Countdown to OPES 2026: Where Oman’s Energy Horizons Expand

The countdown is officially on for the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show (OPES) 2026, taking place from 18–20 May 2026 at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) in Muscat. Backed by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MoEM) and organized biennially by CONNECT, OPES remains the Sultanate’s premier integrated platform covering the entire oil, gas, and energy industry value chain — upstream, midstream, and downstream. The event serves as a vital gateway for Oman to showcase its progress, ambitions, and partnerships in both traditional energy and the fast-emerging clean energy sectors.

OPES 2026 is expected to attract around 300 exhibitors and approximately 30,000 attendees from more than 26 countries, underscoring its role as one of the region’s most influential gatherings for energy dialogue and business collaboration. This large-scale participation reflects Oman’s growing reputation as a hub for investment and innovation in the energy industry.

Market intelligence on the Middle East reveals that approximately 1.11 trillion US dollars in capital expenditure is currently under development across nearly 700 energy projects. Of this investment, 357.1 billion US dollars has been allocated to upstream projects, while the downstream sector accounts for 264.3 billion US dollars. In parallel, the region is scaling its clean energy portfolio, with 91.2 billion US dollars dedicated to renewable energy projects and 113.7 billion US dollars channelled into wider energy transition initiatives. These figures demonstrate the scale of opportunity that OPES brings into focus for both local and international stakeholders.

The event not only serves as a showcase of technologies and solutions but also delivers thought leadership through its highly regarded conference programme, organised in collaboration with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). Expert speakers, policymakers, and industry leaders will convene to examine pressing issues including energy security, digitalisation, sustainability, and future transition pathways. The discussions and technical presentations provide unparalleled opportunities for knowledge exchange and the development of strategies that can shape the region’s future.

With just under nine months to go, OPES 2026 is fast approaching as a pivotal milestone for Oman’s evolving energy ecosystem. It represents a unique opportunity for companies, governments, and innovators to build connections, secure partnerships, and explore investment avenues at a time when the global energy sector is undergoing profound transformation. As the Sultanate continues its journey towards diversification and net-zero goals, OPES 2026 promises to be the defining platform for charting the next chapter in Oman’s energy future.