A session at Al Sharqia Forum for Development and Training 2026 tackled the question of whether the impact of training can truly be measured, with consultant Hatem Shihab arguing during a 20-minute intervention that measurement is possible when the right tools are applied, according to a report by Shahd Now.
Shihab framed the matter around spending outcomes, noting that every amount invested can be assessed through the performance improvement it generates, the productivity gains it delivers, and the future outputs it helps develop. He pointed to sound design, continuous impact measurement, and the presence of an inspiring leader who believes in investing in people as the starting points for success, alongside dealing with reality objectively and recognising the value of development in achieving sustainable results.
The discussion took place within the second panel of the forum, held under the theme «Can We Really Measure Training Impact?», and was accompanied by a working paper that Shihab made available to participants, containing ideas and tools intended to deepen understanding of how training outcomes can be tracked.
The forum is organised by Al Afaq Al Maarefia for Exhibitions and Conferences and runs on 18–19 September 2026 at Foco Hotel in Khobar.