From AI Adoption to Workforce Transformation: The New HR Agenda Takes Centre Stage at HRSE Dubai 2026 

ideas back to their organisations. As the region continues to grow and diversify, HR will play an increasingly important role in shaping the workplaces of the future.” 
Sharing his perspective ahead of HRSE 2026, Stephen M.R. Covey, New York Times & #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling
Author, said “The defining leadership challenge of our time isn’t AI, it’s whether we’ll choose to lead in ways that inspire people to bring their best. AI can dramatically increase efficiency and accelerate execution, but it can never replace trust.
Trust is the one thing that changes everything. It is the foundation of collaboration, innovation, agility, and sustainable performance. As technology continues to reshape the workplace, the leaders who create the greatest impact will be those who move beyond
Command & Control and embrace Trust & Inspire, seeing people not as things to be managed, but as whole people with limitless potential to be unleashed. The future belongs to organisations that combine the power of AI with the power of high trust because while
technology may be the accelerator, trust is the multiplier.” 
Commenting on the role of AI in organisations, Mo Gawdat, Bestselling Author & Former Chief Business Officer,
Google X said, “AI should not replace the workforce, it should make people smarter and more productive. If leaders encourage employees to share their AI successes, reward innovation, and provide the right tools and training, organisations can build
a culture where AI adoption becomes part of everyday work. HR also has a critical role to play by working closely with technology teams to ensure people continue developing the skills needed as new technologies are introduced. Leadership today needs to focus
on increasing the overall intelligence of the organisation through AI-enabled strategies. While the competitive threat may not be immediate, organisations that fail to adapt risk being left behind in the years ahead.” 
At the centre of the event is the HR Leaders Conference, a closed-door forum covering nationalisation, AI, leadership
and workforce transformation. Four additional content stages will focus on digital transformation, leadership, talent and performance, alongside Certified Workshops from Harvard, ICF, Informa Connect Academy and AI Certs. 
Every speaker has committed to a “Speaker Pledge” – practical, real-world strategies over recycled content, with
interactive formats built into every session. New this year is AI-powered 1:1 matchmaking, connecting delegates with relevant HR leaders and innovators through pre-booked meetings. 
HRSE Dubai is CPD-certified and powered by The HR Observer, offering insights from a global network of HR and talent
experts.