11th HR Tech MENA Summit Concludes in Dubai, Setting the Stage for the Future of Work

Technology

11th HR Tech MENA Summit Concludes in Dubai, Setting the Stage for the Future of Work

The 11th Annual HR Tech MENA Summit wrapped up successfully in Dubai, uniting over 500 senior HR and technology leaders from across the Middle East and North Africa to explore the future of human resources in a digitally driven world.

Held on May 20–21, 2025, the event, organized by QNA International, marked a significant turning point in the region’s HR journey. With a decade of legacy behind it, the summit embraced a new era of innovation, where the convergence of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and HR technologies is transforming how organizations manage talent, improve employee experience, and drive business performance.

Key themes included the rising role of AI in enhancing employee engagement, making data-driven decisions, and supporting agile workforce strategies. Panels and keynotes addressed how technology is no longer a support tool but a strategic enabler in modern HR ecosystems.

“Our latest survey during the summit revealed that 83% of attendees view AI as crucial to HR processes, and over half expect most HR decisions to be data-driven,” said Sidh NC, Director at QNA International. “These insights confirm the region’s rapid shift toward digital-first HR strategies.”

Among the summit’s distinguished voices, James Tarbit, Global Head of Employee Experience at Ipsos, noted the timeliness of the discussions, given the doubling of AI adoption in HR over the past year. Similarly, Anthony Keenan of Qualtrics emphasized the value of high-quality networking and shared learning, describing the summit as “a powerful convergence of minds.”

One of the standout moments came from Mohammed A. Bukhary, Deputy Mayor of Human Capital for Makkah, who reflected on the event’s collaborative nature:

“With more than a thousand years of combined expertise under one roof, this summit enabled genuine knowledge exchange and regional cooperation.”

Ali AbuHaliqa, Executive Director of Human Capital at Mubadala Energy, echoed these sentiments, appreciating the “energy in the room” and the depth of conversations around HR’s future. Lisa Lyons, Partner at Mercer, applauded the summit’s diversity, saying:

“The blend of perspectives—from major organizations to startups—sparked meaningful dialogue and shared innovation.”

A real-time live survey conducted throughout the summit revealed that nearly 70% of participants see AI as vital to HR processes, underscoring the need for businesses to evolve and embrace smarter, technology-empowered strategies.

Looking ahead, QNA International confirmed that the next edition of the HR Tech MENA Summit will continue its legacy of offering cutting-edge insights, forward-thinking strategies, and unmatched networking. As the region leans further into digital transformation, the summit stands as the premier platform for shaping a human-centered, tech-empowered future of work.

“The 11th HR Tech MENA Summit was not just a conference—it was a catalyst for the future,” added Sidh NC. “We’re moving into an era where technology doesn’t just support HR—it empowers it. The ideas, alliances, and innovations born here will drive the next chapter of workforce evolution in the MENA region.”