SHRM MENA Annual Conference 2025 to position Dubai as global future of work hub
The Society for Human Resource Management Middle East & North Africa (SHRM MENA) is set to transform Dubai into a global hub for the future of work with its flagship SHRM MENA Annual Conference & Expo 2025. Scheduled from September 16 to 18 at the Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre, the event will host over 3,500 HR professionals, policymakers, and business leaders from across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Held under the patronage of the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), the conference emphasises human potential and organisational purpose as pivotal to business innovation and workplace transformation.
The event’s theme, “Shape the Future of Work: People, Purpose, Possibility,” highlights the growing importance of empathetic and adaptable leadership in a rapidly evolving world of work. The conference programme features more than 50 renowned speakers, including CEOs, SHRM leaders, policymakers, and cultural influencers, who will explore topics ranging from workforce transformation and sustainable workplace processes to digital HR strategies, leadership resilience, and talent mobility. These sessions aim to equip attendees with fresh perspectives and strategies to lead through complexity and change, reflecting the increasing demand for inclusivity, employee well-being, and multicultural workplace cultures in the region.
Significantly, the conference will include the HR Innovation & Tech Expo, offering participants a hands-on experience with leading-edge HR technologies and solutions. This expo will spotlight both regional and international startups that are pioneering digital tools reshaping workforce management across sectors. Alongside immersive learning, the conference fosters high-level networking with curated sessions such as VIP engagements, C-suite luncheons, and exclusive evening galas, facilitating strategic alliances and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange.
The SHRM MENA Annual Conference also serves as a stage to celebrate HR excellence through the prestigious SHRM MENA Excellence Awards, which will recognise visionary organisations and leaders in categories including Leadership Development, Talent Acquisition & Retention, HR Technology, Corporate Social Responsibility, Equity & Inclusion, Health & Well-being, and Performance & Rewards. Over 100 companies are expected to compete, reflecting the vibrant and competitive nature of HR innovation in the region.
At the forefront of SHRM MENA’s leadership is CEO Achal Khanna, whose extensive experience across industries drives the organisation’s commitment to fostering inclusive and innovative workplace cultures. Speaking ahead of the event, she described SHRM MENA 2025 as “not just an event; it’s a movement to empower leaders and reimagine the workplace as a space for purpose and people to thrive.” Her vision underscores the shift towards human-first leadership as a key to organisational success.
Additionally, Mr Vivek Arora, Managing Director of SHRM MENA, expressed gratitude for the support from the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, emphasising the shared mission to elevate human capital excellence in the region. This partnership signals the UAE’s growing stature as a leader in progressive workforce policies and talent development, dovetailing with wider regional ambitions to embrace the future of work.
SHRM MENA, as the regional chapter of the world’s largest HR professional organisation, continues to be a vital resource for HR practitioners and business leaders in the Middle East and North Africa. Beyond the annual conference, it facilitates a broad range of educational initiatives, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts designed to navigate cultural diversity, technological innovation, and geopolitical shifts shaping today’s economic environment.
The SHRM MENA Annual Conference & Expo 2025 distinguishes itself not only by scale and global participation but also by its comprehensive approach to addressing contemporary HR challenges. In doing so, it positions Dubai as a vibrant centre for HR excellence and innovation, ready to lead the transformation of workplaces in the MENA region and beyond.