Monday 02 / November / 2026
Muscat: The Gulf Power Conference and Exhibition 2026, which commenced its proceedings in Muscat today, reviewed the latest trends, technologies, and innovative solutions in the electricity and energy sector, the most prominent transformations, pioneering experiences, and best practices in this field, as well as prospects for cooperation, partnerships, and communication enhancement.
The event comes at a time amidst accelerating global transition in energy systems, growing demand for electricity, and the push toward enhancing grid efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
The opening of the conference was held under the auspices of Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, who explained that the Sultanate of Oman's hosting of the conference reflects the continuous development taking place in Oman's energy sector, emphasizing the importance of regional and international integration in building more efficient, flexible, and sustainable electrical systems.
Al Aufi added that amidst the rapid transformations undergoing worldwide, developing the electricity sector is no longer limited to expanding infrastructure and boosting production capacity, but has come to rely on innovation, deploying advanced technologies, and enhancing grid readiness to absorb renewable energy sources while balancing security of electrical supply, environmental sustainability, and economic feasibility.
He affirmed that the Sultanate of Oman continues to implement qualitative projects to develop the electricity system, enhance its integration, and prepare the necessary infrastructure to absorb future growth in energy demand, noting that knowledge exchange, sharing expertise, and developing partnerships and cooperation among regional and international institutions serve as two essential pillars for accelerating development and turning challenges into opportunities that support economic growth and sustainable development, while expressing hope that the conference's outcomes will enrich technical dialogue and deliver practical insights and solutions that advance the future of the electricity and energy sector in the region.
For his part, Eng. Ahmed Ali Al Ebrahim, CEO of the GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), stressed the importance of integrating GCC efforts and their impact on elevating the electrical grid, while emphasizing the strategic importance of the GCC Interconnection Project with the Sultanate of Oman and its strategic contributions to all countries in the region.
He added that over more than two and a half decades, the GCC interconnection has proven to be one of the most successful models of joint GCC action, contributing to enhancing the reliability of electrical grids and achieving substantial economic savings for the Council's member states.
From his side, Eng. Zaher Mohammed Al Busaidi, CEO of Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC), affirmed that the conference represents an opportunity to strengthen Oman's presence in specialized regional and international forums and highlight the progress taking place in the Sultanate of Oman's electricity transmission system, noting that the conference serves as a platform through which efforts integrate and partnerships capable of creating a sustainable impact in the electricity and energy sector are forged.
A number of officials, decision-makers, experts, researchers, specialists, and representatives of institutions operating in the electricity and energy sector from the GCC countries and around the world are participating in the conference, which includes the attendance of over 40 speakers from 15 countries and more than 10 participating companies in the accompanying exhibition.
The convening of the 22nd edition of the conference—organized by Oman Electricity Transmission Company in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and under the supervision of the International Council on Large Electric Systems for the GCC Countries (CIGRE GCC)—comes in conjunction with the 32nd edition of the accompanying electrical equipment exhibition, serving as a professional and scientific platform bringing together international expertise, competencies, and leadership. The event constitutes a hub for technical and knowledge dialogue across 12 specialized tracks addressing vital topics such as the development of electricity transmission and distribution networks, smart grids, electrical interconnection, integration of renewable energy sources, electrical asset management, and improving system efficiency and reliability.
