Private sector must work with public sector to upskill human resources in Middle East

"While the region's private sector is doing well in terms of HR - with companies such as Emirates leading the way - the public sector is lagging behind," says Morton, who as well as chairing the three day summit, held at the prestigious Dusit Dubai Hotel until Wednesday, September 29th, is also current chairman of the international forum of the UK's Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and Head of Competence Centre for People Development, Ciba Speciality Chemicals, UK and Northern Europe.

And as businesses change into global operations, so must the role of HR change to cope with a rapidly changing world.

"HR really does make a difference to business performance, but it's still a problem that at boardroom level, the HR function is neither fully understood nor appreciated," adds the chairman.

The Summit is a chance to hear case studies from 43 leading regional and global practitioners, who will share their secrets of success - and examine the pitfalls facing the industry.

Jackie Wilks, Event Director for summit organiser, IIR Middle East, says: "The very fact that more than 200 regional industry professionals have attended this event is a reflection of the growing importance placed on the human resources function. It is imperative that regional HR practitioners take time to attend events such as this, in order to keep abreast of current industry trends and practices."

This comprehensive event includes a parallel exhibition; a pre-summit master class; more than 40 presentations, and three themed workshops, spread over four knowledge-filled days.

The impressive speaker line-up includes representatives of leading companies from every member state of the GCC, Egypt and Lebanon, as well as an impressive international HR array featuring practitioners, consultants, commentators and academics from the US to Europe.

CIPD Chairman Bob Morton says: "More needs to be invested in human capital rather than specifically in HR. We need to develop and equip people to meet the challenges of running our businesses and in a globalising environment, HR has a crucial role to play. There are pressures on HR functions to reduce costs and HR needs to work smarter," says Morton.

The Summit focuses on the strategic level of HR, with a strong emphasis on existing global best practice, using a dynamic mix of case studies from leading local, regional and international blue-chip companies.

The annual Middle East HR Summit 2004 is supported by the Arabian Society of HR Management and Basharia, the Abu Dhabi Human Resources Group. Key sponsors include Watson Wyatt Worldwide and Oracle.