Talent localization in Oman is shaping the future of work, as highlighted at the OSHRM annual conference. On its second day, experts gathered to share bold ideas on leadership, artificial intelligence (AI), and workforce strategies with a focus on localization trends.
Significantly, the keyphrase talent localization in Oman appeared repeatedly during discussions on regional development and workforce planning. Many speakers described how Oman is becoming a regional model for effective localization. Moreover, they stressed the value of customizing national strategies to meet international business demands. From the very beginning, the event encouraged learning, dialogue, and practical application of localization policies.
To begin the day, Dr. Kate Barker delivered a keynote on leadership in the digital age. She emphasized the need for HR leaders to support talent localization in Oman by equipping local professionals with AI skills. Furthermore, she warned of future risks such as deepfakes and highlighted NEOM’s approach using robotics and avatars to strengthen digital innovation.
Meanwhile, Dr. Roy Casagranda explored leadership from the perspective of Islamic history. He connected ancient models to today’s human-centered leadership and emphasized the importance of linking emotion and logic in decision-making. His session also reflected on cultural understanding, a vital part of successful talent localization strategies.
Soon after, Fatima Alloghani presented a talk focused on localization efforts in global companies. She praised talent localization in Oman and referenced successful models like Expo 2020 Dubai and ADCB Bank. In addition, she urged organizations to align local hiring with global diversity initiatives for stronger, more resilient workforces.
Next, a leadership panel discussed building high-performance teams. The conversation centered on psychological safety and emphasized local talent empowerment as a critical driver. This directly supports the principles of talent localization in Oman and sustainable HR planning.
Following that, Dr. Jokha Al Shukaili focused on quality assurance in education. She recommended continuous assessment for leadership development in schools, reinforcing the importance of preparing Omani talent to lead locally and globally.
Then, Abdulmalik Al Balushi addressed the challenge of talent mobility. He presented strategies to retain local professionals and emphasized that localization remains key to workforce stability.
Later in the day, Jon de Jager promoted values-based leadership. He encouraged companies to match personal values with national goals, such as those found in talent localization in Oman programs.
Returning to this core theme, Ibtisam Al Khaifi showed how local culture and identity support global leadership standards. Saher Sidhom expanded the topic by encouraging participatory leadership and team involvement at all levels—strategies that fit naturally into Oman’s localization efforts.
To close the day, a panel explored how sustainable business practices and green innovation connect to workforce planning. Their message remained clear: localization and AI must move forward together.
Finally, the third and final day of the OSHRM conference will dive deeper into innovation, leadership, and business growth—while keeping talent localization in Oman at the center of every conversation.
