Dubai is set to become a global focal point for the future of work as it hosts the SHRM MENA Annual Conference & Expo 2025. Scheduled to take place from September 16 to 18 at the Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre, this premier event is organized by the Society for Human Resource Management Middle East & North Africa (SHRM MENA) under the patronage of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR). The conference will draw over 3,500 HR professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, and business leaders from across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Themed ‘Shape the Future of Work: People, Purpose, Possibility,’ this edition focuses on placing human potential and organizational purpose at the forefront of business innovation and workplace transformation. The conference will be inaugurated by Her Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, The Government of UAE. Her participation highlights the UAE’s commitment to future-oriented workforce policies and talent development.
This year’s program promises to deliver a rich blend of global thought leadership, interactive learning, strategic networking, and innovation showcases. Attendees will hear from more than 50 prominent speakers, including globally respected CEOs, SHRM leaders, policymakers, and cultural influencers. They will address pivotal themes such as workforce transformation, sustainable workplace processes, digital HR strategies, leadership resilience, and talent mobility. These sessions aim to challenge conventional thinking and provide attendees with the tools to navigate complexity and change effectively.
The conference seeks to be the region’s premier platform for shaping the future of work by exploring emerging trends and new work models that are redefining today’s workplaces. It aims to foster inclusive workplace cultures and employee well-being in a multicultural context. Another key focus is on enhancing strategic leadership by equipping HR and business leaders with innovative strategies for talent acquisition, management, and development.
In addition, the event will highlight the importance of HR innovation by showcasing the role of technology and data analytics in creating agile, business-aligned HR solutions. It will also serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, enabling collaboration and best practice sharing to address region-specific HR and business leadership challenges.
A major highlight of the conference is the HR Innovation & Tech Expo, where participants can experience cutting-edge platforms and emerging HR technologies firsthand. This space will feature regional and international startups and digital tools that are reshaping workforce solutions across industries.
Beyond learning opportunities, the conference is designed to foster meaningful connections. Curated networking sessions, including VIP engagements, C-suite luncheons, and exclusive evening galas, will allow attendees to forge new alliances, explore partnerships, and connect with peers shaping the HR agenda in their respective regions.
Celebrating excellence remains a key component of the SHRM MENA Annual 2025. The prestigious SHRM MENA Excellence Awards will honor visionary organizations and leaders driving impact through progressive HR strategies. Over 100 companies are expected to compete across categories including Leadership Development, Talent Acquisition & Retention, HR Technology, Corporate Social Responsibility, Equity & Inclusion, Health & Well-being, and Performance & Rewards.
Achal Khanna, CEO of SHRM MENA, India & Asia Pacific, expressed her vision ahead of the event, stating, ‘We are entering a new era of work; one where empathy, adaptability, and innovation will be the cornerstones of successful organizations. SHRM MENA 2025 is not just an event; it’s a movement to empower leaders and reimagine the workplace as a space for purpose and people to thrive. The future of work isn’t a distant concept anymore; it’s being shaped here, now, by the collective actions of bold, human-first leaders.’
Vivek Arora, Managing Director of SHRM MENA, emphasized their commitment to advancing the region’s journey toward human capital excellence and the future of work. He expressed gratitude to the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) for their trust, encouragement, and shared mission of regional transformation.
For those interested in attending, early-bird tickets are available now at shrmmena.org. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities can be explored by contacting Vivek Arora at shrm.mea@shrm.org.
Note: This article is inspired by content from https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/shrm-mena-annual-conference-and-expo-2025-to-transform-dubai-into-a-global-hub-for-the-future-of-work-uuy3q0i6. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.
