+971 (0)58 565 9223
Presented by Emma Jordaan & Sarah Brooks.
The HR & CQ Summit Dubai 2025 brings together top HR professionals and Cultural Intelligence (CQ) experts to explore the most pressing HR challenges through a CQ lens.
With a special fireside chat with Dr David Livermore, a globally recognised authority on Cultural Intelligence, and insights from trusted HR leaders across the region, this half-day event offers a dynamic mix of panel discussions, interactive activations, and expert-led conversations.
Here’s what to expect:
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✅ Employee Experience Activation – Discover innovative ways to boost engagement and workplace belonging.
✅ Exclusive Interview with Dr David Livermore – Gain insights from one of the world’s leading Cultural Intelligence (CQ) experts.
✅ Cultural Intelligence (CQ) Activation – Experience a hands-on session designed to enhance cultural intelligence in the workplace.
✅ Panel Discussion on the Latest HR Hot Topics – Hear from regional leaders on the most pressing industry trends.
✅ Networking Opportunities – Connect with like-minded professionals and industry experts.
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Whether you're an HR Leader, People Manager, or Business Executive, this summit will equip you with the knowledge and tools to lead with confidence in an increasingly globalised world.
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Join us in Dubai for a thought-provoking and practical discussion on the future of HR and Cultural Intelligence.
Speakers
Emma Jordaan
Founder and CEO of Infinite Consulting, a training consultancy that Cultural Training and coaching. Emma is a thought leader in Cultural Intelligence (CQ), a field dedicated to understanding and improving cross-cultural interactions in global and diverse environments. Emma is a CQ Fellow, part of an elite group of global experts specialising in the application of Cultural Intelligence. Emma has been a Keynote Speaker at major events such as Gitex, HRSE and the L&D Summit and been featured in numerous Middle East business publications such as Gulf Business Leaders & Middle East Consultant Magazines, along with appearances on DubaiEye 103.8 radio station. Emma is also the co-host of The HR & CQ Show podcast, where she discusses HR trends and cultural intelligence in the UAE. Plus she has an upcoming Cultural Intelligence (CQ) Strategy book which offers practical insights and strategies to help professionals thrive in a diverse workplace.
Sarah Brooks
Sarah Brooks is a CIPD-qualified HR professional and the Founder and Managing Director of Fikrah HR, a UAE-based consultancy specialising in strategic talent management, organisational development, and positive workplace cultures. With nearly three decades of HR and business experience across the UK and GCC, she supports SMEs with innovative HR solutions that drive employee engagement and organisational effectiveness and compliance. Recognised among the top 101 global HR minds at the World HR Congress in 2019 and 2020, Sarah’s expertise spans the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, policy development, and performance management. She is also the co-host of The HR & CQ Show podcast, where she discusses HR trends and cultural intelligence in the UAE. Sarah has also been featured on Dubai Eye Business Breakfast radio show discussing hot topics regarding employer health & safety obligations and remote work challenges and is currently working towards the launch of Gigit, which will connect UAE based fractional & project workers with opportunities
David Livermore
David Livermore, PhD, is a social scientist specialising in cultural intelligence (CQ) and global leadership. He is the Director of CQ Fellows and a founder of the Cultural Intelligence Center. He holds the Endowed Chair in Global Leadership at Boston University and serves as a Research Fellow at Nanyang Technological University's Business School in Singapore. With over 20 years of research experience, Dr. Livermore has authored 13 books, including the award-winning Leading with Cultural Intelligence, 3rd Edition (2024). He has consulted for organisations such as Harvard Business School, Google, Coca-Cola, the U.S. Department of Defense, BMW, Qatar Airways, and the United Nations, and has worked in more than 100 countries. Dr. Livermore is frequently cited in media outlets like The Atlantic, CBS News, The Economist, Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.
Thenji Moyo is a Partner and Head of Employment at Gateley UK LLP, specialising in UAE and DIFC employment law. An award-winning lawyer ranked in Chambers and Partners, she advises multinational, regional, and local clients across industries. She is a registered legal practitioner with the DIFC Courts and the Legal Affairs Department and serves as the employee representative on the Supervisory Board of the DIFC Employee Workplace Savings Scheme. Recognised as Employment Lawyer of the Year at the Lexis Nexis Women in Law Awards, she has also led her firm to win Equality Initiative of the Year. Named in the 30th Edition of the Pan African Female Leaders in Energy Power List 2024, Thenji is a strong advocate for workplace equality, a published author, and an adjunct lecturer on the LLM program at Middlesex University Dubai.
Kes Smith-Green is the Owner and Head of Coaching and Training at KSG Wellness Coaching and Training (UK & UAE), specialising in Mental Health First Aid, Safeguarding, and Workplace Wellbeing. With over a decade of experience, Kes empowers individuals and organisations to foster healthier, more resilient workplaces through training and strategic wellbeing initiatives. A dedicated advocate for mental health, Kes helps businesses implement cost-effective strategies that enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism, and build a culture of care and psychological safety. Passionate about shifting perceptions around mental health, Kes is committed to creating supportive environments that inspire growth, healing, and lasting change.
Maimuna Rashid, is a Forbes 30 under 30 in MENA region trailblazing entrepreneur and creative visionary. As Founder and CEO of Pupilar, the UAE’s first skill-based career community platform, she is reshaping youth careers by connecting skills to opportunities and inspiring the next generation. A naqabi woman rooted in values, Maimuna is on a mission to inspire women to break barriers and pursue their dreams beyond societal dress codes. With over 50 accolades and features in Forbes 30 Under 30 and Netflix’s Dubai Bling 2, she exemplifies ambition and authenticity. Through her work in youth empowerment and creative design, Maimuna embodies her belief that innovation and purpose can transform lives—one project at a time.
Moderators & Emcee
Hannah Irfan Siddiqui - Panel Discussion Moderator
Hannah is the Founder & Managing Principal of Kaleidoscope-DEI-Consulting and a certified Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging corporate strategist with over a decade of global experience spanning the Middle East, South Asia, APAC, and Western Europe. Hannah specialises in helping organisations in the GCC region navigate cultural transformation and turn corporate DEI challenges into opportunities for lasting change. Hannah’s approach is grounded in research, data, and real-world relevance. A published author on gender equity and a respected thought leader, Hannah is passionate about creating more humane workplaces and inspires audiences to see DEIB as a catalyst for transformative change.
Mark Sclaire is the Founder of Turning Point, a sales and leadership coaching firm dedicated to empowering sales teams through innovative training solutions. With over 15 years of sales experience across the UK and the Middle East, Mark combines British and Middle Eastern sales techniques to enhance team performance. His expertise includes developing sales skills, structuring effective sales processes, and motivating teams to achieve excellence. Mark is also the host of The Sales & Leadership Show podcast, where he shares insights on sales strategy, leadership, and professional growth.