Talent, Leadership and Learning
Gulf Talent & Learning Leaders Community: Culture and Capability Briefing
08:30-10:30 GST, Dubai
CRF’s Gulf Talent & Learning Leaders Community is pleased to host this upcoming executive briefing in partnership with the Business Culture Awards.
Culture misalignment continues to be a key issue preventing organisation’s reaching their performance potential, particularly as mergers and acquisitions play an ever-increasing role as businesses look for global growth. In this session CRF will share our latest research into what is required to create a great culture in order to deliver the capability the organisation needs.
You’ll also hear from the Business and Culture Awards MENA, who will share some of the insights about those winning teams who have created positive change in their own organisations.
Speakers
Michael Whelan
Director, CRF and Strategic Dimensions
Michael Whelan is a Director at Corporate Research Forum (CRF), leading the organisation in the GCC region, based in the UAE. He supports the organisation’s global network of more than 270 organisations build the capability of their HR functions through evidence-based research, technology-enabled learning and development, expert events, and peer exchange.
Michael is also a Director at leading HR search and advisory firm Strategic Dimensions – CRF’s sister organisation – having started his career in Executive Search. His experience extends across industry and geographical sectors including the largest firms in the Gulf region.
Venue
SO/ Uptown
Uptown Tower
First Al Khail St
Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Business Culture Awards MENA
CRF are delighted to be a Knowledge Partner for the 2026 Business Culture Awards. We are also Sponsoring the Best Local Talent Leadership Programme Award.
Companies are working ever harder to attract new talent across the GCC or develop the skills of their people to meet changing business needs.
Two awards will be presented: the first award for a GCC programme and the second for an Emirati programme. Judges will be looking to understand how aligning culture with the talent approach has enabled a more successful outcome for the business..
About the CRF Talent & Learning Leaders Community
CRF’s Talent & Learning Leaders Community connects senior professionals who are responsible for building workforce capability, leadership pipelines, and organisational culture in the UAE. In an era of rapid change and skills transformation, this invite-only forum helps members cut through the noise and focus on what really works in developing people and driving business performance.
Each session blends CRF’s latest research, expert speakers, and case studies from leading organisations with space for peer-to-peer exchange. Members benefit from practical insights into how global best practice can be adapted to the UAE context, alongside the opportunity to showcase their own innovative approaches.
By joining, leaders become part of a close-knit network committed to advancing learning and talent strategy, supporting both Emiratisation objectives and broader business growth.
If you are an in-house Talent or Learning Leaders based in the Middle East and are interested in joining this community, please contact Michael Whelan.
