50 Heads of HR
from leading Asian and global companies
20 Heads of Executive Education
from top business school
Since 2017, MERIT has been a unique forum for HR and L&D directors of companies from different industries and Executive Education leaders to learn, share challenges and explore solutions together within an international professional community in a focused, highly interactive environment.
The MERIT Summit is a learning showcase, an ideas conference, and a hands-on strategy session with experts and peers, enabling participants to develop a culture of learning, innovation, and growth in their organisations.
Further to our mission to empower people and organisations The MERIT Awards have been designed to award impactful transformational initiatives in the corporate and higher education sectors.
Sponsors
Bring your brand and expertise into the spotlight. Explore the MERIT Sponsorship advantage.
PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE
• Powerful Keynotes by academic and corporate leaders with a strategic vision to help organisations and people thrive in an ever-changing world.
• Interactive Workshops to dive deeper into key topics such as psychological safety, emotional intelligence, people analytics and sustainable careers.
• Unconference and Peer Consulting – participant driven formats to discuss ideas and find solutions to current challenges.
Venue
08:00 – 08:45
REGISTRATION & COFFEE
08:45 – 09:00
WELCOME NOTES & ICEBREAKER
09:00 – 09:30
MORNING KEYNOTE
09:30 – 10:00
PANEL
10:30 – 10:30
COFFE BREAK
10:30 – 11:30
KEYNOTE
11:00 – 11:30
Case studies nominated for the MERIT Awards
11:30 – 12:30
WORKSHOPS & GROUP LEARNING SESSIONS
12:30 – 14:50
LUNCH
13:50 – 14:00
AFTERNOON ENERGISER
14:00 – 14:30
PANEL
14:30 – 15:10
Case studies nominated for the MERIT Awards
15:10 – 15:40
COFFEE BREAK
15:45 – 16:45
WORKSHOPS & GROUP LEARNING SESSIONS
16:50 – 17:20
CLOSING KEYNOTE
17:20 – 17:30
WRAP-UP DAY 1
19:30
NETWORKING DINNER
08:30 – 09:00
WELCOME COFFEE
09:00 – 09:10
OPENING DAY 2
09:10 – 09:40
KEYNOTE
09:40 – 10:10
PANEL
10:10 – 10:40
Case studies nominated for the MERIT Awards
10:40 – 11:00
COFFEE BREAK
11:00 – 12:00
WORKSHOPS & GROUP LEARNING SESSIONS
12:00 – 12:20
MERITS AWARD CEREMONY
12:20 – 12:30
SUMMIT WRAP-UP
12:30 – 13:30
NETWORKING LUNCH
08:00 – 08:45
REGISTRATION & COFFEE
08:45 – 09:00
WELCOME NOTES & ICEBREAKER
09:00 – 09:30
MORNING KEYNOTE
09:30 – 10:00
PANEL
10:30 – 10:30
COFFE BREAK
10:30 – 11:30
KEYNOTE
11:00 – 11:30
Case studies nominated for the MERIT Awards
11:30 – 12:30
WORKSHOPS & GROUP LEARNING SESSIONS
12:30 – 14:50
LUNCH
13:50 – 14:00
AFTERNOON ENERGISER
14:00 – 14:30
PANEL
14:30 – 15:10
Case studies nominated for the MERIT Awards
15:10 – 15:40
COFFEE BREAK
15:45 – 16:45
WORKSHOPS & GROUP LEARNING SESSIONS
16:50 – 17:20
CLOSING KEYNOTE
17:20 – 17:30
WRAP-UP DAY 1
19:30
NETWORKING DINNER
08:30 – 09:00
WELCOME COFFEE
09:00 – 09:10
OPENING DAY 2
09:10 – 09:40
KEYNOTE
09:40 – 10:10
PANEL
10:10 – 10:40
Case studies nominated for the MERIT Awards
10:40 – 11:00
COFFEE BREAK
11:00 – 12:00
WORKSHOPS & GROUP LEARNING SESSIONS
12:00 – 12:20
MERITS AWARD CEREMONY
12:20 – 12:30
SUMMIT WRAP-UP
12:30 – 13:30
NETWORKING LUNCH
Previous Speakers
Stay Tuned for Updates
Speakers Abu Dhabi, UAE , January 2027
Founded through a strategic partnership between the NYU Stern School of Business and NYU Abu Dhabi, the Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi brings one of the world's leading business schools to the Middle East. Announced in 2023 and officially inaugurated in 2025, the school was established to educate the next generation of global business leaders at the crossroads of East and West.
Building on NYU Stern's more than 125 year legacy of academic excellence and NYU Abu Dhabi's reputation as a world class research university, Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi offers graduate business education that combines rigorous academics with practical, real world experience. Located in one of the world's fastest growing business and innovation hubs, the school provides students with direct access to leading organizations, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers across the region.
With internationally renowned faculty, a highly diverse student community, and close integration with NYU's global network, Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi prepares professionals to lead across cultures, drive innovation, and create lasting impact in business and society. Its programs reflect the school's commitment to developing principled, forward thinking leaders equipped to succeed in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
Visa Information
Need a visa to attend the MERIT Summit & Awards in Abu Dhabi? You can easily apply online through here: Issuance of a Visa
Discover warm hospitality and attention to detail in pleasantly spacious rooms and apartments, where surprising details come as standard at the La Suite Dubai Hotel & Apartments
Experience an exceptional Dubai stay, with the city’s world-famous attractions and business districts within easy reach. Find Palm Jumeirah’s exceptional beaches, shopping and lifestyle just a short drive away from our convenient location on Sheikh Zayed Road, and Dubai Internet City right on our doorstep.
As a valued member of the MERIT community, we are delighted to extend an exclusive preferential rate for your stay.
“Kindly note that this offer is subject to promotional availability on a first-come, first-served basis."
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