The season features concerts by Saber Rebai on October 9, Tamer Ashour and Elissa in November, according to the centre’s published schedule. It will also include the return of the Muscat Art exhibition from October 28 to 30 and the Kuwaiti play Engineer of Public Taste. Additional live performances and events are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, OCEC said. The Muscat Art exhibition previously attracted more than 6,000 visitors with contributions from over 200 artists representing more than 12 countries, an ArtDayME assessment found.
Oman Observer reported that the new season forms part of efforts to diversify the venue’s events calendar while maintaining its role in hosting major international conferences and trade exhibitions. The centre’s calendar already includes the Home and Building Expo this week, the OFSEC safety event later in October and several industry forums through December. This broader programming seeks to draw both local residents and international visitors to Muscat.
Engineer Saeed bin Salim Al Shanfari, chief executive of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, described artistic, cultural and entertainment events as an important component of the business tourism and events economy. Al Shanfari noted that leisure tourism complements business tourism, with concerts, exhibitions and live performances helping attract visitors and generate spending on accommodation, transportation, dining, shopping and other experiences. He said the season would strengthen Muscat and Oman’s position as a destination that combines business, culture and entertainment.
The Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre collaborates with institutions including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth to organise its annual lineup of activities. Its facilities in Madinat Al Irfan have established the venue as a primary location for both commercial and public events across the Sultanate. Officials have integrated the Art and Culture Season into a year-round schedule that balances professional gatherings with accessible cultural offerings.
Muscat Art forms a cornerstone of the visual arts component within the season and aligns with the exhibition’s annual timing in late October. The event brings together painters, sculptors and other creators for displays that encourage dialogue among artists, galleries and audiences. Organisers have closed registration for the 2026 edition, with exhibitor move-in scheduled for October 27.
Further cultural programming is set to be revealed progressively, building on the initial slate of confirmed performances and exhibitions. The season reflects Oman’s focus on developing its tourism and creative sectors through varied public events. OCEC continues to update its calendar as new announcements emerge in the months ahead.
