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The year 2025 marked an important period for governance professionals in the Middle East, with a series of Governance Conferences that brought together board members, executives, and legal experts to discuss transparency, compliance, and strategic oversight. Alongside these major conferences, Hawkamah also offered Hawkamah workshops, providing focused, hands-on sessions that allowed participants to enhance practical governance skills and apply best practices directly within their organizations.
Flagship Events and Key Conferences
Among the most prominent gatherings was the 16th Annual Board Secretary and General Counsel Conference, held in May 2025. This event brought together senior legal and governance professionals to discuss critical topics such as board effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and strategic risk management. Attendees gained a clearer understanding of how transparency and accountability drive better corporate decisions while networking with peers from leading organizations.
Earlier in the year, the Director Development Program (DDP) in Dubai, spanning from January to February, offered a deep dive into governance fundamentals, leadership, and boardroom responsibilities. Structured across multiple parts, this program allowed participants to build essential skills incrementally, covering subjects from strategic oversight to financial stewardship and accountability. Complementing this were the Women Leadership Program sessions, which promoted diversity and leadership excellence for female executives in governance roles.
Specialized Workshops and Hands-On Learning
Throughout 2025, Hawkamah’s interactive workshops provided professionals with practical tools and techniques to improve board performance:
- Certified Board Secretary Workshops: These multi-day programs delivered targeted training for board secretaries, focusing on meeting management, compliance, and documentation best practices.
- Board Secretaries Masterclass: A more intensive session aimed at enhancing strategic decision-making and boardroom efficiency.
- Advanced Skills for Board Meeting Management: Focused workshops helping participants develop practical skills to conduct productive and transparent meetings.
- Cybersecurity Governance Workshop: Addressed the increasing importance of digital security, providing frameworks for risk mitigation and board-level oversight.
- Strategic Leadership Programs: Strengthened participants’ ability to influence organizational strategy, cultivate innovation, and navigate complex governance challenges.
- Women Leadership Sessions: Empowered female leaders to advance in board roles while promoting inclusive corporate governance practices.
These workshops not only offered theory but also emphasized real-world application, enabling participants to integrate governance best practices into their organizational structures.
Online Learning and AI Integration
In addition to in-person events, Hawkamah expanded its online offerings to provide accessible governance training for professionals across the region:
- Corporate Governance and Control Environment Webinar (June 2025): Focused on improving risk oversight and internal control frameworks.
- The AI-Powered Boardroom: Shaping the Future of Governance and C-Suite Decision-Making (September 2025): Highlighted how AI can enhance strategic decision-making and optimize board efficiency.
- Arabic Online Programs: Including Introduction to Corporate Governance and DDP – The Board, these sessions catered to Arabic-speaking professionals, ensuring language accessibility while covering critical governance principles.
The integration of technology and online learning allowed participants to engage with experts, gain actionable insights, and apply innovative tools to their governance roles without geographical constraints.
Impact and Takeaways
The 2025 Hawkamah events successfully combined high-level conferences with practical workshops and online programs, creating a holistic learning experience. Participants walked away with:
- Enhanced knowledge of governance frameworks, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
- Practical skills in board leadership, strategic oversight, and meeting facilitation.
- Exposure to emerging trends, including AI in decision-making and ESG reporting.
- Expanded professional networks across industries and regions.
By offering a blend of in-person and virtual experiences, Hawkamah ensured that governance professionals at all levels could benefit from the programs, from new board members to seasoned executives.
Conclusion
Looking back on 2025, Hawkamah’s conferences, workshops, and webinars have reinforced the importance of continuous professional development in corporate governance. These events empowered participants to strengthen boards, foster transparency, and align organizational practices with global standards. As governance challenges evolve, such initiatives remain crucial in shaping the future of corporate leadership across the Middle East and beyond, positioning Hawkamah as a leading institute in governance excellence.