The UFI Board of Directors has elected Said Al Shanfari as the association’s president for the 2027–2028 term.
Al Shanfari, currently the CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), will officially join the UFI presidential trio as incoming president this November at the conclusion of the 93rd UFI Global Congress. He will step into the role of president in November 2027 during the 94th UFI Global Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico.
For the November 2026 to November 2027 transition term, Al Shanfari will serve alongside incoming president Wolfram Diener, CEO of Messe Düsseldorf Group, and outgoing president Panittha Buri, vice chairperson of the Bhiraj Buri Group.
Al Shanfari brings extensive experience in destination development and venue management across the Middle East and Africa. In addition to his leadership at OCEC, he serves as UFI’s Middle East & Africa Chapter Chair, where he has championed sustainable growth, innovation, and international partnerships.
