Agenda
HR Tech Mena Summit
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Agenda 2025
HR TECH MENA SUMMIT
Fusion of Tech and Human Touch: Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce
08:00 – 08:45
REGISTRATION, NETWORKING AND WELCOME REFRESHMENTS
08:50 – 08:55
WELCOME REMARKS FROM THE ORGANISER
Sidh NC
Director,
QNA International
09:00 – 09:25
OPENING INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE
Raising Visionary Leaders of Tech: The Role of HR as People Visionaries
- Building a visionary leadership culture begins with understanding the concept of legacy.
- Learn the formula of success in leadership.
- By focusing on mindset, culture, and leadership growth, HR can empower individuals to innovate and thrive in the evolving tech landscape.
Speaker
Dr.Oleg Konovalov
#1 Global Leading Coach and the Da Vinci of Visionary Leadership,
United Kingdom
09:30 – 09:55
C LEVEL KEYNOTE: LEADING IN A DIGITAL WORLD
Managing Millions: A closer look at Makkah’s Digital Handshake with Human and Tech
- Makkah Municipality’s tech-driven strategies for seamless pilgrim management.
- Training and Upskilling for a seamless visitor experience.
- Implementing non-traditional work patterns with smart tools to enable safety and efficiency, supporting both operational teams and leadership team.
Speaker
Mohammed A. Bukhary
Deputy Mayor of Human Capital for Holy Makkah,
Makkah Municipality, Saudi Arabia
10:00 – 10:15
TALENT AND TECH KEYNOTE
3T’s of the workforce world: Trust, talent & technology
- Tapping into workplace models to build the trust in current generation talent, what motivates them to drive better outcomes.
- Tech is more than boosting efficiency, it enhances experiences by automating tasks.
- Experience management with AI delivering humanized intelligence, making it possible for every organization to build an understanding of every talent in their workforce.
Speaker
James Tarbit
Global Head of EX,
Ipsos, UK
10:20 – 11:00
CxO PANEL: BALANCE STRIKED FOR HUMAN AND TECH
Strategic HR Leadership in the Age of AI
- Skill development for technical and financial acumen for HR leaders.
- Real Life Examples for AI in HR Implementation.
- Strategies for driving value through human resources.
Speakers
Ali Talahi
Senior Advisor, Enterprise business,
Coursera, UAE
Larissa Murmann
Digital Chief Human Resources Officer,
Unilever, Singapore
Najib Makarem
Group Chief Human Resources Officer,
National Holding, UAE
Moderator
Sarah Al Bakeri
Director, Human Resources - Generation,
TAQA Generation Business, UAE
11:05 – 11:35
COFFEE & NETWORKING BREAK AND VISIT TO BOUTIQUE EXHIBITION LOUNGE
11:40 – 12:00
Fireside Chat on People-Led, Technology-Enabled Discussion
CHRO insights on fostering workforces of the future
- Building a Tech-Savvy and Adaptable Workforce.
- Exploring the collaborative efforts between CTOs and CHROs to leverage technology in hire to retire systems.
- Developing flexible, hybrid work environments that balance technological advancements with human-centric approaches to foster productivity and employee well-being.
Speaker
Abdulaziz Al Roomi
Assistant General Manager - Human Resources Group,
Boubyan Bank, Kuwait
Moderator
Nina Alag Suri
Founder and CEO,
X0PA AI, UAE
12:05 – 12:20
HRMS KEYNOTE
Revolutionizing the Workforce Management with Data-Driven Strategies for Thriving in the Human Age
- Real-time examples on how data analytics can be used to personalize employee experiences while maintaining trust and transparency.
- Strategies for designing an adaptive, digitally fluent organization where people can thrive.
- Importance of balancing technological advancements with human-centric approaches in the workplace.
Speaker
Faisel Bashir
Market Leader - KSA and Growth Markets,
Mercer Talent Enterprise, UAE
12:25 – 12:55
COFFEE & NETWORKING BREAK AND VISIT TO BOUTIQUE EXHIBITION LOUNGE
13:00 – 13:40
CHRO PANEL: GAME CHANGERS ON THE ROLL
DX Leaders roadmap to enhance EX 5.0
- Best Practices on Implementing Flexible and Inclusive Work Models.
- Continuous Feedback and Well-being Integration.
- Creating a digital roadmap to enhance the employee experience.
Speakers
Ahmed Al Theabi
Global Human Capital Director,
Cenomi Retail, Saudi Arabia
Mahira Al Raisi
Chief Human Resources Officer,
Sohar International, Oman
Capt (Dr) Pranav Prasoon Thakur
Chief People Officer,
Trukker, UAE
Samar A AlSalem
VP of Human Capital,
Salam Telecom, Saudi Arabia
Moderator
Alessando Loggi
Founder and CEO,
CVing, Italy
13:45 - 14:15
SHEROES RENDEZVOUS CHAT
PQ (Performance Quotients) determining future of Organisation and the Workforce
- The Shift from IQ and EQ to PQ.
- Cultivating a High-PQ Workforce.
- PQ as a Driver of Adaptive and Future-Ready Organizations.
Speakers
Larissa Murmann
Digital Chief Human Resources Officer,
Unilever, Singapore
Sarah Al Bakeri
Director, Human Resources - Generation,
TAQA Generation Business, , UAE
Moderator
Kshitiz Sachan
Leadership Coach Performance Management-Subject Matter Expert,
KEKA HR, India
14:20 – 14:40
TEAM BUILDING AND ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITY
14:40 – 14:45
CLOSING REMARKS AND RAFFLE WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT FOR DAY 1
A LUCKY WINNER GETS A CHANCE TO WIN A HOLDAY TO BALI!
14:45 – 15:45
NETWORKING LUNCHEON @ LIV RESTAURANT
08:30 – 09:00
REGISTRATION, NETWORKING AND WELCOME REFRESHMENTS
09:05 – 09:10
OPENING REMARKS
09:10 – 10:40
MASTER CLASS ON VISIONARY LEADERSHIP
How To Grow as a Visionary Leader
- Learn about the 15 traits of visionaries.
- How to create visionary leaders with the help of structured approach.
- How to embed a clear vision into organizational practices for HR to mentor future leaders.
Speaker
Dr.Oleg Konovalov
#1 Global Leading Coach and the Da Vinci of Visionary Leadership,
United Kingdom
10:45 – 11:15
COFFEE & NETWORKING BREAK AND VISIT TO BOUTIQUE EXHIBITION LOUNGE
11:20 – 12:00
IMMERSIVE SESSION: KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON
Make room for Zen Room in your organisation
- Providing a tranquil environment for employees to recharge and foster innovative thinking in daily workplace.
- Demonstrating organizational commitment to work-life balance and employee wellness.
- Evaluating the happiness meter of employees to ensure better physical and mental well-being.
Speaker
Dr. Mostafa Ahmed Ghanima
Group Human Resources Transformation Director,
Saudi German Health, Saudi Arabia
12:05 – 12:45
DEIB AND WELLBEING CULTURE MASTERCLASS
From Wellbeing Rhetoric to Cultural Reality: Embedding wellbeing into the DNA of YOUR Organization.
- Real-world case studies of cultural initiatives.
- Addressing cultural challenges in diverse workplaces.
- Measuring the impact of DEI and wellbeing programs on organizational performance.
Speaker
Larissa Redaelli
Expert in Happydemic Leadership,
Wellbeing and Talent Development, UAE
12:50 – 13:20
COFFEE & NETWORKING BREAK AND VISIT TO BOUTIQUE EXHIBITION LOUNGE
13:25 – 13:45
INTERACTIVE POLL AND SURVEY
HR and Tech challenges evaluated for future
- Poll addressing the Trends and challenges for HR.
- Technological advancements and implementation understanding.
- What’s that we need to lookout for the Future of Work.
13:45 – 14:25
THE EMPATHY ALGORITHM MASTER CLASS
Tech as an Enabler, Not a Replacement
- How to use technology as part of a broader strategy for organizational growth, adaptability, and efficiency, rather than viewing it as a standalone solution.
- Using technology to augment human skills.
- Develop new products, optimize operations, and enhance customer experiences rather than simply automating existing processes.
Speaker
Dr.Jassim Al Awadhi
Digital Transformation AI Implementation Expert,
UAE
14:30 – 14:35
CLOSING REMARKS FOR DAY 2
RAFFLE WINNNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED @ THE GREAT BALLROOM
A LUCKY WINNER GETS A CHANCE TO WIN A HOLIDAY TO GREECE!
14:35 – 15:35
NETWORKING LUNCHEON @ LIV RESTAURANT
08:30 – 09:00
REGISTRATION, NETWORKING AND WELCOME REFRESHMENTS
09:05 – 09:10
OPENING REMARKS
09:10 – 09:35
THE FUTURE OF TALENT OPERATING MODEL
Talent landscape’s seismic shift: From Legacy system to GenAI ecosystems
- Fluid work models are emerging - hybrid, remote, physical spaces - powered by a multi-modal workforce.
- Static competency frameworks and siloed talent processes upgrading to the talent operating model.
- Live demo of integrated and Intelligent Talent Management system.
Speaker
Manish Mohan Misra
Group Head - HR Transformation, Digital, and Analytics,
Emirates National Oil Company, UAE
09:40 – 10:00
THE L&D CHAT
Mechanics of Gamified Learning: Moving away from traditional learning
- Discuss the psychology behind game mechanics and their effectiveness in motivating employees to engage with training programs.
- Analyse case studies of organizations that successfully transitioned from conventional training methods to gamified approaches.
- Fostering a culture where employees are motivated to pursue continuous learning through gamified initiatives.
Speakers
Abhishek David
Head of Talent Management & Leadership Development,
Confidential Company - UAE
Dinesh Chaudhari
Director of HR and Talent,
Palazzo Versace Dubai, UAE
Moderator
Hanane Spiers
TV Presenter and Public Speaking Coach, UAE
10:05 – 10:20
TALENT TRANSFORMATION KEYNOTE
Unlocking Competitive Advantage with a Total Talent Strategy
- Explore the benefits of a holistic talent approach by unifying recruiting and talent management to boost organizational agility.
- Learn how AI and skills intelligence can make total talent strategies both scalable and impactful.
- Strategic workforce planning: See how greater visibility into workforce skills enables more effective, future-focused planning.
Speaker
James Harrisson
VP Sales EMEA,
Avature, UK
10:25 – 10:40
WORKFORCE INTELLIGENCE KEYNOTE
How can CHROs unlock workforce intelligence to drive smarter talent decisions
- How leading CHROs are applying workforce intelligence to drive measurable impact.
- Key actions CHROs should take today to align skills, roles, and talent strategies.
- Strategies to break down data silos and integrate real-time labor market insights.
Speaker
Luke Hicks
EVP Sales - SkyHive by Cornerstone,
Cornerstone On Demand, UK
10:45 – 11:15
COFFEE & NETWORKING BREAK AND VISIT TO BOUTIQUE EXHIBITION LOUNGE
11:20 – 11:55
THE GENERATIONAL FIRESIDE CHAT
Gen X and Zillennial’s Tech Tango
- Gen X's experience combined with Zillennial’s innate tech-savviness creates a powerful force in the workplace.
- Role of Gen X and Zillennial’s, where they are choreographers, crafting a future where technology enhances rather than replaces human connection.
- The tech pioneers who bridge the gap and open to adoption.
Speakers
Dr. Mira Zakharia
Senior Human Resources Director,
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, UAE
Safeer Mohammed
COO, Global Capability Centre Latinem India HR Director Transformation | HR Head,
SOBHA Constructions, UAE
Moderator
Abhishek David
Head of Talent Management & Leadership Development,
Confidential Company - UAE
12:00 – 12:40
PANEL ON REIMAGINING WORK MODELS
The Future of Asynchronous and Remote Work
- Strategies for Implementing Asynchronous Work Models with Enhanced Technology and Learning Culture.
- Tools and technologies for connecting a global workforce.
- Balancing Flexibility with Productivity in Remote Work Environments through Technology and Skill-Based Approaches.
Speakers
Ali Abu Haliqa
Executive Director HC & Deputy Chief Corporate Support Officer,
Mubadala Energy, UAE
Amin Halawani
Director - Head of HR,
Global Healthcare Co., Saudi Arabia
Hani Al Khusaibi
Chief HR & Support Services Officer,
Towell Group, Oman
Moderator
Ralitsa Arsova
Head of Sales, MENA,
Remote, UAE
12:45 – 13:15
COFFEE & NETWORKING BREAK AND VISIT TO BOUTIQUE EXHIBITION LOUNGE
13:20 – 14:20
CASE STUDY SHOWCASE
Implementation and execution of different HR strategies by different industries in MENA region
- Case studies which showcase operational models implemented by different industries from different countries.
- Growth defined in numbered elaborated in strategies.
- Experimental tools and methods used for building employee experience to a happy workplace.
Speakers
Abdulaziz Al Roomi
Assistant General Manager - Human Resources Group,
Boubyan Bank, Kuwait
Natalie Gleeson
Vice President Human Capital,
Pure Harvest Smart Farms, UAE