Said Al Shanfari, CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), has been elected as President of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, for the 2027–28 term.
The appointment, announced by UFI on 3 June, will see Al Shanfari join the association’s Presidential Trio as Incoming President in November 2026, before assuming the presidency in November 2027 at the 94th UFI Global Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Under the leadership structure, the UFI Presidential Trio for the November 2026–November 2027 term will comprise Wolfram Diener, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf Group, as President; Panittha Buri, Vice-Chairperson of Bhiraj Buri Group, as Outgoing President; and Al Shanfari as Incoming President.
A long-standing advocate for the exhibitions and business events sector, Al Shanfari brings extensive experience in destination development, venue management and marketing across the Middle East and Africa. As CEO of OCEC and Chair of UFI’s Middle East & Africa Chapter, he has played a key role in strengthening the region’s position within the global exhibitions industry.
Al Shanfari said he was “deeply privileged” to be selected, describing the appointment as recognition of the growing contribution of Oman and the wider Middle East to the international exhibitions sector.
"I strongly believe that our industry’s greatest strength lies in its unique ability to bring people, ideas, cultures, and opportunities together under one roof creating meaningful connections and real economic and social impact across borders," he said.
"Together with our international members and partners, I look forward to building a stronger, more connected, innovative, and sustainable future for the global exhibition community, while continuing to position our industry as a powerful driver of progress and opportunity worldwide.”
UFI President Panittha Buri welcomed the appointment, saying Al Shanfari’s experience and regional perspective would bring fresh energy and ideas to the association’s leadership. UFI CEO and Managing Director Chris Skeith OBE also praised his longstanding commitment to the organisation and the industry, noting his leadership in hosting the 89th UFI Global Congress in Oman in 2022.
Founded in 1925, UFI represents the global exhibition industry, bringing together nearly 900 member organisations across 90 countries and regions. Headquartered in Paris, the association supports exhibition organisers, venue operators, industry associations and partners worldwide.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
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