UFI is the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry with head office in Paris. UFI serves worldwide exhibition sector and has the world’s best organisers and venue owners as its members. Membership to UFI is awarded after a strict audit process, certified by international professional auditors backed with high recommendations for major industry players considering the role the member plays in his country of operations. OITE is the only exhibitions and events company which has been awarded membership of UFI from Oman; this confirms the high degree of professionalism and its belongingness to international standards. GHEDEX – The Higher Education show held annually by OITE is a UFI approved International event. A UFI Approved event passes the stringent international grading requirements for exhibitions. 

Ahmed Saleh Baabood also holds position of Board Member – Arab Union for International Exhibitions and Conferences AUIEC, a regional industry body and is an active member of the Exhibition Committee – Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The decision to elect him as a Vice Chairman of UFI – Middle East was confirmed by  UFI – Paris based on the election results announced by Paris based auditors SOFIDEEC BAKER TILLY. This shows that the decision to elect him as the winning candidate for entrepreneur of the year which he won against many capable candidates in Oman has also been echoed at the international level by electing him to serve this international position. 

OITE is also hosting UFI’s first Middle East Seminar at Grand Hyatt, Muscat on 10 and 11 January 2007. The seminar titled “Solutions for Successful Exhibition Marketing” can be attended by exhibition industry professionals, both UFI members and non members. The topics cover new technology programmes to ‘bazaars, there is something for everyone. Most importantly it is networking with leading organisers and venue owners from around the world and exchanging knowledge, information and building contacts.