Leadership often develops across more than one professional path. For Faisal Al Siyabi, a career spanning human resources, employee services, entrepreneurship and organisational leadership has created a perspective shaped by both people and business.

Today, as Chief Executive Officer of the Omani Society for Human Resource Management (OSHRM), Al Siyabi is helping advance an organisation dedicated to the development of Oman’s HR community, while bringing more than two decades of professional experience to the role.

A Career Built Around People

Al Siyabi joined Omantel in 2004 as an HR Specialist, beginning with responsibilities across employee records, payroll, training and administration.

His progression within the organisation subsequently took him into leadership roles across employee services and benefits. He managed areas including compensation and benefits, insurance, staff services, facilities, fleet operations and internal support functions.

Among the initiatives developed during his time in employee benefits was Mazaya, a staff discount application connecting employees with preferential offers from businesses within and outside Oman. He also supported benefits exhibitions that provided opportunities for young SMEs to showcase their products to Omantel employees.

People-focused leadership becomes meaningful when organisational systems translate into a better everyday experience for employees.

Combining Corporate Experience With Entrepreneurship

Alongside his corporate career, Al Siyabi developed another dimension of his professional journey through entrepreneurship.

In 2011, he founded Al Haitham Travels, an Omani enterprise focused on providing travel solutions through a customer-centred approach.

Building a business while progressing through a long corporate career has given him exposure to two different leadership environments. One requires navigating the structures and responsibilities of a major organisation, while the other demands the adaptability and commercial focus of entrepreneurship.

That combination has helped shape an approach grounded in customer understanding, business development and continuous improvement.

Leading OSHRM Into Its Next Chapter

In 2022, Al Siyabi became CEO of OSHRM, taking responsibility for the organisation’s overall portfolio, including brand expansion, new streams of activity and wider stakeholder engagement.

The role brings together many of the themes developed throughout his career.

His experience within HR gives him an understanding of the practical challenges facing people professionals. His entrepreneurial background adds a business perspective, while his years in employee services provide insight into how workplace policies ultimately affect individuals.

The future of HR is not simply about managing people. It is about strengthening the connection between people, organisations and performance.

Through OSHRM, this experience is now being applied at a broader professional level, contributing to the continued development of Oman’s human resources community.

Developing a Broader Leadership Perspective

Al Siyabi’s academic and professional development has evolved alongside his career.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Arkansas State University and has completed professional development through the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) as well as a Management Development Programme in Oman.

These foundations complement a career in which HR expertise has gradually expanded into broader organisational and executive responsibilities.

Rather than remaining within one specialist area, his professional journey has connected employee experience, operations, entrepreneurship and leadership.

Experience becomes more valuable when lessons from one part of business can strengthen decisions in another.

Recognition by Icons Oman

Faisal Al Siyabi’s journey reflects a distinctly multifaceted approach to professional leadership in Oman.

From more than two decades at Omantel to building Al Haitham Travels and taking executive responsibility for OSHRM, his career has connected corporate experience with entrepreneurship and the development of the wider HR profession.

For Icons Oman, his story represents the contribution of Omani professionals whose influence extends beyond a single position or organisation.

As CEO of OSHRM, Al Siyabi now has the opportunity to apply those accumulated experiences towards a broader purpose: supporting the people and professionals who, in turn, help build stronger organisations across the Sultanate.