Doha is set to host the 2nd Annual Digital Talent Ecosystem Dialogue – Qatar Edition on September 9-10, 2025, at JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha. The forum, held under the theme “Skills Igniting Future Readiness – Empowering Leaders – Talent, Technology & Culture,” will gather government representatives, international experts, and technology leaders to discuss how digital transformation is reshaping talent development strategies across the region. The initiative supports Qatar’s ongoing national efforts to accelerate digital adoption and strengthen its human capital for a knowledge-driven economy.
Aligned with the country’s long-term vision, the dialogue builds on programs launched by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Labour. MCIT’s National Skilling Program aims to equip 50,000 people with advanced digital skills by 2025, while the Erada Programme, developed with Microsoft, prepares young Qatari talent to participate in the digital economy. Abdullah Mohd Al-Khalifa, Human Resources Director at MCIT, highlighted that a thriving digital economy relies on a connected ecosystem where skills, innovation, and opportunity converge. Distinguished speakers including Najlaa AlBuanain of Kahramaa, Dr. Corrie Block of Forbes Coaches Council, Gabriela Tom of Snoonu, Fatima Al-Fakhri of the Institute of Public Administration, Elias Nahra of PwC Middle East, and Frederick Van Gysegem of Roland Berger will provide perspectives on how leadership and talent strategies are evolving in response to technological change.
The event also showcases global viewpoints from across the region. Dr. Max Renault of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar stressed how artificial intelligence can be used to enhance behavioral science applications and workplace culture. From Oman, Abdulrahman Abdullah AlBusaidi of the Ministry of Labor presented how smart administration shifts governance towards AI-enabled efficiency, while Abdulrhman M Jubairy of Aramco emphasized the importance of empowering youth with the skills and environment to take on future leadership. FranklinCovey Middle East Managing Director Mohammed Abdelhay underlined Qatar’s balanced approach of combining technical expertise with leadership development to build a workforce capable of adapting with agility and collaboration.
The dialogue will address four interconnected pillars shaping Qatar’s digital future. Skills development remains central, with partners such as FranklinCovey Middle East focusing on practical tools for applying new capabilities in workplace settings. Talent growth is being explored through frameworks that support human potential in the digital age, with the British Council emphasizing communication as a uniquely human strength that technology cannot replace. Technology integration will be covered through discussions led by Shaffra on AI and metaverse applications, supported by SkillUp MENA highlighting AI’s role in knowledge transfer. Culture as the foundation for innovation is underscored by Najlaa AlBuanain, who emphasized the importance of cultivating learning environments that spark transformation.
A wide range of organizations, including SkillUp MENA, Darwinbox, Adrenalin eSystems, Vistas Global, Perky People, almentor, Mercer, Disprz, Keka, and Vinsys, are contributing to the dialogue by introducing solutions that strengthen Qatar’s digital talent pipeline. Piyush Gupta, Co-Founder and Director of Partnerships at Crafting Dialogue, stated that the event serves as a platform where government, industry, and academia come together to share practical solutions, form strategic connections, and accelerate workforce development. As digital disruption intensifies, the Digital Talent Ecosystem Dialogue is positioned as a timely initiative that brings stakeholders together to support Qatar’s ambition of becoming a regional hub for talent and technology.
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