“Technological developments have changed the global labor market and the quality of skills required.”
Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Awar
Dubai – United Arab Emirates, 17 April, 2019: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the 9th edition of FAHR International Conference, opened today at Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai. Running under the theme ‘The 4th Industrial Revolution Human Capital Challenges’, the 2-day premier HR event organized by Federal Authority for Government Human Resources FAHR and INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions – a member of INDEX Holding, witnesses the participation of over 20 speakers and more than 600 experts and specialists in the human resources field.
On this occasion, Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Manan Al Awar, Director General of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) said, “The ability to cope up with rapid technological developments-known as the 4th industrial revolution, is a major challenge facing most of the world’s governments and institutions at the moment.”
He added, “The emergence of Block Chain technology, which has played a pivotal role in automation and digital documentation processes, has changed the profile of the global labor market and has greatly influenced the investment trends in human capital as well as the nature of skills and competencies required by the market in the public and private sector.”
He further commented, “We have to recognize that modern technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. Recent studies have shown that out of the current world population of 7.6 billion people, nearly 3.6 billion people have access to internet and this figure is only expected to rise over the next 5 years. Moreover, Artificial Intelligence and other related technologies will have a huge and direct impact on the world’s markets, which are expected to lose nearly 73 million jobs over the next few years. At the same time, it is predicted that rapid technological developments will create an equal number of new jobs as indicated by specialized studies in this regard.”
He also stated, “We are indeed very fortunate in the UAE, as our wise leadership has given special attention to the rapid technological development and its importance since its emergence. It has also utilized this technology in the development of organizations and work cultures. Similarly, the UAE has invested a lot in upgrading the skills of individuals and talents while at the same time keeping a close watch on the latest developments and changes taking place in the job market. Owing to these factors, the UAE’s job market currently serves as an ideal model for investment in human resources.”
Additionally, Director General of FAHR highlighted, “Over the past nine years, FAHR International Conference has greatly strengthened its position as one of the most important global conferences in the field of human resources, which aims at empowering individuals and truly succeeded in becoming a knowledge and intellectual platform for all key stakeholders and professionals in the industry, coming from various parts of the world.”
Commenting on the occasion, Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President & CEO, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) – USA said, “This is my very first visit to Dubai and on behalf of Society for Human Resources Management SHRM and its team, which is one of the largest HR associations in the world, I am truly delighted to be a part of the largest government Human Resources event in the region, FAHR International Conference. The theme for the 9th edition of FAHR International Conference, ‘4th Industrial Revolution Human Capital Challenges’ is very timely and I believe the 4th Industrial Revolution is already underway. Today, massive skill shortages, mobility of labor and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are having a huge impact on the HR profession and HR is going to play its biggest role yet in building ‘Better Work Places Better World’, which is the theme of SHRM this year.”
Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Paolo Gallo, Adjunct Professor, Bocconi University Milan, Executive Coach, Keynote Speaker & Best-Selling Author, Switzerland, said, “My presentation was titled ‘The Future of Jobs for the 4th Industrial Revolution’ and during my session I focused on the top 5 megatrends that are shaping the job market in the UAE and abroad including: globalization, demographics, technology-digital, learning and business ethics. While there are many factors impacting the global job market, attention should be paid on how each megatrend is impacting the future of jobs and in this regard I offered concrete examples of best practices, encouraged all attendees to anticipate, manage and lead changes in their fields and called upon everyone to take full ownership with a responsible and responsive leadership.”
He added, “Given the major changes taking place in the job market, I believe there is a need to restructure the organizations of the future while also keeping in mind that individuals are empowered and equipped with the necessary skills to excel in their respective jobs. In addition, I highlighted which organizational model and leadership style is more effective to drive innovation and performance in managing human capital.”
Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Chairman, INDEX Holding, said, “The UAE, in line with the vision of our wise leadership, has undertaken significant efforts towards the development, advancement and upgradation of skills of HR professionals as well as state entities and institutions in the industry that best serves our collective goals and aspirations through many new strategies and initiatives such as providing a supportive and stable work environment and offering decent living standards for everyone.
Government Skills Bank
In her session, HE Laila Al Suwaidi, CEO – HR Planning and Projects Sector, FAHR, shed light on the Government Skills Bank project which was launched by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources in 2018 to help the ministries and federal authorities to benefit from all the experts and professionals they have by electronically documenting this using the Human Resources Management Information System (Bayanati). This step aims to make use of their potentials in developing the corporate work in the federal authority, instilling the culture of knowledge management therein, and enabling the federal bodies to benefit from all the experiences and knowledge in different fields and specialties related to the work of the federal entity.
She further explained that the member of the Government Skills Bank network, as per the guidelines, is the individual who has high skills and knowledge and continuously acquiring new experiences through practical practice and available education opportunities.
Al Suwaidi also stated that the project provides the employees with many benefits including, (motivating them to acquire new skills and knowledge, promoting institutional affiliation, and improving their job satisfaction levels.)
She pointed out that identifying the members of the network of government skills bank in the ministries and federal bodies contributes to Creating a work environment that promotes knowledge and improve the organizational memory, providing a clearer picture of the level of knowledge and skills of employees, reducing the time consumed in identifying the right expert, the ability to define the work requirements and the visitors’ need in a better way, rationalization of expenditures and optimal use of resources, and activating activities related to the integration and involvement of competencies within the succession planning in the entity.
Using predictive analysis to understand staff trends
In his session, Sumit Tandon, Director, Human Resources Middle East Africa, Boeing International, discussed the topic “Sharpen and Accelerate to Win” where he discussed the challenges facing the institutions these days in regards to employees’ management in general and the talented competencies in particular.
Tandon also showcased Boeing experience in managing its human capital, emphasizing that their focus is centered around their people and that they use the predictive analysis to understand staff trends which will contribute to enhancing human resources management capabilities to make decisions that serve their staff and enhance their functional happiness.
First day sessions
On the first day, a number of discussions and sessions were held related to the main theme of the conference, ‘The 4th Industrial Revolution Human Capital Challenges’, wherein Nelly Boustany, Digital HR Experience Director, EMEA, SAP, spoke about ‘People at the Heart of Digital Transformation’ while Jack Naidoo, HR Lead Middle East & Africa, Cisco spoke about ‘How Culture will shape “The Workplace of the Future” and Lewis Garrad, Business Leader and Senior Consultant, Mercer Middle East – Singapore spoke about ‘The Science of Thriving Workforces in the 21st Century’.
People at the Heart of Digital Transformation
In a session titled “People at the Heart of Digital Transformation” Dr. Nelly Bustani, Director of Digital Human Resources Experience at SAP EMEA, said that the world of work is changing and organizations need to develop innovative ways to manage, measure and manage their human resources. She stated that institutions are required to adapt to the various variables and rapid developments, especially as the expectations of the workforce are constantly changing and institutions must work to meet the demands of their employees. She highlighted that advanced digital technologies have permeated our daily lives and has transformed everything from the way we work, move and function in our daily lives.
Unconventional Work Options in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Abdul Aziz Harib Al Falahi, CEO, Corporate Technical Support Service, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said that in light of the latest technological developments in a number of fields, including Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Quantum Computing and Internet of Things, business leaders, industry experts and leading decision-makers are beginning to fear that someday these technologies will replace them.
During his session, Al Falahi reviewed the effects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, especially Artificial Intelligence on the future of the work force. He pointed out that recent research conducted by leading international companies in the field of technology confirmed that Artificial Intelligence will not only lead to job losses but will also create more than 2 million jobs by 2025.
The Power of World Expos – Case of Expo 2020 Dubai
Fatima Moussa Alloghani, Head of Expo Academy & Emiratization, HR, Workforce and Volunteers, Expo Dubai 2020, said that the Expo showcases not only humanity’s achievements in terms of innovation and ideas, but also a glimpse of what the future will look like.
In her session, she highlighted that the Expo Dubai 2020 will be an unprecedented event, attracting more than 190 countries and millions of visitors to the UAE, under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, which will discuss various sub-themes such as “Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability”. She stated that the sub-theme of opportunity is particularly relevant to tomorrow’s job market, as it focuses on unlocking the potential within each of us to shape the future.
Furthermore, she mentioned that the 5G-enabled world expo will feature everything from Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality to hyperloop transport and blockchain and demonstrate how these technologies will shape the way we live and work in future.
The Exhibition
Running parallel to the conference, the exhibition brings together 11 leading HR solutions providers, academic institutions and renowned business firms who will showcase their latest technologies and breakthrough solutions related to the Human Resources Sector.
FAHR International Conference is sponsored by ENOC, SAP MENA LLC and supported by our Knowledge Partners Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Dubai Knowledge Park.