The ninth edition of the Abu Dhabi Leadership Forum, hosted by the Department of Government Enablement (DGE) Abu Dhabi, has convened over 180 government officials to deepen cross-departmental collaboration and accelerate a collective, talent-driven transformation of Abu Dhabi’s public sector.
Held under the theme ‘Unlocking Performance Through Human Capital’, the Forum marked the government’s first major leadership gathering since the enactment of Human Resources Law No. (08) of 2025, which came into effect on 1 January 2026.
The Abu Dhabi Leadership Forum served as a platform to advance the law’s priorities: strengthening a merit-based culture, enabling flexible career pathways, and positioning the Abu Dhabi Government as an employer of choice for high-performing talent.
These priorities are supported by DGE’s integrated digital HR platforms and workforce analytics, enabling real-time talent management and performance monitoring across government entities.
Strategic Vision for future-ready government
Opening the Abu Dhabi Leadership Forum, DGE leadership emphasized that the new legislation is more than a regulatory update, it is a strategic enabler for a future-ready government: AI-native, anticipatory, and powered by a digitally confident workforce.
This vision is supported by unified digital platforms, advanced data capabilities, and smart government services developed and coordinated by DGE as part of the Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy.
Image credits: ADMO | Cropped by GBN
Leaders also committed to the Talent Nurturing Pledge, signaling a shift from fostering a learning mindset to demonstrating measurable learning impact through daily leadership actions.
Sessions at Abu Dhabi Leadership Forum
The Forum, attended by 71 Directors General and 113 Executive Directors, featured a keynote fireside discussion with global experts and Abu Dhabi Government leaders. The session shared practical approaches grounded in behavioral science, performance research, and data-driven management, highlighting that meritocracy is shaped less by policy and more by everyday leadership behavior, from decision-making to recognizing progress.
Image credits: ADMO | Cropped by GBN
Participants also joined interactive sessions on decision-making, adaptability, and cross-sector collaboration. Leaders explored practical ways to integrate coaching, real-time feedback, and capability-building into routine management conversations, supported by digital tools that track progress and reinforce accountability.
Sessions at Abu Dhabi Leadership Forum also highlighted personalized development platforms such as Tomouh, an AI-supported app that delivers tailored learning journeys and aligns individual growth with organizational priorities.
Ibrahim Nassir Undersecretary -Abu Dhabi DGE
“Public service is both a responsibility to our community and an opportunity to make a tangible difference. With the new HR Law now in effect, we have a strong framework to attract, develop, and retain top talent by offering impactful learning opportunities, accelerated growth pathways, and genuine work-life balance. Through the Abu Dhabi Leadership Forum, we are reinforcing a culture where leaders actively invest in their people, create space for learning and translate development into measurable impact. This is how we elevate performance across government and build the capabilities needed for the future.”
HE Dr Yasir Al Naqbi, Director General of GovAcademy, said that, “Talent nurturing is not a one-off initiative; it is a leadership mindset about leading and working that must be omnipresent across government every day. While the new HR Law provides the workforce systems and governance frameworks that enable meritocracy and flexibility, it is the leaders who bring them to life. When leaders model growth, recognize progress and empower teams to learn and grow through real work, we build confidence and a stronger sense of higher purpose in public service.”
The Abu Dhabi Leadership Forum is part of DGE’s broader efforts to strengthen leadership effectiveness across government and embed consistent practices that support sustained performance.
It builds on growing momentum across government, with thousands of employees participating in AI learning, digital upskilling, and capability-building initiatives.
