Session One

Keeping Pace with Change: The GCC Payroll & Employment Law Update 2026
The regulatory landscape across the GCC continues to evolve, bringing new challenges and opportunities for payroll professionals. From employment law updates and localisation initiatives to wage protection, social security reforms and increasing compliance requirements, payroll teams must stay informed to support their organisations effectively.

In this session, Kaoutar Makrache will present the latest legislative and regulatory developments affecting payroll across the GCC, highlighting the practical implications for employers and payroll teams. She will share expert insights into what has changed, what organisations need to be aware of, and the key actions payroll professionals should take to remain compliant and prepared for the future.
Speaker: Kaoutar Makrache, Head of Payroll and Compliance of Cercli 

REGISTRATION AND REFRESHMENTS

NETWORKING AND REFRESHMENTS

Session Two

Will AI Replace Humans? It's the Wrong Question.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about topics in payroll, with vendors promising smarter automation, greater efficiency and faster decision-making. But the real question isn't whether AI will replace payroll professionals—it's how AI will change the way they work. In this thought-provoking session, Rick Hammell will explore where AI is genuinely adding value today, where the technology still has limitations, and why human expertise remains essential in a profession built on trust, compliance and judgement.

Drawing on his experience building AI-enabled payroll technology, Rick will demonstrate how organisations can use AI to automate repetitive tasks, improve accuracy and provide better insights, while allowing payroll professionals to focus on the areas where they make the greatest impact. This is not a discussion about replacing people—it is about equipping payroll teams with the tools they need to become more strategic, more efficient and better prepared for the future of work.
Speaker: Rick Hammell, Founder & CEO of Globalli 

Session Three

The Future of Payroll in Dubai: Challenges, Collaboration and Community

Payroll professionals have always been at the heart of business resilience. As organisations navigate an increasingly unpredictable world, the profession must continue to evolve.

This collaborative session will explore the current challenges affecting payroll—including the geopolitical environment, regulatory change, technology and talent—and discuss practical ways the payroll community can work together to strengthen the profession, support one another and create new opportunities for future growth.

Because if there's one thing we know about Dubai, it's this: Dubai doesn't stand still. It adapts, innovates and moves forward. The payroll community reflects that same spirit, and together we can ensure the profession continues to thrive.
Panellists - 
Patrick O'Neill, Global Head of EOR and Payroll Sales @ Transfermate
Vijaya Nair, Principal Consultant @ Emplify Consulting GZE Dubai
Anirudhe Ghosh, Head of Sales, Marketing and Growth @ Adecco
Smruti Varma, Partner at PWC