Redefining Work: A Visionary Approach to Digital Transformation in the MENA Region
In the lead – up to the 2nd Annual Oman Edition of the Digital Talent Ecosystem Dialogue taking place in Muscat, we spoke with Mohammed Akkar, CEO of Jisr, to explore how technology is reshaping the modern workplace and how organizations can better connect people, performance, and purpose.
As the GCC continues its digital transformation journey, Akkar offers timely insights into how businesses can align technological progress with human empowerment.
From HR Function to HR Ecosystem
When Mohammed Akkar first set out to build Jisr, the goal was simple: simplify HR for Saudi businesses. But as the company grew, so did its vision.
“The more we worked with our customers, the more we realized HR doesn’t operate in isolation,” Akkar explains. “Payroll connects to finance, performance connects to growth, and employee experience connects to retention.”
That realization became a turning point. Under his leadership, Jisr evolved from a traditional HR platform into an integrated SaaS ecosystem uniting HR, talent, and finance in one experience.
This mirrors a broader regional trend: organizations across MENA are moving toward technology built for local realities, not imported systems. “Digital transformation here isn’t just about automation or AI,” Akkar adds. “It’s about empowerment – empowering people, decisions, and growth through technology built here, for here.”
Redefining the Modern Workplace
In his upcoming keynote, Akkar will explore what it truly means to “redefine work.” For him, the modern workplace is no longer defined by hierarchy but by experience – where people, data, and decisions flow seamlessly.
“To thrive, organizations must shift in three ways: from control to connection, from systems to synergy, and from processes to purpose,” he says.
“The future of work belongs to organizations that align performance with human experience. We want to create workplaces that are not just digital, but deeply human.”
Local Innovation, Global Impact
Operating in a market historically dominated by global HR software providers, Jisr has carved its niche through local innovation.
“Our focus has always been on local relevance over global replication,” Akkar notes. “The GCC market is unique – it needs technology that adapts to it, not the other way around.”
Every feature in Jisr’s platform, from automated payroll to intuitive dashboards, is designed to simplify work. The company’s product philosophy – local needs deserve local innovation – has made digital HR adoption easier for both startups and large enterprises.
Integration is another key focus. “Transformation isn’t about adding systems; it’s about removing friction,” Akkar explains. “Jisr integrates with existing tools so data moves where it’s needed without disruption.”
Aligning with National Visions
The GCC’s workforce is young, dynamic, and increasingly digital – a landscape demanding platforms designed for regional realities.
“The GCC is one of the fastest – evolving labor markets in the world,” Akkar observes. “Western platforms weren’t built for this reality. We design technology that reflects how teams here work – bilingual by design, flexible for hybrid structures, and simple for all skill levels.”
Through this approach, Jisr not only enhances business efficiency but also supports national transformation goals, helping organizations build sustainable, future – ready workplaces.
Redefining People Leadership
According to Akkar, HR has changed more in the last five years than in the previous two decades. “Today, HR isn’t just about managing people – it’s about helping the business move faster and smarter.”
He highlights three competencies shaping effective HR leadership today:
- Data understanding – using insights to tell the story of people.
- Change leadership – building trust through transformation.
- Business alignment – ensuring every people initiative drives strategic goals.
“When HR leads with insight and empathy,” Akkar says, “it becomes the engine that drives growth.”
Transformation as a Mindset
For organizations beginning their digital journey, Akkar’s advice is clear: “Start small and build from there. Transformation isn’t about reinventing everything overnight – it’s about consistent progress.”
With over 5,000 businesses using Jisr, he’s seen how incremental success leads to lasting impact. “The ones who succeed treat transformation as a mindset, not a project. Create a culture where people are open to change, where data drives decisions, and where technology truly supports people.”
What to Expect from Jisr at the Dialogue
As a Gold Partner of the 2nd Annual Oman Edition – Digital Talent Ecosystem Dialogue in Muscat, Jisr will showcase how its all – in – one HR and payroll platform helps organizations across the GCC simplify operations, elevate employee experience, and make data – driven decisions.
Through interactive demos and discussions with business leaders, Jisr will demonstrate how automation and integration can transform HR into a true growth partner.
“Our participation at the Dialogue is a chance to show how Jisr bridges the gap between people, process, and performance,” says Akkar. “Digital transformation isn’t about new tools – it’s about reimagining how work happens.”
As he takes the stage in Muscat, Akkar will invite leaders to explore how locally built technology can empower teams and redefine the future of work across the region.
Be part of the 2nd Annual Digital Talent Ecosystem Dialogue – Oman Edition (11 – 12 Nov 2025), where regional executives, HR innovators, and digital pioneers come together to shape the GCC’s evolving world of work.
Learn more: https://digitaltalentdialogue.com/oman/
