Izmir, Turkey – Said Al Shanfari, CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), has been elected President of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) for the 2027–28 term, marking a significant milestone for Oman’s growing stature in global business events.

The UFI Board of Directors announced the election on Wednesday. Al Shanfari will join the UFI presidential trio as incoming president in November 2026, assuming the presidency at the 94th UFI Global Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico, in November 2027.

The presidential trio for the November 2026–27 term will comprise Wolfram Diener as president, Panittha Buri as outgoing president, and Al Shanfari as incoming president.

Al Shanfari brings decades of experience in marketing, destination development and venue management across the Middle East and Africa. As UFI’s Middle East and Africa Chapter Chair, he has been a consistent advocate for elevating the region’s profile on the global business events stage.

“This appointment is not only a personal honour, but a reflection of the significant potential of the exhibition industry to shape economies, industries and societies worldwide,” Al Shanfari said. “Our industry’s greatest strength lies in its unique ability to bring people, ideas, cultures and opportunities together — creating meaningful connections and real economic and social impact across borders.”

The election comes as Oman accelerates investment in business tourism infrastructure, building a track record of hosting major regional and international conferences and exhibitions.

Founded in 1925, UFI represents close to 900 member organisations across 90 countries, directly representing more than 50,000 exhibition industry professionals worldwide.