Oman Forum Emphasizes Human Resource Investment
Investing in human resources took center stage at the sixth forum of the Omani Society for Human Resource Management, held in Salalah. Under the theme “People First: Impact Starts with People,” the two-day event gathered executive leaders, HR experts, and specialists in leadership, institutional development, and digital transformation from Oman and across the region. The focus was clear: putting people at the heart of organizational success and future strategies.
Key Themes: People First and Institutional Success
The forum commenced under the patronage of HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar. In his opening remarks, Faisal bin Hamoud al Siyabi, CEO of the Omani Society for Human Resource Management, highlighted that the “People First” mantra reflects a deep conviction in the power of the human element as the driving force behind thriving institutions. He emphasized the Society’s commitment to fostering innovative work environments and advancing the field of investing in human resources throughout Oman.
The forum’s agenda was carefully crafted to spotlight the latest practices in developing employee experience, facilitate knowledge exchange between the public and private sectors, and explore the far-reaching impact of digital transformation on the future of work. By focusing on these areas, the event aimed to reinforce the critical role of human capital investment in navigating rapid change and achieving sustainable growth.
Panel Discussion: Bringing People Back to Decision-Making
A highlight of the event was the panel discussion titled “How to Bring People Back to the Heart of Institutional Decisions.” Moderated by Dr Ghalib bin Saif al Hosni, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Society, the session brought together key figures including HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said and the governors of Al Dhahirah and Al Batinah North. The panelists explored how prioritizing investing in human resources not only shapes institutional decisions but also aligns organizational growth with the evolving needs of the workforce and society.
Expert Insights and Working Papers
The forum featured a series of thought-provoking presentations and working papers. Said bin Abdullah al Balushi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Labour for Human Resources Development, delivered insights on “Institutional Intelligence,” emphasizing the strategic use of people analytics in shaping organizational outcomes. Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani, Chairman of the Dhofar Municipality, discussed the transition from the digitalization of services to the humanization of digital systems, highlighting the necessity of maintaining a human touch in technology-driven environments.
Hanan bint Abdulrahman al Saif, General Manager of ZRG Partners Arabia Ltd., addressed “Resilient Leadership in an Era of Transformation,” underscoring the importance of adaptable leadership in times of change. Mohammed bin Othman al Aiban, Senior Vice-President of Human Capital at the Saudi Environment Fund, contributed with a session on “Strategic Dialogues for the Future of Work and People,” further reinforcing the imperative of investing in human resources for future workforce readiness.
Focus on Capacity Building and Societal Value
Other notable contributions included Faisal bin Abdullah al Nahdi’s paper on “Human Capacity Building from a Training Perspective,” which examined the role of continuous learning and development in strengthening workforce capabilities. Noura bint Abdulmohsen al Raaidan’s presentation, “Human Capital: From an Operating Cost to a National Value,” challenged organizations to view human resources as a key value creator rather than a mere expense. Radhiya bint Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Director-General of Social Protection Policies at the Social Protection Fund, highlighted the vital role of the family as the foundation of protection and empowerment, linking societal well-being to organizational success.
Conclusion: The Future of Work Starts with People
The sixth forum of the Omani Society for Human Resource Management made a compelling case for placing investing in human resources at the core of institutional strategy. As organizations in Oman and beyond navigate challenges posed by rapid technological change, economic shifts, and evolving workforce expectations, the consistent message from the forum was clear: the future of work starts and succeeds with people. By prioritizing human capital, institutions can unlock innovation, resilience, and sustainable success.
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