Human Assets Expansion Congress in Dubai

Over the last few years, the role of Human Resources Director has changed into a more strategic position within big corporations. The Human Resources Department is now considered to be the heart of any organization since it manages the most dynamic elements of production. It is responsible for identifying training needs, responding to change management, building employee motivation and recruiting the best people.

During the Human Assets Expansion Congress in Dubai, 120 Human Resources Directors attended educational presentations that were very interactive and successful. Industry leaders discussed the latest issues impacting the Human Resources Departments. Dominique Van Den Peereboom (Vice President HR Europe, EMEA and India - FedEx Express) explained that a great place to work was the heart of business success. A case study about the evolution of the General Electric Human Resources organisation in Middle East and Africa was presented by Kristof Baltay (Manager, Human Resources GE Corporate, Middle East & Africa - General Electric). Finally, Artur Karski (HR Director Middle East & Central Asia - Sanofi-Aventis Group) gave some useful information about how to motivate talents through the right performance management, succession, planning and mobility. Other keynote addresses and panel discussions dealt with topics such as leadership development, training, employee retention and the Emiratisation law.

The success of the event is due to its unique format, which intertwines conferences, business meetings and social functions. As the HR Director of Siemens explained, the event was a "great platform for knowledge, best practice sharing, also know-how on the available HR tools and processes to streamline processes & make HR more effective."

Indeed, delegates had the opportunity to meet with twelve solution providers, including Hay Group, Hewitt Associates, Human Soft, HR Factory - the leading companies in Middle East, India and Europe. They offered products and services such as outsourcing, online surveys and training management software. "Human Assets has exceeded our expectations and we have found it a better event to get in touch with our desired market segment, the best event we have ever enrolled in the region," said the General Manager of Humansoft Learning Solutions.

Treated to some of the most glamorous networking functions, including luncheons at the JW Marriott and a gala dinner on a luxury Dhow boat, attendees had the opportunity to meet with their peers and exchange opinions, points of view and solutions. "The Human Assets Expansion congress was a great opportunity to share the experiences of other colleagues in international companies who are facing similar challenges in deployment of HR strategies relevant to Middle East market," said the HR Director of Beiersdorf Middle East.