Organizations across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are recognizing the importance of learning and development (L&D) as they navigate the rapidly changing business environment. With employee engagement, organizational growth, and adaptability at the helm, Rami Fattal, Executive Director at Knowledge Group Consulting, has outlined ten trends expected to shape L&D by 2025.
The first trend is digital transformation within L&D, where organizations are increasingly integrating digital tools. This shift not only enhances learning experiences but also aligns with the expectations of a tech-savvy workforce. Virtual learning platforms and mobile applications have become common, providing flexibility and accessibility to employees. Nevertheless, experts have noted the limitations of technology; digital tools alone won’t achieve desired outcomes without proper alignment with organizational goals.
Next on the list is the localization of content. This trend emphasizes tailoring L&D objectives to resonate with cultural sensibilities, which has proven especially important within the UAE and KSA. Generic training materials often fail to engage employees, highlighting the need for localized content. Fattal stresses the importance of customizing programs to reflect local culture, as it not only improves learning outcomes but fosters employee belonging.
Focus on soft skills is another key trend identified by Fattal. Often overlooked, training on communication, collaboration, creativity, and emotional intelligence has become integral to successful career development. Skills such as resilience and adaptability are increasingly recognized as necessary for thriving within fast-paced environments.
Prioritizing national capacity building forms the core of many GCC vision agendas. The need to develop local talent is fundamental to meet the demands of economic diversification. Fattal states, “Targeted initiatives focused on reskilling and industry-specific training are key to enhancing local talent for the workforce.” A strategic approach is recommended, integrating organizational efforts with national strategies for maximum impact.
The concept of adopting a lifelong learning mindset is gaining traction, reflecting the need for continuous self-motivated education. Organizations are encouraged to provide microlearning modules and support self-directed learning, recognizing employees who actively pursue personal development. This recognition fosters positive reinforcement and commitment to growth.
Utilizing data to personalize learning experiences is also on the rise. By gathering insights on learning patterns and preferences, organizations can create data-informed strategies to bridge skill gaps. Fattal notes, “Continuous improvement measures outcome results and collects feedback, ensuring learning initiatives deliver maximum impact.”
Strengthening leadership development programs emerges as another key focus. With nation-wide agendas such as Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Centennial Plan, leadership development must align with both organizational needs and national goals. Fattal emphasizes the significance of nurturing strategic thinkers capable of propelling national transformation.
Integrative approaches to sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues are increasingly included as key training components. Employees are educated on eco-friendly practices and governance standards to meet regional challenges and global best practices.
Measuring the impact of L&D initiatives is gaining importance, with organizations focusing on quantifying the returns on their investments. Successful programs integrate technology, culture, and employee engagement, with learning positioned as catalytic for innovation, impacting everything from employee satisfaction to national talent ratios.
Finally, collaborations with educational institutions are becoming pivotal. Partnerships between businesses and academia help align curricula with industry needs, paving the way for hands-on training opportunities fostering sustainable talent pipelines.
Rami Fattal, with over 15 years of experience, articulates the pressing need for effective and relevant L&D strategies across the GCC. He notes, “Fostering innovation through learning will be foundational for future sustainability and competitiveness.”
A report from Knowledge Group Consulting echoes these themes, elucidated through the L&D Insights Report. This report serves as a valuable tool for leaders to navigate the impending developments shaping the future of employee development across the GCC.
Shifting gears to the ITB Berlin 2025 conference, another forum bringing together tourism professionals was set to explore cutting-edge trends and innovations across the global travel industry. The conference drew 6,000 exhibitors from 170 countries, and sustainability emerged as one of the central themes.
Marga Nograles, CEO of the Philippine Tourism Board, underscored sustainable tourism's role: “We need to balance growth with environmental preservation. Sustainable travel options benefit local communities.” New initiatives showcase nations’ commitment to responsible tourism practices as they look toward the future.
Patricia Yates, CEO of Visit Britain, presented film tourism as a burgeoning avenue for attracting visitors through iconic film locations. “These locations cater to audiences eager to experience their favorite films,” she remarked, highlighting pop culture’s influence on travel decisions.
On the creative spectrum, Florian Sengstschmid, Azerbaijan Tourism Board CEO, introduced the concept of “slow food travel,” linking cultural tourism with culinary experiences to enrich visitors’ journeys. This tied closely with the desire for authenticity among modern travelers.
Emerging destinations and adventure tourism were also topics of interest, as Japan's efforts to revitalize disaster-affected regions and Indonesia's emphasis on local engagement gained traction. Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister of Tourism in Indonesia, elaborated, “The community involvement is key for mutual benefits and sustainability.”
Finally, long-term tourism strategies positioned Oman and Saudi Arabia prominently on the global stage. Their focus on sustainable practices and tourism infrastructure is set to revolutionize how travelers experience these culturally rich destinations.
Through each discussion, ITB Berlin 2025 emphasized the necessity of interconnectedness via sustainability, technology, and local engagement as firms forge meaningful travel experiences worldwide.
