12th International Conference
Change of Venue: Muscat, Oman → Karbala, Iraq

Frequently Asked Questions

I already registered for the OMAN conference. What are my options?

In general, you have 2 options:

• You can transfer your registration & sightseeing payments for Oman to pay for your conference registration & ziyarat/sightseeing packages in Karbala.
• You can fully cancel your registration (including sightseeing payments) and receive a refund in the original form of payment.

Everyone who completed and paid for their registration for the 12th International Conference in Oman will be sent an individual email outlining your options and the person to contact for the change of registration once package details and prices for the Karbala conference are confirmed.

Are the conference dates still the same?

Yes, we are planning activities in Karbala to align with our original dates so that attendees and speakers need to make the least amount of adjustments.

Our current recommendation for arrivals and departures is unchanged: arrive in Iraq on December 22, 2025 and depart on December 31 or January 1 (for the Optional Babylon Add-on). Preconference workshops are being planned for December 25 and conference sessions for December 26–28. For a quick preview of our plans, please click here.

I booked my room at the Sheraton Oman Muscat hotel. Is there any penalty for canceling?

If you booked using IMI’s room block, your room reservation will be canceled automatically and without penalty in the coming days.

Please check your booking online and email SakinaRizviIMI@gmail.com if your reservation is not canceled by Tuesday, September 2.

For guests still planning to route travel through Oman and wishing to stay at the Sheraton for a night or two, the hotel will honor the previously discounted rate. To request this, email reservations.oman@sheraton.com with your travel dates and prior confirmation number.

I already purchased my airline tickets for Oman. What should I do?

Please contact your airline or travel agent to request a change or cancellation of your tickets. For the full conference + ziyarat + hotel package in Iraq, we recommend arriving in Najaf or Baghdad on December 22, and departing on December 31 or January 1 (for the Babylon add-on).

For itinerary tips and support, you can also reach out to IMI travel agents who may be able to help with ideas on how best to reduce change fees or rebooking costs.

• Mr. Ashfaq of Five Star Travels (Florida) via Text or WhatsApp: +1-407-970-4222
• Mr. Jon R. Syed of Riya Travels (Texas) at John.Raza@riya.travel or +1-201-313-6796
• Mr. Habib or Mr. Nadeem Shirazi of Cumberland Travels (Canada) - (Office) +1-416-250-6200 (landline)

Why was the conference venue changed? Should we be worried about security?

After careful evaluation of a range of information including correspondence with Omani authorities and our local team’s recommendation erring on the side of caution, the Conference Organizers decided to change the venue of this conference.

Karbala, Iraq was seen as both a meaningful and safe alternative. The IMI Iraq Chapter and Organizing Committee are confident there is no reason for alarm, and all current indicators support a secure and hospitable setting for the 12th International Conference.

When will registration open for the Karbala Conference?

Our teams are actively finalizing revised packages and logistics. Registration will open shortly after those details are confirmed. Please stay tuned for announcements via email and our website.