The UFI Board of Directors has elected Said Al Shanfari, CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), as UFI President for the 2027–28 term, marking a significant milestone for the Middle East and Africa region within the global exhibition industry.
Al Shanfari will join the UFI Presidential Trio as Incoming President in November 2026 and assume the presidency in November 2027 during the 94th UFI Global Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico. The UFI Presidential Trio for the November 2026–November 2027 term will comprise Wolfram Diener, President & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf Group, as President; Panittha Buri, Vice-Chairperson of Bhiraj Buri Group, as Outgoing President; and Said Al Shanfari as Incoming President. The 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 and Africa. As CEO of OCEC and Chair of UFI’s Middle East & Africa Chapter, he has played a pivotal role in elevating the region’s presence within the international business events industry. His contributions have been widely recognized, including being named among Forbes Middle East Tourism Leaders in both 2024 and 2025.
Commenting on his appointment, Said Al Shanfari said: “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…”
Welcoming him into the leadership team, UFI President Panittha Buri stated: “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.”
UFI CEO and Managing Director Chris Skeith OBE added: “Said has been a familiar and much-valued face at UFI events for many years, and his dedication to our community has never wavered.”
As Incoming President, Al Shanfari will work closely with UFI leadership to further the association’s mission of connecting, supporting, and promoting the exhibition industry worldwide. Founded in 1925, UFI today represents nearly 900 member organizations across 90 countries and regions, directly representing more than 50,000 exhibition industry professionals globally.
