Latest news with #WorkForum2025
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Labour ministry discusses private sector challenges in Dhofar
Salalah – The Ministry of Labour held a meeting on Wednesday at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah to discuss key challenges facing business owners in Dhofar governorate. Organised as part of Work Forum 2025, the meeting was attended by representatives from the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the private sector. Titled 'Strategic Dialogues and Shared Visions with the Private Sector for a Sustainable Labour Market', the session focused on improving labour market tools and reviewing facilities provided to private enterprises. The discussions also covered recent regulatory developments, including updates to the labour law aimed at enhancing market stability and aligning with global standards. H E Dr Mahad bin Saeed Ba'awin, Minister of Labour, said the current phase demands faster progress in addressing existing challenges and taking advantage of emerging opportunities. He stressed the importance of supporting national human resources through employment initiatives implemented in cooperation with the private sector. Dr Ba'awin underlined the growing contribution of Dhofar's private sector, particularly in tourism, and called for expanding training programmes and entrepreneurial support in areas such as artificial intelligence and innovation. Participants also reviewed mechanisms to streamline procedures for small and medium enterprise owners, how to access available support to launch new projects, and strategies for advancing Omanisation and improving the national labour market environment.
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Workplace reforms in focus at forum in Salalah
Salalah – The Future of Work Forum, hosted by Ministry of Labour as part of the ongoing 12-day Work Forum 2025, concluded on Tuesday in Salalah after two days of dialogue between local and international experts, regional organisations, and public and private sector leaders. The forum's second day featured panel discussions and a roundtable session that examined evolving labour dynamics, talent development and the role of social dialogue in building sustainable work environments. A key session titled 'Fostering an Enabling Work Environment and Attracting Talent' presented four working papers covering the role of social protection systems, career guidance strategies, public-private sector collaboration, and the importance of occupational health and safety in stimulating productivity. Another session, 'Social Dialogue and the Future of Labour Markets', brought together researchers and experts to debate challenges and propose solutions for improving policy-making. Participants focused on models of social dialogue that support balanced relationships between workers, employers and policymakers. Alongside the discussions, an exhibition titled 'Future Talents: Thought and Work' running till August 7 is showcasing vocational college student projects. The 12-day Work Forum 2025 that opened on August 3 forms part of Oman's broader efforts to reform labour policies, empower the national workforce, and enhance adaptability of its labour market in line with Vision 2040.
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
12-day Work Forum to tackle Oman's labour market challenges
Salalah – Ministry of Labour's 12-day Work Forum 2025 opened in Salalah on Sunday to address key challenges in the labour market and explore opportunities aligned with national development goals. Inaugurated by H E Mahad Baawain, Minister of Labour, the forum has brought together over 1,000 participants including international experts, senior officials, business leaders and investors. The event will feature 33 working papers focused on aligning labour policies with emerging trends, fostering public-private partnerships and promoting sustainable employment models in line with Oman Vision 2040. Nasser Salim al Hadhrami, Director General of Labour in Dhofar, said the forum highlights Oman's commitment to keeping pace with global labour developments. 'Introduction of the new Labour Law and Social Protection Law reflects our efforts to align with international standards,' he said. 'We are moving towards comprehensive strategies in education, training and employment to support emerging work patterns.' Mohammed Hassan al Obaidli, Director General of Executive Bureau of GCC Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs, warned that rapid economic and technological transformations are reshaping the labour landscape. 'We must build fair and flexible models for skills development, employment and social protection,' he said. Azar Bayramov, Director General of OIC Labour Centre, said the forum plays a critical role in fostering cooperation. 'Our mission is to be a bridge between governments, workers and employers to ensure decent work for all,' he said, announcing a post-forum training programme on leadership in occupational safety and health for Omani stakeholders. The forum is being held in collaboration with local and international partners, including Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the General Federation of Oman Workers and Arab Labor Organization. Activities during the forum will include exhibitions by vocational students, dialogue sessions with employers and H E Baawain, and discussions on government transformation and sustainable leadership. The event will conclude on August 14.
Observer
6 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Work Forum 2025 focuses on labour market and skills economy
SALALAH: Oman's Ministry of Labour launched the 'Work Forum 2025' in Salalah on Sunday morning, bringing together more than 1,000 participants from across Oman and abroad to discuss the future of the country's labour market and the skills economy. Held under the auspices of Dr Mahad bin Said Ba'owain, Minister of Labour, the forum serves as a national platform for open dialogue on employment, productivity, and workforce transformation in line with Oman Vision 2040. Over the course of the forum, 33 expert papers will be presented, addressing key challenges and opportunities in the labour market, and showcasing best practices from the region and beyond. The event convenes senior officials, business leaders, international experts, academics, and policy-makers—all focused on reimagining Oman's employment landscape in a world shaped by digital transformation, automation, and sustainability. In his opening remarks, Nasser bin Salim Al Hadhrami, Director-General of Labour in Dhofar, said: 'We are witnessing rapid shifts in labour markets worldwide. Challenges such as skill mismatches cannot be tackled in isolation. Oman recognises this and has taken decisive steps—most notably with the issuance of the new Labour Law and Social Protection Law. These reforms are not just reactive, but proactive measures rooted in global best practices and local realities.' He added that Oman is pursuing integrated strategies across education, training, employment, and legislation to future-proof its workforce and ensure decent work opportunities for all. Mohamed bin Hassan Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Executive Office of the GCC Council of Labour Ministers, called for collective action in facing the disruptions brought by artificial intelligence, green technologies, and economic transitions. 'These changes are reshaping the very nature of work,' he said. 'It is our shared responsibility—as governments, institutions, and social partners—to rethink employment policies, skills training, and social protection models that are inclusive, forward-looking, and fair.' From the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Azar Bayramov, Director-General of the OIC Labour Centre, emphasised the need for deeper bridges between national strategies and regional solidarity. 'Our goal is to achieve decent work for all,' he said. 'In line with that, we have designed targeted capacity-building programmes tailored to the needs of each OIC member state. One such initiative—a training on effective leadership in occupational health and safety—will begin right after this forum here in Oman.' The forum is backed by a coalition of strategic partners, including the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the General Federation of Oman Workers, vocational colleges, and the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones. Key regional bodies such as the Arab Labour Organization, Arab Administrative Development Organization, and GCC labour and social affairs entities are also participating. The multi-day programme, which runs through August 14, features a student innovation exhibition, a roundtable between the Minister of Labour and private sector leaders, the Future of Work Forum, and a conference on Government Transformation and Sustainable Leadership. It concludes with a Train-the-Trainers programme on safety leadership. At its core, Labour Forum 2025 reflects Oman's national commitment to empowering human capital, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and building a sustainable labour market that meets the demands of tomorrow.
