What is the HR World Summit?

The HR World Summit is an invitation-only event designed for forward-thinking HR leaders. This in-person gathering provides an exceptional platform for learning and networking, focusing on the key challenges faced by the industry and identifying effective solutions. It runs under the theme "Human-Centered Leadership in a Time of Intelligent Change," delving into best practices for advancing skill development, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and implementing strategic policies to enhance organizational competitiveness.

When and where is the summit taking place?

The HR World Summit UAE takes place on 5th November 2026 in Abu Dhabi.

The summit is attended by 200+ CHROs, VP/SVPs of HR, Directors of HR, Heads of Talent Management, Heads of Learning and Development, Employee Relations Managers, and other experts in this domain — equipping them with tools to transform their organizations.

How do I register as a delegate?

As an invitation-only event, delegate participation is reviewed to keep the audience senior. Registration is via the "Enquire Now" / delegate enquiry on the page.

HR 50

Honouring HR Trailblazers Fostering a Future of Collaboration

Presenting the HR50

50 HR leaders to watch

Methodology

The HR World Summit compiles an annual list of prominent leaders in the HR landscape based on nominations, direct applications, information from our database, interviews, company websites, and other public sources.

They are united in their passion and unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Want to see someone on the list? Nominate here

These inspiring leaders are making waves across diverse domains, spearheading activities that encompass talent acquisition, employee engagement, workplace culture, and strategic workforce planning.

Nominate for the HR50

Want to meet these inspiring leaders?

Learn from these incredible leaders by attending the HR World Summit. Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends and technologies, as well as strategies for overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.

50 HR leaders to watch in 2026

Mostafa Bakry

Senior Director, Global HR
ABB, Dubai

Muhammad Hasnain Tariq

Director - Human Resources
Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center & Yas Clinic Khailfa City

Allison Hope Hamilton

Director of Talent Empowerment and Growth Department
Abu Dhabi University , Abu Dhabi

Lynn Kwon

Cluster Director of Talent and Culture
Accor Hotels

Hannah Smith

Head of Performance & Talent Management
AD Ports Group

Dr Adel Mohamed Al Hosani

VP Human capital
ADNOC Drilling

Maitha A. Balfaqeeh

Senior Vice President, Shared Services
ADNOC Group

Mariia Lytvyn

Director, Head of Performance and Reward
ADQ portfolio company

Susan Corkeron

Group Chief People Officer
Al Dahra

Bose Chandran

Global Talent Strategy and Total Rewards Senior Director
Al Dahra

Bibu Yohannan

Director- Human Resources
Al Farwaniya Property Developments Ltd

Uzma Chishti

Director Human Resources
Al Kabeer Group

Samar Abushaban

Head of HR Business Excellence and transformation
Al Rostamani Group

Mostafa Zalat

Head of Total Rewards - Retail Division
Al-Futtaim, Dubai

Anupriya Ramakrishnan

Head of Human Resources
Altrad Prezioso Traverse LLC

Kawthar Aboushaar

Head of Human Resources
AS Health Group

Santhosh Gopinathan

Director of Human Resources
Bab Al Qasr Hotel & Residences

Kareem Soliman

Human Resources Director MENA
BAT

Anas Kadiyarakam

Regional Human Resources Director
Burjeel Holdings

Yolla Zaitoun Masri

Group Human Resources Director
Cambridge Health Group

Aadil Aziz Fatmi

Head of Human Capital
Contract Resources Pty Ltd

Konstantinos Kyriazis

Director of Operations & People
Capital Catering AE

Jessica Duvall

Head of People and Culture
Chinese Palace Group

Rajesh Kohli

Head of Learning & Development
DAMAC Properties

Chetan Sharma

CHRO
Daraju Group

Jennifer Kusch

Head of HR
Descon Engineering

Ahmed Ali

Associate Director, Human Resources - EMEA
Eagle Hills UAE

Aditya R

Head of HR Operations
EDF

Lana Qtaishat

Director - Human Capital Business Partner - Technology & Industralization Cluster
EDGE

Ajit Ranade

Group Director Organisational Effectiveness
EDGE

Messaoud Djezar

Director of Human Resources and Talent Acquisition
Emirates Hospitality Group

Katia Hallak

Head Of Human Resources
Emirates National Schools

Saniya Shaikh

Head of Learning and Development
Erth Abu Dhabi

Mohammad Najeeb

Director, People and Culture
Fairmont Bab AlBahr Hotel Abu Dhabi

Ranju Anandan

Group HR Director (UAE , UK & Uganda)
Fakhruddin Properties

Hassan Trad

Head of Talent Management
Finance House Group

Kalthoum Al Bloushi

VP, Learning & Development
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

Divyashree Ravikiran Honavar

Director - People, Culture & Strategic Initiatives
Haldiram Snacks Food Pvt. Ltd.

Yamna Lugo

Head of HR UAE - T&D MEA Lead
Hitachi Rail

Zeina Kanaan

Group Human Resources Director
Ittihad International Investment LLC

Hala Hassan

Executive Director- Support Services
LEAD – Real Estate Developer

Faisal Al Mulla

Senior Vice President of Global Human Capital
M42

Midhul Manmadhan

Human resources Director
Grand Millennium Al Wahda Abu Dhabi

Ameena Thabet

Executive Director of Total Rewards & UAE Outreach
Mubadala

Reem Al Shamsi

Vice President, Talent Partner, Human Capital
Mubadala

Suhair Arikat

Director HR Business Partner and Employee Relations
New York University Abu Dhabi

Fatima Al Sayed Al Hashmi

Head of Human Resources
NIMR Automotive

Harijot Chauhan

Cluster Vice President, Human Resources
One&Only Resorts

Mehnaz Akhter

Head of Human Resource
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport

Mira Zakharia

CVP Talent & Culture
Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC

Samar Mallah

HR Director Middle East
Savills Middle East

Ali Eldin Mohammed

Human Resources Director
Sheraton Al Khalidiya Hotel

Swati Chandel

Multi-Property Deputy Director of Human Resources
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa

Faris Mohamed Alfaris

Human Resources And Admin Director
Tornado group

Bindu Nair

Head of Human Capital
Union Iron and Steel Company LLC

Manish Sadhu

Area Director of Human Resources
Yas Plaza Hotels by Aldar Hospitality

Jane Fernandes

Regional Director of Human Resources - Middle East and India
United Hospitality Management

Muhammad Daniall

Group Director - People & Culture
Al Tadawi Healthcare Group

Gaurav Warman

Head HR & L&D
Lulu Exchange

Mohammed Rahban

Chief Human Resources Officer
REEF GROUP

Faisal Abdalla

Chief HR & Kaizen Officer
Abdul Latif Jameel

Noura Kattan

Director, Human Capital Strategy & Projects
M42

Osman Osama

Head of People and Culture
Aldar Education

Abhishek David

AVP Head of Talent Management and Leadeship Development
Confidential

Sameera Sohaili

Head of HR
Chery

Dr. Prem Naidu

Chief People Officer
Intermass Engineering & Contracting Company L.L.C

Emma Ashby

Vice President of Talent Acquisition
Abu Dhabi Investment Council

Komilla Punjabi

Vice President Human Resources India Middle East Africa
Ecolab

Naveen Kumar Rao

Group Director of Total Rewards
National Holding