According to the Oman News Agency (ONA), published on August 2026, the Ministry of Labour launched two specialised laboratories in Salalah under Labour Forum 2026 to review Oman labour legislation, governance procedures and sector development initiatives that support a competitive labour market.
Oman Labour Legislation takes centre stage
The Ministry of Labour organised the Governance of Legislative Procedures and Ministerial Decisions Laboratory alongside the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Sector Laboratory in Salalah. Officials, specialists, private sector representatives and experts joined the discussions.
Nasser Salim Al Hadhrami, Director General of the Directorate General of Labour in Dhofar Governorate, highlighted the role of governance in improving legislative and administrative procedures. He said stronger governance helps increase transparency, improve decision-making and simplify procedures across government entities.
The laboratories are scheduled to continue for two days with participants reviewing strategic priorities and preparing practical recommendations.
Oman Labour Market governance reforms support transparency
The Oman labour market governance reforms laboratory reviewed legislative and regulatory procedures related to the labour market. Participants also examined ways to improve ministerial decision-making and strengthen the efficiency of the legal framework.
Dawood Sulaiman Al Hinai, Director of the Legal Department at the Ministry of Labour, presented a working paper titled “Regulatory Bylaw for the Labour System in Oil and Gas Field Areas.” He explained the legal frameworks governing work in these areas, outlined the main implementation challenges, and proposed measures to strengthen compliance while protecting the rights of all parties.
The laboratory also discussed the Devolution agreement, focusing on legal procedures, implementation mechanisms and practices that improve legislative clarity.
Economic sectors receive development focus
The second laboratory explored opportunities to strengthen the arts, entertainment and recreation sector. Discussions covered investment opportunities, sector challenges and approaches that could increase its contribution to GDP, diversify income sources and support sustainable employment.
Huda Humaid Al Shibli, Director of Labour Market Studies, and Al Mirdas Hilal Al Ma’ani, Director of Statistics, presented a working paper on the sector’s current position. They also outlined the importance of a legislative framework that supports investment, innovation and competitiveness.
Working groups continued analysing sectoral challenges before preparing practical recommendations based on research and consultation.
Labour Forum 2026 continues until 13 august
The Ministry of Labour said the laboratories reflect its participatory approach to policy development by bringing together government agencies, specialists and private sector stakeholders. The discussions aim to transform labour market challenges into practical policy solutions.
The recommendations will be reviewed on the second day before becoming part of the Labour Forum 2026 outcomes. The forum, held under the slogan “A Nation’s Vision: Empowerment and Action,” continues until 13 August and supports the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 through modern legislation and improved regulatory procedures.
