CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, Said Al Shanfari will join the UFI Presidential Trio as incoming president in November 2026 and will take over the reins as president in November 2027 at the 94th UFI Global Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The UFI Presidential Trio for the November 2026 – November 2027 term will consist of: Wolfram Diener (president & CEO, Messe Düsseldorf Group), president; Panittha Buri (vice-chairperson, Bhiraj Buri Group), outgoing president and Said Al Shanfari (CEO, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre), incoming president.

This decision will become effective at the conclusion of the 93rd UFI Global Congress in November 2026.

Al Shanfari brings decades of experience in marketing, destination development and venue management across the Middle East & Africa, along with a progressive vision shaped by one of the world’s fastest-growing exhibition markets. As CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre and UFI’s Middle East & Africa Chapter chair, he has been instrumental in elevating the region’s profile on the global business events stage, championing innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth. He was named among the Middle East’s leading tourism figures in the Forbes Middle East Tourism Leaders list in both 2024 and 2025.

Al Shanfari commented: “I am deeply privileged to be selected as UFI’s incoming president, representing not only our industry, but also the growing voice and contribution of the Middle East and Oman on the global exhibitions 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.

“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. 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.”

Panittha Buri, current UFI president, added: “I am delighted to welcome Said into the UFI Trio. The depth of experience and fresh perspectives he brings from the Middle East & Africa region will inject new energy and thinking into our work.

“Having witnessed first-hand his passion, vision and commitment to our industry, I am confident he will be a wonderful addition to our leadership – and a strong guardian of the values that define UFI and our global community.”

Chris Skeith OBE, UFI CEO and managing director, commented: “Said has been a familiar and much-valued face at UFI events for many years, and his dedication to our community has never wavered.

“Having hosted the 89th UFI Global Congress at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2022, we saw first-hand the warmth and professionalism he and his team bring to everything they do.”

True to the association’s global presence, UFI’s recent presidents have been from the UK (Hugh Jones, 2024-25), the UAE (Geoff Dickinson, 2023-24), the UK (Michael Duck, 2022-23), Hong Kong (Monica Lee-Müller, 2021-22), India (Anbu Varathan, 2020-21), USA (Mary Larkin, 2019-20), and South Africa (Craig Newman, 2018-19).

For more information about how UFI’s association is structured, please visit: www.ufi.org/ufi-leadership