Working Agenda
Day 1 – June 17th, 2025, Tuesday
Conference Begins
08:00 - 08:55
Registration and Networking Coffee
09:00 - 09:05
Welcome Remarks by the Organiser Conference Pass
Sidh N.C
Director,
QnA International
09:10 - 09:35
Opening Keynote Speech Conference Pass
Trend Watch 2025: What’s Shaping the Future of Talent Development?
The talent development landscape is evolving rapidly — but which trends truly transform how we build skills, drive
performance, and develop people? In this powerful opening keynote, Dr. Wei Wang draws on ATD’s latest global
research to discuss AI and other top trends shaping talent development in 2025. Gain actional insights on how L&D
professionals can stay ahead of the curve and prepare their organizations for the future of the work.
What you’ll learn:
- The top talent development trends - what’s gaining traction and why it matters
- Key data and insights from ATD’s global research on AI and talent development
- How to align talent development strategies with emerging trends
- How L&D professionals develop themselves to stay relevant
Speaker
Dr. Wei Wang
Senior Global Director,
Association for Talent Development, USA
09:40 - 10:00
Guest of Honor Opening Remarks
Hamad Mohammed Alsudain
Acting Support Services Executive Director,
Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, UAE
10:05 - 10:45
International Keynote Conference Pass
Building A Resilient Workforce: The Evolution of Learning for today’s world
In today’s dynamic and often unpredictable business landscape, the ability to learn, adapt and thrive while keeping pace with the fast evolution of technology. The shift from traditional training events or programs to comprehensive learning ecosystems is the need of the hour. Join us for an engaging session to uncover:
What you’ll learn:
- The need to create a holistic and adaptive learning environment
- The role of technology in enabling anytime, anywhere learning
- Fostering a culture of collaboration and interconnectivity across diverse learning content and sources
Speaker
Dan Pontefract
5 Times Award Winning Author and Leadership Strategist, Canada
10:50 - 11:10
Learning Keynote Conference Pass
Responsible AI for Learning & Development
Adopting AI has been a key focus for most organisations over the last 5 years. More recently, Responsible AI has risen as a new discussion point in board rooms around the world. But what is it, and how is it relevant to Learning & Development?
In this session we will cover the key aspects of Responsible AI (RAI) and explore ways for L&D to adopt RAI practices within their function.
- Learn what Responsible AI truly means and why it's critical to apply ethical, transparent, and fair practices when using AI in talent development.
- Discover how RAI can be integrated into L&D strategies to ensure AI-driven tools enhance learning outcomes.
- Gain actionable insights on how to create responsible AI frameworks that build trust among learners and align with your organization's values and compliance goals.
Speaker
Philippa Penfold
Expert Leader in HR Technologies,
Responsible AI, United Kingdom
11:15 - 11:45
Networking Coffee Break and Visit to the Exhibition
11:20 - 11:40
Visitor Pass
AI-Enabled Trainer: Revolutionizing Skill Evaluation
AI-powered tools are transforming the landscape of skill evaluation, enabling more accurate, efficient, and personalized assessment of learner competencies in corporate training environments.
- Implementing AI agents for adaptive assessments for real-time skill gap analysis
- Leveraging machine learning algorithms to provide personalized feedback and improvement suggestions
- Integrating AI-enabled evaluation tools with existing learning management systems for seamless workflow
Speaker
Sarah Daly
Director Ed-Tech,
LEORON Institute, UAE
11:50 - 12:30
C Level Viewpoint Conference Pass
CxO Panel: Leading the Learning Culture – Executive Insights on Building future-ready organizations
Examine how impactful leadership shapes and sustains a culture of continuous learning – turning development into a strategic advantage. Led by C-suite practitioners, this panel will discuss how leaders can foster an environment where knowledge acquisition and skill development are integral to organizational success.
What you’ll learn:
- How leaders can actively model and champion learning behaviors across all levels
- Align learning initiatives with business objectives to demonstrate value and secure buy-in
- Create systems and structures that support and reward ongoing learning and development
Speakers
Dalia Zaghou
CHRO,
Investment & Development Office - Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Ahmad Al Hammad
Acting Group Chief Human Resources and Transformation Officer,
Kuwait Finance House, Kuwait
Hilal Al Jadidi
Chief People & Change Officer,
Omran Group, Oman
Waleed Al Rashed
Senior Leader of People and Development,
Confidential Govt. Entity, KSA
Session Chair
Nadine Zein
Strategic Account Director – MEA,
Coursera, UAE
12:00 - 12:20
Visitor Pass
The Nuance of C-suite Succession Planning
Succession at the C-suite level is never a simple replacement; it is a complex process that touches power, purpose, and legacy. Beyond choosing a capable successor, organizations must navigate invisible dynamics such as board alignment, cultural readiness, and the emotional weight of leadership transition. In this session, David Ribott unpacks the subtle forces that often go unaddressed in executive succession, drawing from real-world advisory experience and his proprietary leadership frameworks. Attendees will leave with a sharper lens on how to design CEO and
C-suite transitions that are not only smooth but strategically transformative.
Speaker
David Ribott, Ed.D (ABD), MCC,
Abu Dhabi's Top CEO Coach, Founder,
Ribott Partners, UAE
12:35 - 13:00
Fireside Chat
Building Adaptive Workforces: Developing cross-sector skills for a changing world
In today’s fast-evolving landscape, organizations need talent that can pivot across roles and industries. This session explores how transferable skills are developed to future-proof your workforce and drive innovation. Featuring a case
study from the creative industry – specifically hospitality, heritage and tourism – we’ll examine how skills can be
leveraged to create innovative experiences.
What you’ll learn:
- Identify key skills and capabilities that bridge multiple creative sectors
- Explore strategies for developing adaptable, cross-functional talent
- Learn from a real-life case study(s) showcasing successful cross-industry application in hospitality, tourism and more
Speakers
Fida Al-Americani
Former VP-Global Head of Talent, Learning and Development at Arab Bank,
Senior consultant, Leadership Development Coach and Mentor,
Jordan
John Atwood
Sr. Learning and Development Manager,
Google, USA
Rawan Jalal
Human Resources Director,
KAUST, KSA
Session Chair
Hanane Spiers
TV Presenter and Public Speaking Coach, UAE
13:10 - 13:30
Visitor Pass
Developing Empathy in Virtual Teams: Strategies and Tools
Effective strategies and innovative tools for cultivating empathy in virtual teams, enhancing collaboration, trust, and overall team performance in remote work environments
- Implementing regular virtual check-ins and empathy-building exercises to foster emotional connections
- Leveraging technology platforms to facilitate non-verbal communication and emotional expression
- Creating a culture of psychological safety and vulnerability in digital spaces
Speaker
Raiza Paras
Instructional Designer DCTLEARN – Talent Development,
Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, UAE
13:05 - 13:35
Networking Break & Visit to the Boutique Exhibition lounge
13:40 - 14:05
Expert Insights Keynote Conference Pass
AI as your new Learning Ally: Unlocking Personalization, Performance, and Potential
AI is transforming how we design and deliver learning – making it more personalized, adaptive, and efficient than ever. In this closing session, discover how AI can become your strategic partner in creating tailored learning
journeys, closing skill gaps, and scaling impact across your organization.
What you’ll learn:
- Harness AI-driven content curation and recommendation systems to deliver personalized learning
- Boost learner engagement and support with AI tools like chatbots and virtual assistants
- Leverage predictive analytics to AI and Learning
Speaker
Sue Lam
VP of People Insights, Strategy & Culture,
The Coca Cola Company, USA
14:05 - 14:30
Team Building and Engagement Activity
14:30 - 14:35
Closing Remarks and Raffles – Your Chance to Win!
14:35 - 15:35
Networking Lunch and Close of Day1
Day 2 – June 18th, 2025, Wednesday
Conference Day 2
08:00 - 08:55
Registration and Networking Coffee
09:00 - 09:05
Opening Remarks
Mariam Al Shaer
Learning & Development Senior Specialist,
Department of Culture and Tourism
Abu Dhabi, UAE
09:10 - 09:45
Opening International Keynote Conference Pass
Leading Human-AI Teams: The Evolving Role of Technical Leadership
Technical leaders will increasingly direct hybrid human-AI teams, demanding new competencies beyond technical oversight. They must guide engineers through evolving roles and responsibilities, address anxieties around AI—such as fairness, security, and control—and foster effective human-AI collaboration. This session pulls back the curtain on Google’s education and change management strategy to cultivate an effective AI-first workforce. We will reveal how our initiatives are preparing technical leaders to drive transformation and adoption, and how we are equipping them with essential skills like ethical decision-making, responsible AI implementation, and strategies for upskilling/reskilling their teams in the age of AI. We will also offer actionable lessons learned from our journey that can help you build and reinforce your own mindsets and strategies, empowering your workforces to effectively lead in this moment.
Speaker
John Atwood
Sr. Learning and Development Manager,
Google, USA
09:50 - 10:25
Performance Management discussion
The Future of Performance Management: Accelerating talent through Continuous Feedback and Development
Traditional performance reviews are no longer enough. This forward-thinking panel will explore the evolution of
performance management towards a continuous, feedback-driven approach to boost employee engagement, and align performance with evolving business needs. Hear from senior-level decision makers in L&D the following:
What you’ll learn:
- Replace outdated annual performance reviews with continuous real-time feedback systems
- Deliver personalized development recommendations that drive meaningful talent growth
- Align performance management with organizational goals, values and culture
Speakers
Aysha Al-Kuwari
Director Talent Management,
Sidra Medicine, Qatar
David Ribott, Ed.D (ABD), MCC,
Abu Dhabi's Top CEO Coach, Founder,
Ribott Partners, UAE
Hani Al Khusabi
Chief HR & Support Services Officer,
Towell Group, Oman
Rania Al Ghamdi
Director of Talent Learning and Development,
JH ARAMCO, KSA
Session Chair:
Lule Bunjaku Karapinar
Vice President, Executive Education Programs,
LEORON Institute, UAE
10:30 - 10:45
Expert Insights Presentation Conference Pass
Design Thinking for L&D: Crafting Engaging and Impactful Learning Experiences
Design thinking principles offers powerful framework to revolutionize learning and talent strategies. In this session,
you’ll explore how to create learner-centric, innovative, and impactful training experiences that address real-world
challenges.
What you’ll learn:
- Implementing empathy-driven research to uncover learner needs and pain points
- A framework that works, and how to change one that doesn’t
- The future of learning in cross generational workforce in the changing landscape of technology.
Speaker
Peter Gater
Senior Consultant,
TAAEEN, UAE
10:50 - 11:20
Networking Coffee Break and Visit to the Exhibition
11:25 - 11:45
Visitor Pass
The Tech Advantage: Boosting Engagement & Performance Improvement Through Smarter Training Tools
Unlock the power of smarter training tools to overcome cognitive fatigue and elevate performance through immersive, tech-driven learning. From AI simulators to gamified platforms, discover how blended strategies and inclusive design can transform engagement across your workforce.
- Understand the cognitive limitations of traditional training and why digital transformation is essential.
- Explore practical applications of VR, AI simulators, and gamified learning in real-world settings.
- Learn how to balance tech with human interaction through blended learning strategies.
- Discover how to design inclusive, competitive, and motivating training cultures using AI tools.
Speaker
May Abokhodair
Talent Development & Performance Advisor,
Semi Government Sector, KSA
11:25 - 11:45
DEIB Interview Spotlight Conference Pass
Amplifying voices: Leverage Employee feedback and stories to Enhance DEIB Initiatives
How authentic employee voices can be harnessed to strengthen Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives? In this interview session, discover how employee-generated content can elevate inclusion efforts and
foster a more connected workplace culture. Key practices in the following will be discussed:
What you’ll learn:
- Encourage and curate employee-generated content to support DEIB goals
- Integrate real-life employee stories and perspectives in DEIB training strategies for greater connection and trust
- Leverage analytics to measure the impact of employee content on DEIB outcomes
Speakers
Betül Yalçın Emlek
Chief People and Culture Officer,
Yum! Brands, UAE
Mariam Abdul Aziz Al Hosani
Alumni Manager,
ADNOC HQ and Group of Companies, UAE
Samar AlSalem
SVP - Human Capital & Support Services,
Salam Telecom, KSA
Session Chair:
Dr. Alia Al Serkal
Head of People Learning & Growth,
du, UAE
11:45 - 12:05
Transformational Leadership without Belief Conference Pass
5 Steps to Achieve Extraordinary Results Even When You Don’t Believe You Can!
What if you could lead powerfully even on the days you doubt yourself? This session breaks down a proven 5-step method to unlock transformational leadership, even when self-belief is missing. Learn how to shift from hesitation to impact and inspire others while overcoming your inner critic.
What you’ll learn from the session:
- Discover how to lead with action, not just confidence.
- Learn 5 practical steps to create breakthrough results despite self-doubt.
- Gain tools to shift from fear to forward momentum - and bring your team with you.
Speaker
Hanan Nagi
Founder and CEO,
HNI, UAE
12:10 - 12:30
The ROI Presentation Conference Pass
The Numbers Don’t Lie: How Analytics Drive L&D Strategy and Prove ROI
L&D leaders face mounting challenges in evaluating talent-development programs and proving their value. In this session, uncover common evaluation barriers, discover strategies to overcome them, and master a six-step framework to showcase L&D impact and ROI.
What you’ll learn:
- Identify the top barriers in TD evaluations that stall measurement
- Apply proven strategies to address data gaps, stakeholder resistance, and more
- Execute a six-step process to transform evaluation metrics into compelling ROI narratives
Speakers
Nader Bechini
Regional Director MENA,
ROI Institute, KSA
Yara AlHaidary
Business Learning Director,
stc, KSA
12:35 - 12:55
Department of Culture and Tourism Case Study Conference Pass
From Heritage to Future: How DCT Abu Dhabi is Future-Proofing Talent in the Culture and Tourism Sector
As the custodian of Abu Dhabi’s cultural legacy and tourism vision, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has taken bold steps to reimagine workforce development. This session will unpack a pioneering case study on how DCT Abu Dhabi is building a future-ready workforce by blending AI-powered learning, leadership development, and nationalization strategies with deep cultural preservation and sectoral innovation.
What you’ll learn:
- How DCT Abu Dhabi designed a sector-specific L&D framework aligned with the UAE Vision and global tourism trends.
- Using data-driven insights and AI to map future skill requirements and close capability gaps.
- Embedding a resilient learning culture across diverse teams, from heritage professionals to hospitality leaders
Speakers
Talent Development Team,
Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Session Chair
Rabei Wazzeh
Organizational Development and Business Transformation Advisor,
Confidential Entity, UAE
13:00 - 13:20
Case study Presentation Conference Pass
Rethinking Talent: From Roles to Skills for a More Agile Organizations
As work rapidly evolves, leading organizations are shifting from rigid, role-based structures to agile, skills-based models. This case study showcases how one organization transformed its approach to talent development – boosting internal mobility, unlocking HiPo talent, and accelerating business responsiveness through a skills-first strategy. Attend this session to hear real-world practices on:
What you’ll learn:
- Design skills-based talent strategies to attract, develop and retain talent
- Reshape organizational structures to support flexible, project-based work
- Leverage technology to map, track, and deploy skills across the organization
Speaker
Akbar M. Khan
Head of L&D & Employee Experience,
Al Tayer Motors, U.A.E.
13:20 - 13:45
Networking Break & Visit to the Boutique Exhibition lounge
13:20 - 13:45
Visitor Pass
How Certification Transformed My Career: Mohamed AlJaeedi Professional and Personal Journey
In a field that’s constantly evolving, how do you prove your value and stay ahead? In this interactive session, you’ll hear firsthand from Mohamed AlJaeedi, Senior Associate of L&D, as he shares how earning the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) certification from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) transformed his confidence, visibility, and career trajectory. Alongside Aya Medhat – ATD Master Facilitator, the session will explore the ATD Capability Model and how ATD’s globally recognized credentials – Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) and CPTD – can help L&D and training professionals at all levels build credibility, demonstrate real impact, and plan their next move with intention. Whether you’re just starting out or leading teams, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to assess your capabilities, guide others, and align your development to what the industry demands next.
Speakers
Aya Medhat
Master Facilitator,
Association for Talent Development (ATD), Egypt
Mohamed Omar AlJaeedi
Talent Management Professional,
CPTD, UAE
13:50 - 14:10
CLOxCFO Fireside Chat
From Finance to Future: Why Learning is a CFO’s Strategic Imperative
In today’s digital age, CFOs are no longer just financial leaders – they’re future focused leaders shaping long-term organizational resilience. This fireside chat explores how continuous learning, upskilling, and talent development are becoming central to the CFO’s role in driving innovation, agility, and sustainable growth.
What you’ll learn:
- Explore the CFO’s evolving role in championing learning and staying ahead of emerging technologies
- Understand how shifting mindsets and ownership of career development fuels long-term business success
- Highlight the critical link between reskilling, upskilling and agility in the digital age
Speaker
Dr. Alida Scholtz
Chief Financial Officer,
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), UAE
Rabei Wazzeh
Organizational Development and Business Transformation Advisor,
Confidential Entity, UAE
Session Chair
Hanane Spiers
TV Presenter and Public Speaking Coach, UAE
14:10 - 14:35
Hackathon
Hackathon: The Learning Innovation Bootcamp
A fast-paced, hands-on experience where we compete to design creative learning solutions like a bootcamp. Each team will take on one unique challenge focused on reimagining the future of workplace. Participants will brainstorm, design, and pitch key features a key speaker will facilitate each group, bring out the bold ideas and sharp thinking.
Team challenges can include:
- Unlocking the Next Level - Elevating your Consistent Performers
- Essential soft skills for remote work environments
- Double the Revenue with L&D: Building a High-Impact Learning Culture
Speakers
Dr.Adrian Waite
Head of Talent, Leadership & Org Effectiveness (India - Middle East- Turkey & Africa),
Boehringer Ingelheim, UAE
Kristofor Swanson
Vice President of Learning and Development,
DAMAC Properties, UAE
Safeer Mohammed
COO, Global Capability Centre
Latinem India HR Director Transformation | HR Head,
SOBHA Constructions, UAE
