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The GCC CHRO Masterclass
Four weeks with the people who are shaping the GCC's boardrooms for the next decade.
+22%
CHROs in the boardroom since 2022
+192%
Increase in CHRO designations since 2020
$2M
Median total CHRO compensation globally
The First Executive Masterclass designed exclusively for CHROs operating in the GCC
Most executive business school HR programmes are built for a global audience and localised at best. Informa Connect Academy’s GCC CHRO Masterclass is a thoroughly researched and designed programme, built around what GCC CHROs are actually up against: nationalisation mandates, workforces made up of 80+ nationalities, agile AI adoption, and national transformation agendas that move faster than most companies can respond to.
Four weeks for CHROs who've already proven themselves and are ready to lead as commercial voices in the boardroom, not just run the HR function.
Trusted by some of the best in business
Built around the challenges shaping the future of HR
Explore eight executive learning pillars designed specifically for today's GCC CHRO
Enterprise Leadership and Board Influence
Transformation and Organisational Execution
Future Workforce and Capability Strategy
GCC Workforce Resilience and Localisation |
Culture, Trust and Retention
Strategic Talent Capital and Workforce Value Creation |
Digital, Al and People Analytics |
People Function Governance and CHRO Resilience |
A programme built around one strategic role: CHRO
This is what executive HR leadership looks like when it's built around the GCC from day one. See what that actually means for you, ready to put it into practice.
● Capstone Project: board-ready deliverable
● Hogan Leadership Forecast Series
● The Insight Dinner (private, CHRO-only)
● HRSE Delegate Pass
● 5 Full In-Person Programme Days
● Virtual Structured Case Circle
● Graduation at HRSE Awards Night
What you will master
Influence C-suite decisions and articulate human capital value at board level
Lead large-scale transformations that deliver measurable business impact
Anticipate workforce trends and develop proactive capability strategies
Navigate GCC complexities through effective localisation and resilient workforce models
Shape high-performance cultures that drive engagement and retention
Position human capital as a strategic asset with measurable business value
Leverage AI and people analytics whilst balancing data with ethical judgement
Establish governance frameworks and build personal resilience for CHRO success
Contact us
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CHRO Masterclass?
The CHRO Masterclass is a four-week executive programme by Informa Connect Academy, built exclusively for Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) working in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Cohort 1 runs from September to October 2026 in Dubai, UAE.
Who is the CHRO Masterclass for?
The programme is for active CHROs, or those stepping into a CHRO or equivalent role, who are based in or focused on the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, or Oman.
How long is the CHRO Masterclass?
The programme runs over four weeks, combining in-person modules, one virtual session, and a final capstone and graduation day. It is not a single intensive week; the extended format is designed to give participants time to apply learning between sessions.
How much does the GCC CHRO Masterclass cost?
The programme fee is USD 14,000. Group and early registration rates are available.
What is included in the programme fee?
The fee includes the Hogan Leadership Forecast Series assessment, Six in-person programme days, a full HRSE delegate pass, all programme materials, the Insight Dinner, the virtual structured case circle, graduation at the HRSE Awards Night, and an ICA programme certificate.
What is the Hogan Leadership Forecast Series?
The Hogan Leadership Forecast Series is a leadership assessment tool used by the majority of Fortune 500 companies. In this programme, it is included as a core component, not an optional add-on. Delegates complete it online before the programme starts, receive a facilitated group debrief, and keep the full written report afterward.
Does the CHRO Masterclass include a certificate?
Yes. Delegates who complete the programme receive an Informa Connect Academy programme certificate.
Who will deliver the course?
The programme uses three layers of faculty: a Global Anchor present throughout the programme, specialist faculty leading each of the ten curriculum pillars, and a practicing senior GCC CHRO who joins for an off-the-record peer session.
What is the capstone project in the GCC CHRO Masterclass?
You will work on a real analysis of a real GCC HR challenge designed to be taken straight into your boardroom.
What topics does the GCC CHRO Masterclass curriculum cover?
The curriculum covers eight pillars: Enterprise Leadership and Board Influence, Transformation and Organisational Execution, Future Workforce and Capability Strategy, GCC Workforce Resilience and Localisation, Culture, Trust and Retention. Strategic Talent Capital and Workforce Value Creation, Digital, Al and People Analytics Judgement and People Function Governance and CHRO Resilience.
Does the GCC CHRO Masterclass include access to HRSE?
Yes. A full, complimentary HRSE delegate pass is included in the programme fee. HRSE is described as the region's largest HR conference, and no separate registration is required.
How many delegates are in each cohort?
The cohort is kept intentionally small and exclusive to CHROs only, so that every participant holds the same seniority level. Specific cohort size is available by contacting the programme team directly.
How do I register for the GCC CHRO Masterclass?
Places for Cohort 1 are allocated on a first-come, employer-sponsored basis. Interested candidates can register via the programme website or contact Yzel Alarcon at meenquiries@informa.com or call +971 55 176 0524