Tuesday 15 / April / 2025
Muscat: The eighth annual conference of the Omani Society for Human Resources Management (OSHRM), titled “Leadership in Open Space” began on Monday with the participation of elite global experts and decision-makers from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman.
The three-day event was inaugurated under the patronage of HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar.
Dr. Ghaleb bin Saif Al Hosani, Chairman of OSHRM Board of Directors, expressed the society’s aspirations to advance the human resources sector and enhance its vital role in achieving institutional sustainability.
He emphasised that the conference—featuring specialists and seasoned professionals in HR management and development from Oman and abroad—serves as an ideal platform for exchanging expertise, addressing critical issues impacting organisations and individuals, and fostering more productive work environments.
He added that the conference focuses on leadership in an era of rapid change, where boundaries between markets and cultures are shrinking.
The need has arisen for a new leadership model rooted in a deep awareness of transformation, one that anticipates the future with flexibility and innovation.
Leadership today, he noted, is no longer measured by a leader’s ability to impose control but by their capacity to empower others, channel energies toward innovation, and build work environments that embrace change and diversity.
In his turn, Azzan Al Abdullatif, Chief Executive Officer of Asset Management at OQ—the conference’s strategic partner—reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting intellectual and developmental platforms that contribute to building national competencies and enhancing the competitiveness of Oman’s labor market.
Meanwhile, Ghanem Al-Muftah from the State of Qatar shared his inspiring personal journey, embodying resilience and positive impact, while highlighting leadership’s role in overcoming challenges and driving change.
Professor Costas Markides of the London Business School delivered a keynote speech titled “The Requirements of New Leadership in the New Normal,” stressing the need to reshape leadership models to keep pace with rapid business transformations.
The conference continued with a main panel discussion, “Sustainable Leadership: Building Tomorrow’s Legacy Today,” featuring Omani leaders who explored leadership’s role in shaping the future and ensuring sustainable development across sectors.
The first day concluded with a sports-themed session, “Champion Mindset: Leadership Lessons from the Field,” with prominent Omani athletes.
Sustainability economics
The conference will address key topics, including sustainability economics, corporate social responsibility, psychological safety and secure work environments, reimagining organizational culture, leveraging technology and social media, the economic benefits of diversity and inclusion, private-sector leadership, HR analytics, agile team development, flexible learning strategies, modern workforce experiences, and mentorship.
The event features interactive sessions and specialised workshops aimed at presenting innovative solutions and contemporary trends in leadership and talent management.
It redefines modern leadership beyond traditional team management, emphasising innovation, continuous improvement, and impact extending beyond organisational boundaries.
The conference offers HR pioneers in Oman an opportunity to exchange ideas and explore the latest sector trends, hosting distinguished speakers who will share insights on inspiring work environments that drive innovation and institutional success.
HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said toured the accompanying international exhibition, which showcases the latest HR tools and solutions from specialised participants. -ONA
