9th Annual ATD Middle East Conference 2025 Returns to Abu Dhabi

Global L&D and HR Leaders to Gather for an Immersive Two-Day Conference & Exhibition.

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 13th June 2025

The Association for Talent Development (ATD), the world’s largest association dedicated to those who develop talent in the workplace, in partnership with QnA International is pleased to announce the 9th edition of the ATD Middle East Conference, taking place on June 17–18, 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl supported by Cultural and Destination Partner, Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau. This year’s theme, “Experience First: The New Era of Talent Development,” highlights the shift toward human-centered learning and innovation in today’s workplace.

The conference will serve as a transformative platform where thought leaders, C-suite executives, and learning professionals converge to shape the future of workplace learning. This year’s event will convene over 400 attendees across the GCC, 40+ global speakers, and 30+ sponsors and exhibitors, bringing together senior HR and L&D professionals, innovators, and thought leaders from across the globe.

Abu Dhabi’s strategic positioning as a hub for innovation, business, and cultural diversity makes it the ideal host city for the region’s leading talent development event. As the Cultural and Destination Partner for the ATD Middle East Conference 2025, the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau enriches the conference experience by offering attendees exposure to the rich Emirati heritage and a world-class hospitality ecosystem. It also reaffirms the city’s commitment to fostering global knowledge exchange and empowering organisations to invest in lifelong learning and human capital development.

In addition, the ATD Certificate Programs and the exclusive 1-day AI Workshop will be hosted on June 16, 19, and 20, offering deeper engagement and applied learning experiences. This year’s agenda is shaped by the most critical trends in the industry, including the integration of AI in learning, the rise of immersive technologies, the future of performance management, and the evolving role of emotional intelligence in today’s hybrid workplace. Attendees will gain access to keynotes, fireside chats, panel discussions, and interactive sessions designed to drive strategic thinking and practical transformation.

The conference will feature Hamad Mohammed Alsudain, Acting Support Services Executive Director, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, to give the Welcome Address on the 17th of June. The conference welcomes attendees to hear from internationally renowned speakers including Dan Pontefract, Dr. Wei Wang, Sue Lam, and senior L&D leaders from organizations such as Google, Coca-Cola, ARAMCO, Chalhoub Group, ADNOC, KAUST, and du. Their insights will help organisations build agile, future-ready workforces equipped to thrive in today’s fast-changing economy.

“Don’t be afraid of artificial intelligence in Learning and Development; it will only replace you if you treat it like an enemy rather than a helpful and highly applicable L&D tool,” said Dan Pontefract, 5 Times Award Winning Author and Leadership Strategist, Canada “ATD Middle East is the chance to not only make new L&D friends in the region but also share important reflections from my 25-year career on becoming better L&D leaders overall.​”

As ATD celebrates its 80th anniversary, the Middle East edition stands as a powerful testament to the organisation’s mission to elevate talent development practices globally. With a strong focus on skills-first strategies, collaborative learning, and talent mobility, ATD ME 2025 will inspire action, spark innovation, and strengthen the region’s learning and development ecosystem. Key Topics for 2025 include focus on AI as a Learning Ally, Organizational Culture, Emotional Intelligence,the Gen Z Workforceand Capability Building.

“I’ll be sharing how we’re embedding learning into real work at OMRAN—through leadership programs, experiential tourism projects, and continuous feedback. It’s about turning employees into change makers aligned with national goals. I hope this sparks fresh thinking around practical,

high-impact L&D,” said Hilal Al Jadidi, Chief Human Capital Officer, OMRAN Group. “I’m excited to connect with forward-thinking peers and explore bold ideas—from AI upskilling to leadership for transformation. ATD Middle East is a great space to exchange insights and amplify learning’s impact in our region.”

Over the decades, ATD has benefited members from more than 100 countries in organizations of all sizes and all industry sectors to improve their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the workplace. Beneficiaries encompass talent development managers, trainers, instructional designers, performance consultants, frontline managers, workplace learning professionals, and more.

“We are thrilled to welcome global and regional talent leaders to Abu Dhabi this June and grateful for the continued support of Cultural and Destination Partner, Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau.” said Sidh N.C, Director, QnA International. “With our dynamic agenda, renowned speakers, and immersive experiences, ATD Middle East 2025 is not just a conference—it’s a movement towards future-ready, human-centric learning cultures. As we take on an exciting journey through this conference, we strive to bring together the brightest minds in Learning & Development, who will help redefine and bring in opportunities for bigger growth.”

For more information, please visit the website.