The Past 10 Years in Oman’s Audio-Visual Industry: Reflections from a Female Manager

When I look back at the past ten years in Oman’s AV Industry, it feels like watching two different worlds evolve into one. The industry I stepped into around 2016 is not the same industry we see today in 2026. Technology has changed, expectations have changed, and perhaps most importantly, the people working in the field have changed too.

2016: A Smaller, Simpler Industry

In 2016, the AV industry in Oman was relatively small and limited. Most of the work revolved around corporate conferences, government events, hotel ballrooms, and exhibitions. Large projection screens, wired microphones, simple stage lighting, and standard sound systems were the backbone of almost every event.

At that time, innovation was limited. Equipment options were fewer, and many companies relied on similar setups for every project. LED screens were available but not as widespread as they are today. Digital content was often an afterthought rather than the center of the experience.

Entering the Industry as a Woman

As a woman entering this space, I remember feeling both excited and slightly intimidated. The technical side of the industry: sound engineering, lighting design, stage rigging, was all heavily dominated by men. In many meetings or site setups, I was often the only woman in the room. But I also noticed something encouraging: people were curious to see new perspectives, like mine.

2018–2019: A Shift Toward Experiences

Around 2018 and 2019, the industry began to shift. Companies started requesting more sophisticated solutions: large LED walls, interactive displays, and more polished video production. Corporate clients wanted their events to feel more like experiences rather than simple presentations.

2020: The Pandemic Changes Everything

Then 2020 arrived, and like everywhere else in the world, the pandemic changed everything. Suddenly, physical events disappeared almost overnight. For many of us in AV, it was a moment of uncertainty. But it also forced the industry to adapt quickly.

Virtual events, live streaming, hybrid conferences, and online broadcasts became the new reality. Teams had to learn new tools, experiment with streaming platforms, and rethink how to create engaging content for audiences watching from home. What had once been a niche service became an essential part of the business.

New Opportunities for Women

Interestingly, this period opened new doors for many professionals, including women. Remote production, digital content creation, and online media required different skill sets, editing, storytelling, graphics, and communication. More women began entering these roles, bringing fresh creativity into the industry.

2023 and Beyond: A New Phase

By 2023 and beyond, Oman’s AV market had entered a completely new phase. Technology improved rapidly: high-resolution LED walls became common, virtual studios started appearing, and immersive visual environments became part of large events and exhibitions. What used to feel ambitious ten years ago is now almost standard.

But what excites me most is not just the technology—it’s the people. Today, I see more young Omanis entering the field with passion for film, digital media, marketing, and production. And I see more women confidently stepping into this roles.

The Challenges That Remain

The industry still has challenges, of course. Budgets, fast timelines, and constant technological change can make this field demanding. But that is also what makes it exciting. Every project feels different, and every year introduces new possibilities.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, I believe the next decade will bring even more transformation. Virtual production, augmented reality, AI-assisted editing, and immersive experiences will likely shape the future of events and media in Oman. The line between live events, broadcasting, and digital content will continue to blur.

A Personal Reflection

For me personally, the past ten years have been a journey of learning, adapting, and growing alongside this industry. What started as a technical support sector is becoming a creative and technological ecosystem.

And as more voices, especially women’s voices, join the conversation, the story of Oman’s AV industry will continue to evolve in ways we could not have imagined back in 2016.