Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The inaugural L&D Summit - Abu Dhabi, the region’s largest learning and development conference, commenced on Tuesday, aspiring to propel the UAE’s Vision 2030 towards a resilient knowledge economy.
Organised by Informa Connect Middle East, a leading provider of learning solutions in the Middle East, the summit features certified programmes, distinguished global speakers, and over 650 talent development leaders.
Speaking to Aletihad, Nicola Bell, Head of Learning Solutions, Middle East, at Informa Connect Middle East, the event aims to bring together global experts and thought leaders to Abu Dhabi to discuss the future of learning and development with a particular focus on AI.
Additionally, the event is offering free content, panel sessions, and an opportunity for regional tech and training providers to showcase their products, Bell noted. On day one of the summit, a keynote session discussed the evolution of L&D teams, the necessary skills and roles, the resources needed for upskilling, and the benefits it will bring to the business.
Titled “Beyond Course Creation: Creating L&D Teams for the Future,” the session was presented by John Hinchliffe, Digital Learning Experience Manager at Emirates NBD. Hinchliffe gave a practical framework for effective L&D departments, focusing on the past and present.
According to Hinchliffe, an inefficient creation process can only create big courses, making it difficult for people to engage with the content.
To evolve and provide a modern learning experience for clients, the L&D team needs to understand the business requirements, work with stakeholders, and provide different communication methods.
One of the summit’s speakers, Lisa Lyons, a partner at Mercer Talent Enterprise and Regional Transformation Centre of Excellence Lead, highlighted the rapid impact of generative AI on the workforce, offering significant opportunities for L&D and HR professionals.
Speaking to Aletihad, Lyons said that L&D professionals concentrate on adapting to evolving job roles and create pathways for upskilling.
She added that assessments are vital for guiding individual development, gauging skills proficiency and measuring change readiness. Running until May 17, 2024, the summit is held at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.
Based in Dubai, with additional offices in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar, Informa provides learning solutions in the Middle East.
“We have a portfolio of around 450 open enrollment training courses. We also offer customised training solutions, providing bespoke services for our customers. With 30 years of experience in the region, we collaborate exclusively with subject matter experts,” Bell said.
