Work Forum 2025: Key Insights on Labour Market and Skills Economy Shaping Oman’s Business Landscape
SALALAH: Oman’s Ministry of Labour inaugurated the Work Forum 2025 in Salalah on Sunday morning, drawing over 1,000 participants from Oman and abroad to explore the future of the country’s labour market and evolving skills economy.
Held under the patronage of Dr. Mahad bin Said Ba’owain, Minister of Labour, the forum provides a national platform for open dialogue on employment, productivity, and workforce transformation aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Throughout the event, 33 expert papers will be presented, addressing critical challenges and opportunities within the labour market, as well as showcasing best practices from the region and internationally.
The forum brings together senior officials, business leaders, international experts, academics, and policymakers—all focused on redefining Oman’s employment landscape amid the impacts of digital transformation, automation, and sustainability.
In his opening remarks, Nasser bin Salim Al Hadhrami, Director-General of Labour in Dhofar, highlighted the rapid changes confronting global labour markets. He emphasized that issues such as skill mismatches require collective solutions. “Oman recognises this and has taken decisive steps—most notably through the new Labour Law and Social Protection Law. These reforms are proactive and grounded in global best practices adapted to local realities,” he stated.
Al Hadhrami further noted that Oman is implementing integrated strategies spanning 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 unified efforts to address disruptions from artificial intelligence, green technologies, and economic transitions. “These changes are reshaping work itself. 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 equitable,” he asserted.
Representing the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Azar Bayramov, Director-General of the OIC Labour Centre, underscored the importance of strengthening the connection between national strategies and regional solidarity. “Our goal is to achieve decent work for all. Accordingly, we have developed targeted capacity-building programmes tailored to the specific needs of each OIC member state. One such initiative—a training on effective leadership in occupational health and safety—will commence immediately after this forum in Oman,” he explained.
The forum enjoys robust support from 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 organizations such as the Arab Labour Organization, Arab Administrative Development Organization, and GCC labour and social affairs bodies are also actively involved.
Running through August 14, the multi-day programme 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 will conclude with a Train-the-Trainers programme focused on safety leadership.
At its heart, Work Forum 2025 reaffirms Oman’s national commitment to empowering human capital, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and building a sustainable labour market ready to meet tomorrow’s demands.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The launch of the ‘Work Forum 2025’ signals Oman’s strategic commitment to future-proofing its workforce through integrated reforms in education, training, and labour laws aligned with Oman Vision 2040. For businesses, this creates opportunities to tap into a more skilled, adaptable talent pool while navigating the risks posed by digital disruption and automation. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should now prioritize innovation-driven sectors and workforce upskilling to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving labour market.
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