SHRM MENA Annual Conference & Expo 2026 to put AI into practice with the region's first HR + AI Lab

The 2026 SHRM MENA Annual Conference & Expo in Dubai will prioritize the practical implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in human resources (HR), marking a significant shift in the region's workforce landscape. As the eighth edition of this prestigious event, the conference will delve into the transformative impact of AI on talent acquisition, workforce strategy, and the evolving role of HR across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

A key highlight of the conference will be the introduction of the region's inaugural HR+AI Lab, a first-of-its-kind immersive experience for HR and business leaders. This lab will provide participants with hands-on exposure to real-world AI applications, culminating in the creation of a personalized AI HR Blueprint—a strategic framework to guide them in integrating AI into their organizations.

The conference, under the patronage of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), will also address broader themes such as workforce transformation, technology adaptation, and the changing dynamics of employee expectations, talent mobility, and generational shifts. Eminent speakers, including Ohood Bint Khalfan Al Roumi, UAE Minister of State for Government Development and Chairwoman of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, and Randi Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media, will share insights on navigating these challenges and opportunities in the MENA region.

The event will culminate in the SHRM MENA Star Awards 2026, recognizing outstanding achievements in the HR community. Attendees will engage in masterclasses led by industry experts on diverse topics including talent acquisition, people analytics, and leadership, fostering a collaborative environment for HR leaders to learn, exchange ideas, and address real-world challenges.

Achal Khanna, CEO of SHRM APAC and MENA, emphasized the event's aim to create a platform where HR leaders can learn from experts, share best practices, and tackle practical issues. Vivek Arora, Managing Director, MENA, SHRM, highlighted the importance of responsible AI adoption, stating that the HR+AI Lab will enable participants to explore and implement AI solutions that are both effective and ethically sound.