Salalah – An event called ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work Forum’ organised by Ministry of Labour and focused on how AI and technological advancements are shaping the labour market started in Salalah on Tuesday.

The two-day event is set to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by new work patterns, readiness of governments for future skills and the role of AI in enhancing the work environment.

The forum was inaugurated by H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, with H E Dr Mahad bin Saeed Baowain, Minister of Labour, in attendance. It aims to boost productivity and efficiency in the workplace, while also enhancing human capital in response to the rapid changes brought about by the digital age.

Nasser bin Salem al Hadhrami, Director General of Labour in Dhofar, highlighted the transformative impact of AI in his speech. “AI is not just a new technology but a real revolution that will reshape the nature of work and society,” he said.

He pointed out that while AI has the potential to create new job opportunities and increase productivity, it also presents challenges, particularly in terms of the impact on existing jobs and the need for workforce reskilling.

Hadhrami informed that the Ministry of Labour has been proactive in addressing these challenges, and implementing economic, educational and training strategies that align with Oman Vision 2040. These efforts include new laws and procedures designed to regulate modern work patterns in the evolving labour market.

The forum features four key sessions: the first discusses the impact of technological developments on the future of work, focusing on the challenges and opportunities of new work patterns. The second session addresses capacity building and skills enhancement, while the third looks at how to prepare the workforce for rapid changes in the work environment. The final session examines the role of AI in improving workplace conditions.

In addition to these discussions, the forum will present several working papers on topics such as empowering employees through AI, importance of continuing education in a changing work environment, using AI to boost productivity, and the role of AI in achieving sustainable development.

The forum is expected to provide valuable insights into how AI can be harnessed to enhance the labour market in the Middle East, while also addressing the necessary steps to prepare the workforce for the future.