Why Sponsor

Today, Mr. Al-Khalifa serves as Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Director of Human Resources, having most recently been responsible for aligning national goals with HR strategy, driving innovation, as well as driving employee participation and professional development. Under his leadership, the Ministry achieved 100% agreement on labor regulations, increased Qatari talent inductee appointments by 15%, and launched a variety of pioneer initiatives, from international tech upskilling for graduates and executive leadership development. With over a decade of experience in Aviation, Sports, Education, and ICT sectors, Mr. Al-Khalifa is an MBA and Bachelor of Human Resource Management graduate, with numerous high-profile certifications and leadership programs from the University of Oxford, McKinsey & Company, and Qatar Leadership Centre.

He is immensely renowned for his expertise in facilitating meaningful change through strategic workforce planning, digitalization of HR, and inclusive leadership. As an in-demand speaker and widely esteemed advisor, Mr. Al-Khalifa has an abundance of knowledge on agile and resilient HR ecosystems in today's digital era.

Mr. Edwin Lun is a cross-regional digital leader who has spent the past five years building and scaling cloud, AI, and HPC programs across Asia and the Middle East- specializing in talent pipelines, product operating models, and public–private tech partnerships. A Harvard Business School alumnus and seasoned global business leader, Mr. Lun brings over 30 years of international leadership experience across technology, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, investment, and ESG advisory. His unique career spans strategic business development, digital transformation, and ecosystem building, making him particularly well-suited to engage senior executives navigating today’s disruptive telecom landscape. A trusted advisor to multinational corporations, regional regulators, and entrepreneurial ventures alike, Mr. Lun combines academic rigor, board-level governance expertise, and hands on case leadership. His cross-border experience in Asia, the Middle East, and North America equips him with a truly global perspective - while his advisory roles in international business associations and technology ventures demonstrate his ability to align strategy with market realities.

Faten El Ayache stands at the forefront of leadership transformation across the MENA region, pioneering a human-centered approach that revolutionizes organizational cultures. As Managing Partner at BrightFields HR Services (UAE & Qatar), she harnesses her Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credentials and extensive expertise to deliver high-impact solutions that empower senior executives to lead with unprecedented clarity, compassion, and courage. With over two decades of strategic experience spanning global pharmaceuticals (Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim) and prestigious academic institutions (Qatar University, Carnegie Mellon), Faten brings unparalleled regional insights to complex organizational challenges. Her comprehensive toolkit- including Positive Psychology, Compassionate Inquiry, and LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®- enables transformative interventions that drive measurable business outcomes. A compelling TEDx speaker and visionary practitioner, Faten masterfully bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, creating sustainable coaching ecosystems within diverse enterprise environments. Her mission to empower 10,000 leaders by 2030 exemplifies her commitment to scaling positive leadership impact.

Dr. Fathiya Al Rashdi is a strategic leader in education and leadership development, currently serving as Vice President for Program Affairs at the Royal Academy of Management. She oversees leadership development programs and national initiatives that aims at developing leaders from both the public and private sectors with the skills needed to navigate complex challenges and drive national progress.

A significant part of her portfolio includes leading the Centre for Local Governance, a national initiative focused on enhancing the capabilities of local government leaders. Through tailored training programs and policy-driven learning, she works to strengthen institutional effectiveness at the municipal and regional levels. By bridging research and practice, she ensures that governance frameworks are adaptive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of communities.

With over 17 years in academia, Dr. Al Rashdi has held key positions at Sultan Qaboos University, including Assistant Professor of Sociolinguistics and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies. Her work bridges education and leadership, ensuring that learning is both impactful and aligned with future workforce needs.

Dr. Al Rashdi holds a PhD and MS in Sociolinguistics from Georgetown University, an MA in Applied Language Studies from Carleton University, and a Bachelor’s in TEFL from Sultan Qaboos University. She is also a graduate of the Oxford Executive Leadership Programme, reinforcing her expertise in leadership strategy.

She is committed to developing leaders, fostering critical thinking, and driving institutional excellence. With a strong belief in continuous learning, she works at the intersection of research, education, and leadership to create programs that shape future decision-makers.

Dr. Fatin Al Zadjali serves as Head of Learning and Development at Bank Dhofar, Oman. Previously, she was the Acting Assistant Dean for Academic Support and Student Affairs at the College of Banking and Financial Studies (CBFS). Her career journey began in banking, working at two major Omani banks before transitioning to CBFS as academic and training faculty, later returning to the banking industry. Dr. Fatin holds a bachelor's degree in business from Australia, a Diploma in Banking from IBFS, an MBA from the University of Strathclyde (UK), and a PhD in Islamic Finance from INCEIF, Malaysia. Her doctoral research focused on "Developing and Examining a Sustainability Business Models for Omani MSMEs." Her professional credentials include Certified Training Professional (CTP), Creative Train the Trainer, NLP for Trainers, and Certified Islamic Banker designations. Dr. Fatin specializes in behavioral skills and Islamic banking training. Her scholarly contributions include a published paper on "Business Trends & Challenges in Islamic FinTech: A Systematic Literature Review" and a comprehensive country report on Islamic finance in Oman for COMCEC titled "Standardization Efforts in Islamic Finance.

Florencio “Rhency” Padilla is the Founder & Managing Director of Perky People Limited – an HR consultancy specializing in Employee Experience. Rhency has more than 20 years of work experience in different industries in Asia & the Middle East. He spent more than 15 years in strategic & operational L&D, talent & leadership development, employee engagement & wellbeing, employer branding, organizational effectiveness, and employee experience design from the airlines, government sector & luxury retail. He is a chartered fellow of the CIPD UK (FCIPD). Rhency has a proven track record of helping leaders & organizations design innovative people solutions, designing inspirational workplaces & people-first cultures that embrace ongoing enhancements & co-creation practice within the organization.

Nawal Al Barwani is a data-driven expert overseeing talent development and strategy at Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Oman. Her project work has enabled her to apply analytical and strategic thinking to design and implement innovative and effective human capital solutions that align with TRA's vision and mission. She has leveraged her expertise in talent planning, performance management, and employee engagement to support the growth and development of TRA's diverse and talented workforce. As a human capital manager, she leads an exceptional team of human capital professionals who work collaboratively with various stakeholders and partners to deliver high-quality services and programs. Her leadership fosters a culture of excellence, learning, and empowerment at TRA. Nawal remains passionate about advancing the field of human capital management and contributing to the transformation and advancement of the telecommunications sector in Oman.

A leading professional in the higher education industry and information technology with over 32 years of experience and a PhD and master’s degree in information technology. Currently, a Project manager for Capacity building and Talent Management to the Ministry of Labour in Oman. Besides, having previous expertise as a member in the national team mandated to follow up on the national innovation strategy, a partial secondee in The Supreme Council for Planning, and a member in the national committee mandated to follow up on the implementation of the antidiscrimination agreement against women. She has also been a consultant to the minister of Higher education ministry for information system. A key contributor to establishing the Higher Education Admission Centre (HEAC) and at a later time became a General Director of centre. She is a certified consultant in E-Commerce from the Institution of Certified E- Commerce Consultants, USA.

Saif is the General Manager of People Experience at Omantel, and an internationally recognized speaker passionate about workplace wellbeing and personalized people strategies. He leads initiatives that embed wellbeing into organizational culture and champions digital transformation and relative AI adoption to enhance employee experience. His leadership supports national sustainability goals and drives strategic integration across enterprise functions.

Abdullatif M. Ba-Isa is a Senior Transformation Consultant at Saudi Pan Kingdom, where he establishes transformation frameworks and leads strategic change initiatives across the organization. With over 28 years of experience spanning public and private sectors throughout the GCC, he has become a distinguished authority in organizational transformation.

His extensive career includes 24 years with Saudi Aramco, where he progressed from Performance Consultant to Corporate Continuing Excellence Manager before serving as Corporate HR Executive Director at YASREF. His leadership continued at National Water Company as Corporate HR Executive Director, where he implemented 14 major transformation initiatives.

Abdullatif’s expertise encompasses human capital optimization, strategy development, organizational design, and business excellence. His notable achievements include developing Saudi Aramco’s Change Management Methodology, transforming Safety and Industrial Security operations, and leading the complete restructuring of civil service jobs impacting 1.3 million employees across Saudi Arabia. Driven by his passion for making positive impacts through transforming corporate culture and processes, Abdullatif combines visionary thinking with practical implementation to deliver sustainable organizational change. His strategic approach to transformation continues to empower organizations to achieve operational excellence and strategic prosperity.

Nuha Alhejji is a forward-thinking and transformative director with over 15 years of progressive experience leading strategic academic collaborations, AI education initiatives, and national capability-building programs. She brings a proven track record in designing and executing high-impact partnerships, advancing research excellence, and delivering large-scale, future-ready talent development strategies aligned with national transformation agendas. Nuha is widely recognized for spearheading complex, cross-sector initiatives that align national priorities in AI, digital transformation, and innovation with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. She has successfully established strategic partnerships with leading global institutions and government entities, co-developing academic frameworks, digital transformation indicators, and future skills strategies that enhance national capabilities and strengthen talent pipelines. She has also demonstrated success in integrating emerging technologies into higher education through the development of innovative curricula, dual-degree programs, and international collaborations. Nuha has built enduring partnerships with world-renowned universities, aligning local institutional goals with global expertise to deliver transformative, future-focused academic and leadership programs.

Talal Al Afghani is the CEO and Co-founder of SkillUp MENA, a leading learning and development company transforming professional training across the Middle East and North Africa. Since 2021, he has guided SkillUp’s strategic direction and expansion throughout the region. Under Talal’s leadership, SkillUp MENA has positioned itself at the forefront of educational technology, developing innovative solutions that address the unique learning needs of organizations across the MENA region. His vision focuses on creating accessible, high-quality professional development programs that help businesses build stronger, more capable teams. Talal brings a strong background in venture capital, fundraising, and emerging technologies to his role. His experience gives him a deep understanding of how technology can reshape traditional learning models and create new opportunities for professional growth. Talal’s strategic approach has helped SkillUp MENA build lasting partnerships with companies across the region. His focus on practical results and understanding of what organizations need has made SkillUp MENA a trusted partner for businesses looking to strengthen their teams through effective training programs.

Dr. Salim A. Al Flaiti is the Chairman of the Board of Batinah Hotels, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Oman Tourism College, and Chairman of the Board of ASAAS. He is also the Group Head of Human Capital Business Partners at Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), where he leads human capital strategy across more than 20 hotels and subsidiaries. With 23 years of leadership experience across healthcare, education, oil & gas, and hospitality, Dr. Al Flaiti has been central to shaping Oman’s talent agenda. He spearheaded OMRAN’s #IAmTourism campaign, aligning tourism workforce development with Oman Vision 2040. A recent graduate of the National CEO Program with the Royal Academy of Management, Dr. Al Flaiti brings a strategic lens to governance, human capital, and organizational transformation. As an educator and researcher, he lectures on Human Resources and Real Estate Management and has presented at international forums, including the World Leisure Congress. He holds a Doctorate in Leadership and Health Administration from the University of Phoenix, and Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Management and Human Resource Management from Duquesne University, USA.

Luluwa Al Ismaili is a seasoned HR leader with nearly two decades of experience shaping people strategies and driving organizational transformation across Oman’s leading sectors. She currently serves as Human Resources Director at Zubair Investment Corporation, where she leads HR strategy for nine diverse companies. In this role, she has embedded Lean methodologies to streamline operations, championed succession planning frameworks, and introduced innovative engagement programs that strengthened retention and organizational culture. She also spearheaded the rollout of a group-wide HRMS and established a Change Management Drive to align employees with business goals. Prior to Zubair Investment, Luluwa spent over a decade with Nama Power & Water Procurement Company, where she was part of the team that built the HR function from ground up, launched and steered graduate and highpotential development programs and led succession planning across the electricity sector. Her earlier career included consulting with Ernst & Young on HR transformation for government and private sector clients, and leading recruitment at Oman Air. Recognized for her ability to blend strategic vision with operational excellence, Luluwa is passionate about building future-ready organizations and enabling leaders to thrive in fast-changing environments.

Hamood Al Rashdi is the PMO Director at the Ministry of Labor (on secondment) and previously led the HR PMO at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), including various HR roles. With over a decade of experience across Learning & Development, Capability Building, Talent Management, and HR Business Partnering, he has been instrumental in driving strategic and sustainable initiatives that advance Oman’s labor market and human capital agenda. Hamood holds a BSc in Management from Sultan Qaboos University and an MSc in Management from the University of Stirling, UK. He is a CIPD Associate Member, Certified Executive Coach, and Lean Practitioner. He is currently pursuing the Cambridge University CHRO Program and the London Business School Executive Leadership Program, reflecting his dedication to building future-ready leadership and enabling national transformation through talent and innovation.

Asma is a seasoned professional with over two decades of local, regional, and international experience including Oman, Qatar, Egypt, and the Netherlands. An integrating leader who can motivate and inspire teams to achieve exceptional performance. She held various People leadership positions including a global Talent Manager for upstream non-operated ventures where she led the talent agenda for eight countries, an HR Consultant and Change Manager for a large upstream JV with a complex setup in Egypt and an Executive Vice President HR for the national airline Oman Air where she led a large team and was a board member in Oman Aviation Services Company. She is currently a board member of Shell Oman Marketing Company, where she chairs the National Remuneration Committee and a member in the PDO People and Resourcing Committee (PRC). She is a sought-after speaker on various national and regional forums and conferences, and mentors and coaches several professionals to help them reach their full potential. Asma is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion and was up until a few years ago, she was the Chair of the Oman Women Network in Oman Shell.

Hani is a seasoned Human Resources Manager with over 20 years of experience leading the Human Resources division in various sectors. Hani worked extensively with large family groups in the Sultanate and the GCC countries and was responsible for leading mergers, acquisitions, and exits on the human resources aspect in various types of regional and international companies. His experience also covers sectors such as retail, real estate, automotive, manufacturing, renewables, food industry, and shopping malls. Hani is a professional HR leader who has worked in several companies in different geographies. He has extensive experience specializing in start-up settings, mergers, and corporate restructuring. Hani started his career in the Automotive sector with the Zubair Group in the Sultanate of Oman, and then he was entrusted with the tasks of leading the human resources division in the Sultanate of Oman for Majid Al Futtaim Group (Hypermarket Operations). He was tasked with managing and developing the human resource operations associated with express retail stores covering the GCC region. Later, he moved successively to work in several companies, including international, local, and regional ones within various sectors, including heavy automobile Manufacturing, industrial food manufacturing, and renewable energy for the oil & gas and energy sectors. Currently, Hani is holding the position of Chief HR & Support Services Officer at Towell Group Hani bachelor’s degree in law. Hani also holds an accredited international certificate in management and leadership from IMD institution.

Eng. Louy Shawer is an AI strategist, educator, and speaker shaping the future of leadership in the digital era. As Co-Founder and Chief AI Officer of Maidaan AI, he leads initiatives that bridge executive decision-making with practical AI transformation across banking, government, and industry sectors.

With more than two decades of experience in technology, innovation, and enterprise solutions, Louy has designed and delivered programs that trained over 15,000 professionals worldwide in AI, ethics, and digital transformation. He serves on the World AI Council’s Global Committee for Artificial Intelligence & Deep Learning, where he contributes to international standards on responsible AI adoption.

Louy's work focuses on building AI-ready organizations through leadership readiness frameworks such as AI Citizen, AI Professional, and Chief AI Officer (CAIO)—equipping leaders to transform strategy into measurable business impact aligned with Oman Vision 2040.

Mohammed Akkar is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Jisr, a leading company providing innovative Human Resources solutions. He is an entrepreneur with extensive experience in technology, business development, and digital product innovation. He began his career as a Software Engineer at Microsoft, where he gained deep expertise in building scalable systems and digital transformation solutions. Driven by his passion for creating meaningful technological solutions, he transitioned into entrepreneurship to address key challenges in the evolving labor market. In 2017, he founded Jisr after identifying the need for a comprehensive HR management system aligned with local regulations in Saudi Arabia. Over time, Jisr has grown into a leading technology platform serving both the Human Resources and Finance sectors, delivering integrated digital solutions that enhance efficiency and elevate the employee experience.

Under Mohammed Akkar’s leadership, Jisr has become one of the most notable success stories in the technology and digital transformation sectors, serving over 4,500+ companies across more than 45+ industries, empowering more than 500K+ employees, and processing payrolls exceeding SAR 10B+. The company has also established strategic partnerships with major government organizations in the Kingdom, and Mohammed Akkar has been featured in several podcasts discussing leadership, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in business.

A visionary technology leader with over 23 years of expertise in ICT, Dr. Salim Al-Shuaili stands at the forefront of digital transformation and artificial intelligence. As the Director of AI and Advanced Technology Projects Unit, he drives innovative national initiatives across multiple sectors including mining, smart cities, healthcare, education, tourism, and logistics. Internationally recognized, Dr. Al-Shuaili serves as a Global AI Ambassador and holds prestigious certifications, including Certified Chief AI Officer from the World AI Council. His strategic leadership has been acknowledged through multiple global awards, including the Digital Transformation Inspiring Award and Impact Trailblazer Award. Committed to technological localization and knowledge advancement, he actively contributes to national AI projects, international research, and serves on multiple academic and industry advisory boards, shaping Oman’s technological future.

Abdallah Al Jurf is a distinguished leadership development expert and former General Manager of Continuous Learning at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. With over 20 years of experience in HR and management, Abdallah has established himself as a pioneering force in Saudi Arabia's professional development landscape. As the Founder and first President of ICF Saudi Arabia Chapter and a founding member of the Saudi Human Capital Club, he has shaped the coaching profession nationally. In 2019, Abdallah was nominated among 50 global leadership coaches for the prestigious "Thinkers 50 Marshall Goldsmith Coaching Award." His expertise has benefited major organizations including GE, Oracle, Aramco, and KFUPM through innovative training and development initiatives. A two-time champion of the International Speech Contest in Saudi Arabia (2014-2015), Abdallah combines exceptional communication skills with extensive credentials, including Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation, CPTD certification, and a BSc in Systems Engineering from KFUPM. He continues to transform organizations through executive coaching, leadership development, and keynote speaking engagements.

Dr. Abood Al Sawafi is Founder of Al-Maarif Consultancy and former President/Vice Chancellor of prominent institutions including the University of Buraimi, A'Sharqiyah University, and Sohar University. With over 24 years in senior higher education management, he has strategically fostered both academic excellence and financial growth across organizations under his leadership. His distinguished career spans executive roles at five different universities and colleges, complemented by significant contributions to various national educational committees. Leveraging this comprehensive experience, Dr. Al Sawafi now applies his expertise in supporting the higher education sector through specialized consultancy services, continuing his commitment to institutional advancement and academic innovation.

Ali is a seasoned corporate leader with over 22 years of multi-sector experience spanning investment development, telecommunications, corporate governance, and regulatory environments. He currently serves as Senior Manager – Corporate Support at ASAAS, one of Oman’s leading government investment and development firms, where he oversees Human Resources, Administration, IT, Procurement, and Corporate Communications.

He is also a business owner of a Human Resources Consultancy (Inspire) Previously, he held progressive leadership roles at the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Oman for more than 11 years, where he advanced in Human Resources, Project Management, and served as Secretary to the Board of Directors. Ali has also contributed to national initiatives such as the Pension and Social Protection Reform Project under the Ministry of Finance, leading the HR stream for restructuring multi-billion-dollar pension fund assets.

An MBA graduate from the University of Madras and a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD – UK), Ali is also certified in AI applications and is a qualified trainer. His expertise centers on leadership, corporate support services, strategic HR, organizational development, change management, and people development. He has been widely recognized for building competency frameworks, driving graduate development programs, and aligning human capital strategies with business goals to support Organizations objectives.