Muscat: The Omani Society for Human Resource Management (OSHRM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, is set to host the seventh edition of its Annual Conference (HR_X) from February 12 to 14, 2024, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The themes for this edition will delve into leading the artificial intelligence revolution, navigating its ethics, and exploring its impact on the future of jobs. The conference will also address the transition from digital to artificial intelligence, diversity, fairness, inclusivity, and the evolving organisational culture in the era of artificial intelligence.
This announcement came during a press conference held on Sunday in the presence of officials from OSHRM and conference partners in this groundbreaking conference, aiming to shape the new future in the Sultanate of Oman.
The seventh edition of the conference will discuss the modernity of work, its tools, and components through workshops, dialogues, and presentations showcasing the latest developments in the human resources sector.
These include approved experiences and innovative solutions, all aimed at developing human resources, enhancing human capital, and adopting a new work culture in the future. This is crucial as it promotes new ideas, turning individuals into practitioners, decision-makers, and economically aware contributors.
The conference will also focus on several pivotal aspects, including the latest transformations in the business domain, innovative human resource techniques, employee engagement in strategic development, and forward-thinking in the future of business.
The conference aims to provide everyone with an opportunity to exchange ideas on cutting-edge topics, seeking to chart the roadmap for the future of work. By bringing together a community comprising hundreds of decision-makers, visionaries, and technologists on a shared platform, it also aims to present more intelligent approaches to work supported by innovative human resource technology. The conference will showcase the latest insights into business transformations led by global executive leaders from some of the world’s most renowned institutions.
Furthermore, the conference will witness dialogues with the participation of experts, academics, and authors in the human resources sector, aiming to present rich experiences in terms of delivering insights and content, whether professionally or academically.
Dr. Ghalib bin Saif Al-Hosni, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OSHRM, has announced that the upcoming conference is strategically timed as Oman undergoes significant transformations in the human resources sector. This development aligns with global changes, underscoring the crucial importance of the sector. The seventh edition of the conference is designed to address these shifts, emphasising its relevance to the evolving landscape and the nation’s pursuit of a new future.
Al-Hosni highlighted that the conference, with all its ideas and advancements, serves as a continuation of the successes of the six previous editions. These editions witnessed broad participation from academics, officials, thinkers, and decision-makers, with the total number of participants in the previous editions reaching approximately 4,000, and an expected increase to 900 participants this year.
He underscored OSHRM commitment to elevating the human resources sector, adapting to the current landscape, and leveraging the experiences and expertise shared during the conference.
Ashraf Al Mamari, Acting Group CEO at OQ has confirmed that the strategic partnership with the OSHRM is a testament to the esteemed directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in prioritising human resources in the Sultanate of Oman.
This initiative aims to achieve the targets outlined in Oman Vision 2040, recognising the significant role human resources play in steering the operations of state institutions. OQ is committed to prioritising human resources due to their vital importance in our investments and operations, and to lead the transformation in the energy sector.
Al Mamari stated, “Modern technologies have permeated all areas of work, reshaping the administrative landscape as we enter the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and artificial intelligence. This is a focal point of the OSHRM 7th annual conference, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour to enhance the utilisation of modern technologies in the Sultanate of Oman.”
Faisal Hamoud Al-Siyabi, CEO of OSHRM, underscored the conference’s significance in shedding light on the human element’s importance and addressing challenges within Oman’s human resources sector. He emphasised that the conference provides a crucial opportunity for active participation in decision-making processes.
Manal Amer Al-Harthi, a board member and head of the conference organising committee, declared, “As we celebrate the 7th year of the OSHRM conference, our aim is to elevate it to new heights. In a world abuzz with the latest technological trends, particularly the focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), a topic currently dominating discussions at the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, we recognise the profound impact AI will have on businesses and society at large. Hence, we have chosen it as the overarching theme for our conference.
As the conference’s popularity has grown over the years, the diversity of speakers and exhibitors, both Omani and international, has expanded significantly.
In addition to our esteemed local speakers, this year’s lineup includes representatives from Google, LinkedIn, London Business School, Microsoft, Gartner, STC, SHRM, Etisalat, Riyadh Municipality, Sapient, and more.
The objective is to bring together a broad spectrum of views and opinions, creating an outcome that is not only valuable for the attendees but also positions our conference as a shining icon in the international HR conference circuit.
Anticipating an attendance exceeding 800, drawing insights from the experiences of over 60 speakers and benefiting from the solutions showcased in this year’s exhibition, we are poised for another successful event.
Maryam Khalifa Al-Amri, another board member, outlined the awards, which are divided into five sectors with a total of 11 accolades. These sectors include government, private, small and medium enterprises, academia and research, and individuals. The awards seek to recognize and horon best practices, exchange experiences, and enhance competitiveness in the human resources sector.
She provided details on awards such as Innovation in Human Resources, Digital Transformation in Human Resources, and Workplace Health and Well-being. In addition, awards for Excellence in Human Resources, Best Female-Led Human Resource Management Organisation, and Best Academic Research in the Human Resources sector were highlighted.
In the individual category, awards include Best CEO and Best Human Resource Management Team in Organizations. The awards ceremony is scheduled for February 12, with 42 individuals and 32 organisations vying for recognition.
It is worth mentioning that the Omani Society for Human Resource Management (OSHRM), established in May 2014, remains committed to continuous development in the human resources sector, contributing to the enhancement and development of human resources in Oman.