Said Al Shanfari will join the UFI Presidential Trio as Incoming President in November 2026 and will become President in November 2027 at the 94th UFI Global Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The UFI Presidential Trio for the November 2026 – November 2027 term will, therefore, be:
- Wolfram Diener (President & CEO, Messe Düsseldorf Group), President
- Panittha Buri (Vice-Chairperson, Bhiraj Buri Group), Outgoing President
- Said Al Shanfari (CEO, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre), Incoming President
This decision will become effective at the conclusion of the 93rd UFI Global Congress in November 2026.
Al Shanfari brings decades of experience in marketing, destination development and venue management across the Middle East & Africa, along with a progressive vision shaped by one of the world’s fastest-growing exhibition markets.
As CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre and UFI’s Middle East & Africa Chapter Chair, he has been instrumental in elevating the region’s profile on the global business events stage, championing innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth.
Recognising his leadership and impact on the industry, he was named among the Middle East’s leading tourism figures in the Forbes Middle East Tourism Leaders list in both 2024 and 2025.
Said Al Shanfari
A recognised leader in the regional exhibition & live events industry, Al Shanfari has consistently demonstrated how exhibitions can serve as powerful drivers of economic development, tourism, international partnerships and knowledge exchange. His appointment brings a vital regional perspective and renewed energy to UFI’s global leadership at a pivotal moment for the industry.
Said Al Shanfari, UFI’s Incoming President (2026-27), comments: “I am deeply privileged to be selected as UFI’s Incoming President, representing not only our industry, but also the growing voice and contribution of the Middle East and Oman on the global exhibitions stage. This appointment is not only a personal honor, but a reflection of the significant potential of the exhibition industry to shape economies, industries, and societies worldwide.
I strongly believe that our industry’s greatest strength lies in its unique ability to bring people, ideas, cultures, and opportunities together under one roof creating meaningful connections and real economic and social impact across borders. Together with our international members and partners, I look forward to building a stronger, more connected, innovative, and sustainable future for the global exhibition community, while continuing to position our industry as a powerful driver of progress and opportunity worldwide.”
Panittha Buri, UFI President, adds: “I am delighted to welcome Said into the UFI Trio. The depth of experience and fresh perspectives he brings from the Middle East & Africa region will inject new energy and thinking into our work.
Having witnessed firsthand his passion, vision and commitment to our industry, I am confident he will be a wonderful addition to our leadership — and a strong guardian of the values that define UFI and our global community.”
Chris Skeith OBE, UFI CEO and Managing Director, comments: “Said has been a familiar and much-valued face at UFI events for many years, and his dedication to our community has never wavered.
Having hosted the 89th UFI Global Congress at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2022, we saw firsthand the warmth and professionalism he and his team bring to everything they do. As Chair of UFI’s Middle East and Africa Chapter for the past three years, he has been an active and passionate advocate for the region and for our industry.
I am delighted to welcome him as UFI’s Incoming President and look forward to working closely with him as we advance UFI’s mission.”
As UFI’s Incoming President, Said Al Shanfari will work closely with the President and the Outgoing President as part of the Presidential Trio, managing UFI at the highest level and furthering UFI’s mission to connect, support, and promote the exhibition industry worldwide.
Founded in 1925, UFI has been the voice of the global exhibition industry for over a century.
Today, the association unites close to 900 member organisations across 90 countries and regions, directly representing over 50,000 exhibition industry employees worldwide.
Headquartered in Paris and supported by five regional offices, UFI continues to shape the future of the exhibition industry from every corner of the globe.
True to the association’s global presence, UFI’s recent Presidents have been from the UK (Hugh Jones, 2024-25), the UAE (Geoff Dickinson, 2023-24), the UK (Michael Duck, 2022-23), Hong Kong (Monica Lee-Müller, 2021-22), India (Anbu Varathan, 2020-21), USA (Mary Larkin, 2019-20), and South Africa (Craig Newman, 2018-19).
For more information about how UFI’s association is structured, please visit:
www.ufi.org/ufi-leadership.
