HRSE Dubai 2026 opens to address AI integration in GCC workforce

The HR Summit & Expo (HRSE) Dubai 2026 opened on Wednesday, 7 October, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, drawing more than 5,500 HR professionals to discuss the integration of artificial intelligence and trust-based leadership in the Middle East workforce. Global Speakers Address AI Integration The 2026 edition of the region's largest HR conference features 125 speakers and 70 global exhibitors across 120 sessions. Keynote speakers include Stephen M.R. Covey, author of 'The Speed of Trust', and Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X. Gawdat told delegates that leadership must focus on increasing "the overall intelligence of the organisation through AI-enabled strategies" rather than viewing the technology as a replacement for human staff. Covey addressed the opening sessions by highlighting that while AI increases efficiency, it cannot replace trust as the foundation of workplace agility. He urged regional leaders to shift from traditional "command and control" models to "trust and inspire" frameworks to manage evolving talent needs and nationalisation targets across the GCC. Workforce Transformation Strategies The event is anchored by the HR Leaders Conference, a closed-door forum specifically targeting nationalisation, digital transformation, and workforce design. According to Karim Bawani, Event Director at inD, the gathering serves as a critical platform for organisations navigating the balance between human capabilities and automated systems. The 2026…