Based on the success of the Bahrain-Oman Forum over the past two years in strengthening cooperation between the two brotherly countries, the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International, and Energy Studies (Derasat) hosted the third Bahrain-Oman Forum on Sunday, September 30, 2024. The forum, titled “Enhancing Labor Market Dynamics: Insights from Bahrain’s Experience,” aimed to draw valuable lessons from Bahrain’s leading labor market strategies.
This event is part of the ongoing collaboration between Bahrain and Oman to strengthen ties in various fields. These relations have been established by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman. Their shared vision focuses on advancing the economy and developing the workforce, paving the way for future cooperative initiatives.
The forum began with an opening session attended by several notable figures, including the ambassadors of both countries. In his speech, Dr. Hamad Ibrahim Al Abdullah, Executive Director of Derasat, highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation in fostering economic development and sustainable growth, saying, “Today’s forum reflects our commitment to knowledge sharing and enhancing cooperation in all areas.”
Dr. Juma bin Ahmed Al Kaabi, Bahrain’s Ambassador to Oman, expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts between the two countries. He said, “The historic relations and shared aspirations between Bahrain and Oman form a strong foundation for effectively addressing labor market changes. Our commitment to cooperation goes beyond exchanging expertise; we aim to ensure the flexibility and adaptability of our labor markets to future challenges.”
Oman’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Mr. Faisal bin Harib Al Busaidi, emphasized the importance of shared expertise in the labor market, stating, “This forum provides a unique platform to explore various experiences in this important field and deepen our understanding of our labor markets. By uniting efforts, we can identify the best practices and strategies to build a dynamic and inclusive workforce.”
Mr. Nibras Talib, CEO of the Labor Market Regulatory Authority, affirmed, “The authority continues its efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Bahrain’s labor market by implementing initiatives and strategies focused on developing labor laws and meeting the market’s evolving needs.” He also stressed the importance of public-private sector collaboration to ensure economic sustainability and create a flexible work environment capable of adapting to future challenges.
The forum discussed promising opportunities for advancing labor markets, potential economic returns, and growth requirements. Attendees engaged in discussions on strategies for promoting entrepreneurship and examined the role of women entrepreneurs in this area. The sessions also provided a chance for experts from both countries to exchange best practices and innovative solutions for addressing labor market changes.
The third Bahrain-Oman Forum concluded with practical recommendations aimed at enhancing labor market dynamics and developing workforce capabilities. Previous forums focused on the banking sector and cooperation in food security, and Derasat remains committed to holding these forums annually to promote knowledge and expertise exchange between Bahrain and Oman.