HR Tech Abu Dhabi Announces Debbie French and Ruth Dance in Key Leadership Roles

The appointments combine international business events expertise and deep regional HR community experience ahead of the event’s debut in November 2027

AI & EDTECH

Ruth Dance - Debbie French

11/6/20262 min read

Following the recent regional launch of HR Tech Abu Dhabi 2027, Arc Network has announced Debbie French as International Portfolio Director and Ruth Dance as International Director of Community.

French and Dance offer extensive experience in international business events, workforce development and human resources, vital skills that will support the launch and growth of the HR Tech brand in the region.

Making its debut in Abu Dhabi in November 2027, HR Tech will bring together HR leaders, technology providers, policymakers and industry experts to explore how artificial intelligence, technology and human-centred approaches are shaping the future of work.

Debbie French leads HR Tech’s Europe and Middle East portfolio at Arc Network. With more than 20 years of experience in the business events industry, she has a strong track record of launching brands in new markets, building government and industry partnerships, and driving international growth. She has held senior roles at Ascential Events, Clarion Events and Strategy Insights before joining Arc Network in 2023. She began her career as a producer at the BBC.

“Abu Dhabi presents an exciting opportunity to bring the global HR technology conversation to the region and create a platform that reflects the evolving needs of its workforce,” said Debbie French. “Our ambition is to connect international expertise with regional priorities, helping organisations explore new ideas, technologies and approaches to the future of work.”

As Director of Community, Ruth Dance will focus on building connections across the HR ecosystem, bringing together practitioners, leaders, technology providers, analysts and investors to encourage collaboration and exchange of ideas.

Based in the UAE, Ruth brings 20 years of experience across learning and organisational development, HR technology and advisory work. She is co-founder of EXE: Employee Experience Exchange, a community for HR, culture, leadership and communications professionals across the GCC, and leads The GCC People Pulse, a monthly workforce research tracker. A qualified coach, she is also a regular speaker and host at conferences and on podcasts, radio and television.

“Strong HR communities are built on the exchange of ideas, shared experiences and meaningful connections,” said Ruth Dance. “HR Tech Abu Dhabi will create opportunities for the region’s HR professionals to learn from one another, explore emerging technologies and shape a more human-centred future of work.”

About HR Tech

HR Tech is the industry's premier event series showcasing breakthrough HR technologies, with its flagship U.S. conference serving as its cornerstone since 1997. HR Tech in the U.S. features the world's largest expo of innovative HR solutions, live product demonstrations and the industry’s preeminent startup competition. The HR Tech portfolio has expanded globally with additional annual events in Europe and Asia, creating a worldwide network of innovation hubs that shape the future of work.

HR Tech is part of the event arm of HR Executive, a prestigious global media company established in 1987 that delivers news, content and analysis of strategic HR trends to more than 220,000 subscribers worldwide. The synergy between the events and media channels enables the brands to create a comprehensive knowledge ecosystem that addresses all aspects of human resource management, establishing the organization as the definitive authority for visionary HR leaders. Visit www.HRTechConference.com to learn more.

About HR Tech Abu Dhabi

HR Tech Abu Dhabi is the regional extension of the HR Tech platform, bringing together senior HR, business, government and technology leaders to explore workforce transformation, HR technology and the future of work across the GCC and wider region.

Ruth’s profile: linkedin.com/in/ruth-dance

Debbie’s profile: Linkedin.com/in/debbiebarkerfrench