Trade shows › GCC POWER 2026 (CIGRE GCC)

Visiting Muscat for GCC POWER 2026 (CIGRE GCC)

Last updated 15 October 2026

• 📅 Dates: 2–4 November 2026
• 📍 Venue: JW Marriott Muscat
• 🏢 Organiser: CIGRE GCC
• 🏙️ City: Muscat, Oman
• 🗣️ Local language: Arabic (with English widely used in business)

GCC POWER is the conference and exhibition of CIGRE GCC, the regional committee of the international council on large electric systems. It gathers transmission, distribution and generation engineers, utilities and equipment suppliers from across the Gulf. The 2026 edition is in Muscat, Oman's calm, low-rise capital.

Always confirm opening hours, registration and any last-minute changes on the official event website before you travel. The dates and venue here come from our trade-show list, and we update them when organisers announce changes.

Venue and getting there

The JW Marriott Muscat is part of the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre district, close to Muscat International Airport (MCT). The drive from the airport is short, so a pre-booked transfer or a taxi is the easiest option on arrival.

Muscat has no metro. The city stretches along the coast, so most visitors get around by taxi, ride-hailing app or hire car. Agree the fare first, or use a metered or app-booked car.

If you stay at or near the conference hotel, you can walk to sessions. Hotels in Al Khuwair, Qurum or the old town of Muttrah are a longer drive, so allow extra time at the start and end of the working day.

Driving in Oman is straightforward on good, well-signed roads. A hire car is worth it if you plan to see clients across the city or take a day trip after the conference.

Business etiquette in Oman

• Greet with a handshake using your right hand, and offer and receive cards, documents and refreshments with the right hand too.
• Wait for a woman to offer her hand first; a hand on the heart and a nod is a polite alternative.
• Dress conservatively: a suit or smart business wear, with shoulders and knees covered.
• Arabic coffee and dates are a sign of hospitality. Accept at least one small cup; a gentle shake of the cup tells the host you've had enough.
• First meetings are about the relationship. Expect small talk about family, travel and the event before business, and don't rush to the price.
• Ask before you photograph people, and don't photograph government buildings.
• Oman's weekend is Friday and Saturday, so plan follow-up meetings for Sunday to Thursday.
• Omanis are known for a calm, courteous style. Keep your voice low and avoid hard-sell tactics.

Key Arabic phrases for the show

English will carry most conversations at an international trade show. Still, opening with a greeting in Arabic and knowing how to ask for a stand, a taxi or a slower repeat makes the trip smoother and leaves a good impression. The pronunciation guides are approximate; tap through to our free course for audio.

Want to go further? Start the free Arabic course or browse the travel phrasebooks by city.

For exhibitors and engineers

Planning stand visits, technical meetings or supplier sourcing at GCC POWER 2026 (CIGRE GCC)? TransformerPath has an engineering-focused guide to the show: GCC POWER 2026 (CIGRE GCC) on TransformerPath.

Questions or corrections: contact LanguagePath or email languagepathorg@gmail.com.