What PAForums 2025 revealed about the next era of people analytics
The People Analytics Forums (PAForums) convened senior HR leaders, analytics experts and public/private-sector decision-makers to confront a growing reality: AI is not just automating tasks, it is quietly reshaping how employability is defined, measured and sustained.
Under the theme ‘The Silent Replacement: Rethinking Employability in the Age of AI’, PAForum 2025 (held in Riyadh) captured a clear sense of urgency. Attendees exchanged practical strategies and real-world case studies on how to anticipate skill shifts, redesign roles, and equip people to thrive alongside intelligent technologies.
From opening remarks to the closing session, the forum emphasized that organizations must move from passive awareness of AI’s impact to active redesign of talent practices. The conversation centered on three strategic priorities: equipping people with in-demand skills, operationalizing analytics for predictive workforce planning, and embedding ethical, inclusive practices that protect and empower employees.
Khalid AlKhudairi, Senior Partner at Maven Insights, commented: “The ‘silent replacement’ demands more than technology adoption, it requires a reimagination of employability. Organizations that integrate analytics with human-centered strategies will define the next era of competitive advantage.”
Keynotes, Insights and Executive Dialogue
Over 100 participants attended this year’s forum, connecting with global leaders and exploring the future of work in the age of AI. The keynote sessions tackled pressing challenges, from AI adoption to reshaping human potential, with a clear message: analytics and adaptive skills are essential for resilient, future-ready organizations.
The forum welcomed four international experts whose diverse perspectives converged on a single message: organizations must leverage analytics to stay resilient in an era of rapid change.
Dr. Sandra Loughlin explored the shift from degrees to skills and the growing importance of micro-credentials. Dr. Amit Mohindra highlighted the uniquely human strengths of empathy, creativity, and critical thinking.
Dr. Solange Charas added insight on how leaders can use data and analytics to guide AI-enabled organizations. Meanwhile, Ross Sparkman explained how strategic workforce planning can support organizations prepare for Gen AI and develop future-ready workforces.
Executive dialogue and regional leadership
A key part of the event was the panel discussion that gathered top Saudi HR executives, including Ahmed Alhomoud, Mohammad Alfawazi, Ghassan Nasser, and Waleed Al Marshad, who offered frontline perspectives and insights on adapting, upskilling, and aligning human potential with artificial intelligence.
Their collective insights highlighted the critical role of human capital in accelerating Saudi Arabia’s transformation under Vision 2030, and offered practical strategies to shape the future of workforce performance in organizations.
PAAwards
At the event, Maven Insights also handed out the PAAwards – awards that recognize tangible excellence in people analytics across the MENA and Gulf region.
Winners were celebrated across key categories, and demonstrated clear evidence of improved workforce outcomes, from predictive talent planning and engagement gains to measurable productivity and compliance improvements.
The Future of Workforce Transformation
Reflecting on the event, Al Khudairi said that the 8th edition of the People Analytics Forums reaffirmed its reputation as one of the region’s most impactful gatherings for HR and people analytics professionals.
“The next decade will belong to organizations that can blend analytics, technology, and human capability. PAForum plays a vital role in equipping leaders with the mindset and tools to shape that future.”
