Friday 10 / July / 2026
MUSCAT: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) is gearing up to host one of the Sultanate of Oman’s major summer sports and entertainment events, as Sports Spark 2026 prepares to open from Tuesday, July 14, to August 15, 2026.
As part of the final preparations for the event, teams from Sohar International Bank and Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre conducted a site inspection visit yesterday to review the progress of construction works and final arrangements. The visit was attended by Abdul Qader Al Sumali, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Sohar International, and Eng. Said Al Shanfari, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, along with members of the working teams from both sides.
During the visit, attendees were briefed on the latest construction updates and final arrangements for the event, which this year will extend across three exhibition halls at the centre. The expansion marks a notable increase from previous editions, which were held across two halls, reflecting the event’s continued growth and the strong turnout expected from visitors and participants.
Organised by Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre for the fourth time, and presented in partnership with Sohar International Bank, Sports Spark aims to deliver an integrated sports and entertainment experience, bringing together sporting activities, interactive experiences and community events for the whole family.
Sports Spark 2026 will open on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, with the screening of a FIFA World Cup semi-final in a dedicated Fan Zone, offering football supporters a lively atmosphere to enjoy the match. The event will also feature a wide range of special attractions throughout its run, including the Spark Martial Arts Championship, Muscat Night Race, the Kids Summer Camp and several other experiences and activities designed to appeal to different age groups.
Abdul Qadir Al Sumali, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Sohar International Bank, said: “We are proud of our partnership with Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre to present the fourth edition of Sports Spark, an event that reflects our commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sport and healthy lifestyles within the community. The expansion of this year’s edition to three halls is a clear indication of its success and continued development, and we look forward to delivering an exceptional experience that brings together sport and entertainment for all visitors.”
Eng. Said Al Shanfari, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, said: “We are pleased to organise the fourth edition of Sports Spark, which has become one of the leading community events hosted by the centre. The expansion from two halls to three reflects the event’s sustained growth and the increasing demand it continues to attract. Our teams, in collaboration with Sohar International, have worked to provide all the necessary capabilities to ensure a comprehensive and memorable experience.”
During the visit, both parties underscored the importance of continued cooperation and coordination between the working teams to ensure the readiness of the venue and the completion of all preparations in line with the highest quality standards. They said these efforts would contribute to delivering a successful event that further strengthens Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre’s position as a leading destination for hosting sports and entertainment events in the Sultanate of Oman.
The working teams are currently continuing their efforts to complete the final preparations to welcome visitors and participants to Sports Spark 2026.
