynamic platform for showcasing creativity, teamwork, and strategic thinking, while fostering collaboration among students and industry professionals.
The ICCA Uni Forum underscores Sohar University’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic and industry and building the capacity for the sectors that drives economic growth. It also reinforces the University’s vision to play a vital role in advancing Oman’s presence in the global events industry, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the country’s strategy for economic diversification.