Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) has announced that it has successfully completed the construction work package of Madinat Al Irfan Theatre as part of its Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) project.

Omran stated that the three-storey building can accommodate up to 3200 people and includes 19 separate conference rooms in addition to an auditorium with a capacity of 456 people. Equipped with adequate facilities and supporting tourism assets, OCEC will become the preferred choice for various events and activities in the sultanate, thus contributing to boosting the country’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination, the statement added.

Said Bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, senior vice-president and project engineer at OCEC, said: “OCEC is distinguished with its strategic location in the capital city of Muscat and is considered the first major project carried out by Omran in Madinat Al Irfan — the future urban destination for visitors from and outside the sultanate.”

“The theatre stands out as one of OCEC major facilities designed in accordance with the highest international standards. It will contribute to enriching the arts and culture activities in the sultanate and will also act as a major destination for events and a unique tourist attraction, Al Qasimi added.

Omran further added that the completion of the second and final phase of the project will boost the sultanate’s capacity to provide integrated facilities for hosting local, regional and international conferences, exhibitions, meetings, and special events.

As a driving factor for businesses and tourism movement in the sultanate, the project is expected to contribute to the economic diversification agenda and to act as one of the sources of the national economy. Moreover, it will strengthen the efforts undertaken by the sultanate to provide new job opportunities for Omani youth as well as business opportunities for local companies and small and medium enterprises, the tourism development company stated.