The 4th Annual HR Oman Summit, a yearly gathering of regional HR experts and specialists from across multiple sectors was inaugurated yesterday at Intercontinental Muscat, Oman with an opening address by summit chairman, Salam A. Alkindi - Head of HR & Administration at General Automative Company LLC. Organized by Fleming Gulf, a leading provider of business intelligence through industry specific conferences, webinars and skills enhancement training courses, the summit holds its position as one of the regions' most sought after HR conferences that delves into the various aspects of human resources management with focus on Oman.

Over 70 participants, comprising of high ranking company officials and solution providers from across the region, took part in multiple presentations, panel discussions and workshops across the day. Highlights of day one of the summit included keynote presentations on 'Work Ethics and the Role of HR to Positively Influence it' by Saif Al Nabhani, Advisor and Director General of Directorate General of Private Health Establishments (HRD) of Ministry Of Health, Oman and by Dr. Fawzi Mubarak Al Kiyumi, Strategic Advisor to Chief Executive Officer from Oman Cables Industry on Developing an HR Competency Model. Participants were also taken through an insightful case study by Dr. Rashid Al Ghailani, Chief Human Resource Officer of Oman Air on 'Performance Management System' which helped them understand the importance of PMS and the value it brings to the organization.

With forecast spends of USD 112 Billion in projects by 2020 in Oman, out of which USD 96 billion that will be invested over the next three to four years alone, a plethora of employment opportunities for Nationals will arise to fill various management and technical roles. An interactive panel discussion to understand how well Oman is prepared for this surge in development and what are the challenges HR professionals will face in respect to managing local talent and transfer of knowledge amongst generations took place on day one. Other presenters included Toneya Sarwar, HR Manager Middle East of CISCO Systems, UAE, Said Al Darmaki, HR & Administration Head of Arabian Industries Projects LLC, Salim Al Riyami, HR & Support Services Manager of Al Ghubrah Power & Desalination Company and Dr. Zahir Uddin, Head Corporate Affairs (Admin Area) HR from Saudi Aramco.

Sponsors of the event, namely Exceed, Nottingham Business School and IE Business School showcased their portfolio of services and programs at the exhibition arena that was coupled with intensive networking amongst delegates, sponsors and dignitaries.