The 1st International
Conference on
Business
and Sustainability: Enhancing
Oman’s Investment Ecosystem
13-14 April 2026
About the Conference
The First International Conference on Business and Sustainability: Enhancing Oman’s Investment Ecosystem is a landmark platform hosted by College of Economics and Business Administration, University of Technology and Applied Sciences – Muscat. In alignment with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s vision and Oman Vision 2040, the conference supports the development of a competitive and sustainable investment ecosystem. It brings together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and investors to explore how FDI, PPPs, and regulatory reforms can drive diversification, innovation, and longterm sustainability, positioning Oman as a regional hub for responsible investment and global competitiveness.
Where
College of Economics and Business
Administration
UTAS-Muscat
When
Monday & Tuesday
13-14 April 2026
Conference Themes
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Advancements and International Partnerships
- Global FDI trends and investment strategies.
- International collaboration and economic integration.
- Sectoral investment opportunities and innovation.
- Technology transfer and knowledge-based growth.
Public–Private Partnerships and Infrastructure Development
- PPP models, governance frameworks, and best practices.
- Infrastructure financing and sustainability.
- Risk sharing and stakeholder collaboration.
- Institutional and regulatory readiness.
Oman’s Business and Regulatory Environment
- Investment climate and business competitiveness.
- Regulatory reforms and investor confidence.
- Digital transformation and innovation ecosystems.
- Governance and global positioning.
Timeline
Keynote Speakers
H.E. Mohammed Al Ardhi
Chairman of Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX)
Wendy Werner
World Bank Group Country Manager, Oman
Eng. Nasser Al Kindi
CEO Invest Oman
Douglas Cumming
Professor of Finance and Steven Shulman ’62 EndowedChair for Digital Innovation
Stevens Institute of Technology School of Business
Dr. Mohammad Soliman
Humanities and Social Science Communication (Scopus Q1) Sultan Qaboos University
Marc Goergen
Professor of Finance, IE Business SchoolEvent Schedule
Registration
Welcome desk, delegate kits, and name badges.
Opening Ceremony
Qura’an and the National Anthem.
Introductory Video
Overview of the conference theme and objectives.
Welcome Address
Dr. Khalid Al Abri, UTAS.
Partner Address
Eng. Nasser Al Kindi
H.E. Mohammed Al Ardhi
Wendy Werner
Honouring Ceremony
Recognition of panel members and distinguished guests.
Coffee Break & Networking / Opening of Exhibition
Opportunity for participants to visit exhibition booths.
Ask the Editor:
DR. Douglas Cumming
Dr. Mohammad Soliman
Dr. Marc Goergen
Lunch Break & Networking
Lunch Break.
Experts Sessions/ Presentation
Two parallel sessions facilitated by experts and industry leaders.
Afternoon Tea
END OF DAY 1
Gala Dinner
Opening of Day 2
Douglas Cumming
Government contracting and political connections
Marc Goergen
Corporate Governance in markerts with concentrated ownership or control
Coffee Break & Networking
3 Parallel Sessions (Research Paper Presentations)
15-minute presentation + 5-minute Q&A per speaker (3 rooms, capacity 60 each – UTAS Muscat)
Lunch Break
Lunch Break Location
3 Parallel Sessions (Research Paper Presentations)
15-minute presentation + 5-minute Q&A per speaker (3 rooms)
END OF DAY 2
Event Venue
About UTAS
Standing as the largest university in the Sultanate of Oman, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) embodies the nation’s vision for innovation, excellence, and sustainable development. Established by Royal Decree No. 76/2020, UTAS brought together the former Colleges of Technology, Colleges of Applied Sciences, and Rustaq College of Education under one unified institution. Guided by Oman Vision 2040, UTAS aligns education, research, and innovation with national priorities to meet modern challenges and future needs. With over 46,000 students across multiple branches, UTAS offers a diverse range of programs spanning engineering, business, applied sciences, information technology, design, education, and emerging disciplines that shape Oman’s knowledge-driven future.
Partnerships
Contact
Scientific Team
icbs26@utas.edu.om
Website
https://icbs26.utas.edu.om/
Technical Support Team
icbssupport.mct@utas.edu.om
Sponsorship Team
icbssponsor.mct@utas.edu.om