Our team spent time at the HRSE – HR Expo in Riyadh, connecting with HR professionals and leaders from across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to discuss the rapidly changing world of work. What stood out most was the combination of technological enthusiasm and a strong emphasis on people-centric approaches.
Here’s what we observed:
Saudi Arabia’s transformation journey under Vision 2030 has accelerated interest in emerging technologies — especially AI — and its potential to enhance HR practices. Conversations highlighted genuine excitement about how tech can support HR functions, from talent acquisition to workforce planning.
Despite the buzz around new tools, HR leaders also expressed a strong commitment to foundational priorities: attracting the right people, keeping them engaged, supporting their growth, and ensuring they feel a sense of belonging. There’s a clear understanding that technology should augment human judgement — not replace it.
Many attendees noted that traditional, theory-heavy frameworks and static presentations are no longer enough on their own. As organisations build local capability, there’s a growing desire for approaches that embrace complexity and deliver practical, real-world impact — not just conceptual models.
Our Organisation Design Tech drew significant interest for its ability to quickly visualise organisational structures, staffing, and cost implications — and to contrast current and future states in a clear, intuitive way. We also heard repeatedly that conventional training methods often don’t translate into lasting behaviour change, and that there’s a hunger for systemic, outcomes-focused interventions that drive real results.
We left Riyadh energised and inspired by the forward-looking perspectives shared by HR leaders shaping the region’s future. If you’d like to explore how we’re supporting HR transformation across the Middle East, get in touch with the Q5 Arabia team — we’d be delighted to connect.
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