Talent First: Building a 2030 Ready Workforce
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
13 - 14 January, 2026

50 Heads of HR

from leading Asian and global companies

20 Heads of Executive Education

from top business school

As Saudi Arabia and the wider region accelerate their transformation agenda, new industries from tourism and entertainment to fintech, AI, green energy, and logistics — are emerging at unprecedented speed. Local talent must develop future-ready skills to fill new roles and lead in these rapidly evolving sectors.

HR leaders, in partnership with academia, need to act as strategic business partners, driving large-scale upskilling and reskilling initiatives that shape the workforce of tomorrow. At the same time, companies must become learning organisations, embedding continuous development into their culture and operations.



“So many inspiring connections, loads of meaningful conversations, great food for thought. Аnd the event concept - big enough to make it impactful, small enough to make it meaningful!”

Minola Jac
Global Change and Transformation Lead
Syngenta

“An exceptional event experience—rich with learning and truly inspiring to hear insights from many bright minds across industries. Huge kudos to the Merit team for their impeccable hospitality and flawless organization."

Navarun Bhattacharya
Principal, Talent Management / PXT
Amazon

“The event was impeccably organized, and the quality of speakers and content was simply outstanding.
I found the networking opportunities to be particularly valuable, and it was wonderful to connect with such a great group of participants.”

Fanny Heyndrickx
Global HR - R&D and Regulatory Agricultural Solutions
BASF

“We left the event not only full of ideas and energy but also with a number of valuable new connections that will no doubt support us as we move forward with upcoming projects and initiatives.”

Isobel Nash
People & Education Partner
Leonardo SpA

Sam Jenkins
Senior Learning & Development Partner
Leonardo UK

“I really appreciate the inclusive atmosphere at MERIT and enjoyed seeing emylon business school. Thank you for all your Advent team did to manage!”

Jennifer Steben
Managing Director, Custom Programs
Michigan Ross Executive Education

“MERIT is a great way to contribute my small part to important topics across higher education and industry. And the people joining are top notch, so feel privilege to be part of it.”

Martin Barner
Head EX & HR Transformation
Sandoz

“MERIT was a great event with lots of great people and valuable insights. Excellently planned and organized. It was a privilege to be there.”

Claus Brauner
HR Business Partner
Allianz

Sponsors

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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.

VIEW FULL PROGRAMME

Venue

Altamayyuz Academy

Address

building 2.12, Metro Blvd, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, Saudi Arabia

Talent First: Building a 2030 Ready Workforce

 
* Programme to be confirmed

Talent First: Building a 2030 Ready Workforce

 
* Programme to be confirmed

First Confirmed Speakers

Stay Tuned for Updates

Speakers Riyadh , January 2026




Host Partner:  Altamayyuz Academy

Organising Partner:  The IE Center for Leadership & Innovation in the Middle East reflects IE University’s global mission to shape leaders of positive change. With hubs and offices in Madrid, Segovia, New York, and now Riyadh, IE University is committed to fostering education, research, and innovation worldwide. The Riyadh Center serves as a collaborative platform for entrepreneurs, executives, and creative professionals, offering cutting-edge learning experiences and strong connections to IE University’s international network of faculty, alumni, and industry partners

Hotel Recommendations

Make the most of your stay in Riyadh during the MERIT Summit & Awards with our selection of hotels near the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), where the conference venue is located. Please note that no preferential rates are available; however, these hotels have been carefully chosen for their quality, convenience, and proximity to the KAFD.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kimpton KAFD Riyadh View hotel
Mövenpick Hotel and Residences Riyadh View hotel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  
Courtyard by Marriott Riyadh Northern Ring Road View hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Riyadh Financial District Hotel & Suites View hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Financial District View hotel

⭐️⭐️⭐️
DoubleTree by Hilton Riyadh - Al Muroj Business Gate View hotel

 

Visa Information

Need a visa to attend the MERIT Summit & Awards in Riyadh? You can easily apply online through the official Saudi eVisa portal: https://visa.visitsaudi.com

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."

 

Venue: TBA
Address: TBA
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