The 2026 Labour Forum opens in Salalah, National Employment Policy launched

The 2026 Labour Forum, organised by the Ministry of Labour as part of its efforts to promote national dialogue on the future of the labour market, develop policies and legislation, and anticipate economic and technological transformations, in order to contribute to building a more efficient, flexible and sustainable labor market, began at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah on July 26 and will continue until August 13.

The opening of the forum was sponsored by His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Mustahil Al-Mashani, Advisor at the Royal Court, in the presence of a number of officials from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman.

Nasser bin Salem Al-Hadhrami, Director General of the Directorate General of Labour in Dhofar Governorate, delivered a speech in which he stressed that the Ministry of Labour is moving steadily towards developing the labor market through partnership and innovation, noting that the launch of the National Employment Policy represents a strategic milestone that establishes a new phase in developing national competencies and transforming them into a driving force for economic growth, thus enhancing the readiness of the labor market for the requirements of the future.

For his part, His Excellency Fayez Ali Al-Mutairi, Director-General of the Arab Labour Organisation, praised the qualitative development achieved by the Sultanate of Oman during the past two years in the labour system, through the completion of the executive frameworks of the Labour Law, the modernisation of the social protection system, the issuance of legislation and regulations regulating modern work patterns, in addition to developing the unified system for extending insurance protection to citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries working outside their countries, and issuing the occupational diseases regulation, which enhances the social protection system and establishes a safer and more stable work environment.

For his part, His Excellency Mohammed bin Hassan Al Obaidli, Director General of the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Labor and the Council of Ministers of Social Affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, affirmed that the GCC countries have made tangible progress in developing labor and social insurance legislation, employment and rehabilitation programs, digital transformation and occupational safety, stressing the importance of strengthening Gulf coordination and exchanging experiences, developing joint indicators to anticipate labor market needs, and building regional and international partnerships that contribute to supporting the development process.

The opening ceremony witnessed the launch of the National Employment Policy, which aims to address employment challenges, regulate both supply and demand in accordance with economic and social policies, and provide decent and fair job opportunities by developing the skills of the national workforce and aligning them with current and future labor market needs, in addition to enhancing labour market governance, raising the efficiency of its institutions and programs, and reducing the repercussions of crises, in order to support the recovery of the labour market and place human beings at the center of development.

The opening ceremony also included the screening of three videos entitled “Oman, Land of Beauty and Opportunities,” “Empowerment and Localisation,” and “Inspiring Entrepreneurs,” in addition to honouring strategic partners, success partners, and a number of entrepreneurs.

On the sidelines of the forum, the student projects exhibition “Future Talent, Thought and Action” was opened, which will continue until July 29. It showcases examples of student projects and innovations, reflecting the youth’s ability to innovate, promoting a culture of entrepreneurship, and linking entrepreneurial ideas to the needs of the labor market.

The forum’s activities also include organising the “Work Prospects Forum: Towards a Safe and Sustainable Labour Market,” a meeting between His Excellency the Minister of Labour and business owners, labour market labs, in addition to the Excellence and Leadership Recognition Ceremony, the Individual and Institutional Excellence System Forum, and the “Governments’ Readiness for a Sustainable Future” conference.

It is worth noting that the forum represents a national platform for dialogue, exchange of experiences, building partnerships, and discussing priority issues in the labour market, which contributes to developing policies, enhancing productivity, empowering national competencies, and establishing a more competitive and sustainable work environment, leading to a labour market capable of keeping pace with changes and turning challenges into development opportunities.