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The 1st International Conference on
Business Sustainability: Enhancing Oman’s Innovation and 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

March 20, 2026
Full Paper Submission Deadline
April 1, 2026
Notification of Acceptance
April 5, 2026
Registration Deadline
April 13–14, 2026
Conference Dates

Keynote Speakers

Mr Haitham Al Salmi

Chief Executive Officer
Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX)

Ms Wendy Werner

World Bank Group Country Manager
Oman

Mr Mohamed Al Lawati

Head of Investment Promotion Directorait
Invest Oman

Marc Goergen

Professor of Finance, IE Business School
Editor in Top Jounrnals (Q1)

Douglas Cumming

Professor of Finance Stevens Institute of Technology School of Business
Editor in Top Jounrnals (Q1)

Mohammad Soliman

Associate Prof. in Tourism Marking, Sultan Qaboos University
Editor in Top Jounrnals (Q1)

Mr Abdullah Al.Abri

VP Sustainability
Sohar Port and Freezone

Mohamed M. Battour

Professor of Marketing, A’Sharqiyah University
Editor in Top Jounrnals (Q1)

Ms Nooriya Al Bulushi

Section Head Innovation Labs,
Central Bank of Oman (CBO)

Event 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 (Assistent Vice Chancellor), UTAS

Partner Address

Mr Mohamed Al Lawati, Head of the Investment Promotion Department, Invest Oman

Keynote Speaker 1

Mr Haitham Al Salmi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX)

Keynote Speaker 2

Wendy Werner, World Bank Group Country Manager, Oman

Honouring Ceremony

Recognition of panel members and distinguished guests

Opening of Exhibition / Coffee Break & Networking

Opportunity for participants to visit exhibition booths

Panal Discussion (Ask the Editors)

Professor Mohamed M. Battour/ Associate Prof. Mohammad Soliman

Session Moderator: Dr. Nasser Al-Harrasi

Lunch Break & Networking

Lunch Break.

Experts Session 1

Mr Abdullah Al.Abri, VP Sustainability, Sohar Port and Freezone

Sustainability as an Invesment Strategy: Strengthening Oman's Competitive Edge

Experts Session 2

Ms Nooriya Al Bulushi, Section Head Innovation Labs, CBO

Insights on Financial Innovation Developments in Oman

Gala Dinner

Opening of Day 2

Keynote Speaker 1

Marc Goergen, Corporate Governance in markerts with concentrated ownership or control

Keynote Speaker 2

Douglas Cumming, Government contracting and political connections

Coffee Break & Networking

2 Parallel Sessions (Research Paper Presentations)

Theme 1: Public-Private Partnership and Infrastructure Development
Venue: Auditorium

Theme 2: Oman Business and Regulatory Environment
Venue: Old MPH

Lunch Break

Lunch Break Location

2 Parallel Sessions (Research Paper Presentations)

Theme 3: Foreign Direct Investment, Advancement and International Partnership
Venue: Auditorium

Theme 4: Business Sustainability
Venue: Old MPH

END of DAY 2


Download Conference Schedule with Details

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.

Strategic Partnership


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