Mark Rix, CEO of Wellbeing at Work (Sonas Group), tells Official Media Partner Muscat Daily about the Wellbeing at Work Middle East Summit 2026 – Muscat to be held on January 27, 2026 at the Omantel HQ.

Log on to Wellbeing at Work Summit Middle East 2026 – Muscat – for the agenda and registration details of the event to be held at Omantel HQ, host venue partner. Enter the code MARK50 at the checkout to receive a special Muscat Daily reader discount of 50%.

What is ‘Wellbeing at Work’?

This is the brand name for a global series of one-day ‘Summits’ held in 23 cities and 16 countries annually.  The mission of the company, founded in 2014 in the UK, is to empower organisations to strategically prioritise employee wellbeing and mental health, through community, engagement, meaningful connections and expert knowledge sharing. 

The event on January 27 is the second edition of the Wellbeing at Work Summit Middle East – Muscat. The first was in 2019 at the Sheraton Hotel, Ruwi.

How has employee wellbeing evolved to be considered so important these days?

We have all heard business leaders say that people are their most valuable asset, yet how many actually ‘strategically’ prioritise that and invest accordingly? Increasingly, around the world, employee wellbeing is taking centre stage in boardrooms and is acknowledged as being business critical and not just a ‘nice to have.’  All the research and data supports this.

It is no coincidence that market leading organisations, globally and in the Sultanate of Oman, are those that prioritise their people’s health and wellbeing and create cultures where talent is attracted, retained, thriving and ultimately engaged.

AI and new technological advancements and resources are enabling HR professionals to clearly demonstrate the bottom line return on wellbeing investments, not least with available data on employee retention, reduced attrition and sickness, resulting in lower health care premiums, improved employee engagement and productivity and so it continues.

Those organisations that create people centric cultures are the ones that will attract and retain talent and in so doing, build a workforce where people thrive and sustain the company in the long term. This clearly has wider community, economic and national benefits and sits squarely within the context of Oman’s Vision 2040 which is the sultanate’s strategy to overcome challenges, keep pace with regional and global changes, generate and seize opportunities to foster economic competitiveness and social well-being, stimulate growth, and build confidence in all economic, social and developmental relations nationwide.

What do delegates experience at your Summits?

We create an inspiring ‘in-person’ experience where we invite leaders in organisations, who are doing great things for their people, to come and talk about their strategy and share their experiences. Senior HR professionals and business leaders who are eager to stay abreast of the latest thinking and practices come as delegates to listen, learn and connect with each other and network with leading industry suppliers who showcase cutting edge products and services that are required to enable these leaders to craft their own wellbeing strategies.

The day runs from 08.00 with registration, through to 16.30 pm.  Keynote addresses, panel discussions, one-to-one interviews, workshops and networking breaks in the mid-morning, lunch and afternoon, all combine to create an intimate and effective experience. This is not an expo seeking to monetise floor space, it is a focused occasion that stimulates the latest debate around employee wellbeing as the power behind performance. 

Who can attend the Wellbeing at Work Summit in Muscat?

This Summit is designed for business leaders who have the responsibility in their company for making investment decisions that affect their employees. Senior HR leaders, C-Suite and business owners typically represent our delegate community and no company or industry sector, either public or private is excluded. We welcome all who would seek to improve the lives of their workforce.

Are the workshops you mentioned free to attend?

As a Summit delegate you are invited to register for a 60-minute workshop on the day and you will have a choice. Each workshop takes place at the same time and so all delegates will be engaged simultaneously. This usually occurs prior to the buffet lunch (All refreshments on the day are included with your ticket).