CIPD Middle East Podcast
Leadership stories. Emerging voices. Conversations that shape better work and working lives.
Leadership stories. Emerging voices. Conversations that shape better work and working lives.
Born from member feedback, this monthly series explores the evolving world of HR and L&D across the Middle East and provides a space for reflection and connection.
Hosted by Dr Adrian Waite Chartered FCIPD, with a dedicated KSA thread led by Khalid Alharbi Assoc CIPD - featuring episodes primarily in Arabic - the Middle East podcast brings together seasoned leaders and rising professionals to share insights, challenges and lived experiences from across the region. Guest contributors occasionally join with special editions, celebrating diversity of thought and adding timely perspectives to the core series.
If you have thoughts or comments on an episode, ideas for future topics, or would like to be considered as a guest, please contact us at events@cipd.ae with the subject line: Podcast Contribution – [Your Name].
Emiratisation is not simply about opening doors through policy; it is about what happens once people step inside. The true opportunity lies in creating experiences that engage, develop, and retain Emirati talent in ways that are meaningful both to individuals and to the organisations they serve.
In this episode, hosted by Dr. Adrian Waite, we hear from Ahlam Abdulla Al Marzooqi, Group Emiratisation Manager at Galadari Brothers, and Fatima Mohammad Yousuf Ali Alblooshi, Assistant Business Development Manager at Galadari Brothers – Motors Division, and the first Emirati talent to enrol in and graduate from Ruwad, the organisation’s Leadership Development Programme. Together, they share candid reflections on navigating Emiratisation roles, responding to evolving regulations and confronting the realities of the ‘war for talent.’ Their stories underscore the importance of strong onboarding, recognition programmes that foster trust and inclusion, clear career paths that enable long-term growth and the flexibility that empowers Emiratis to balance professional ambitions with personal responsibilities while contributing to their communities and nation.