Short Bio

Dr. AbdulQuddus Mohammed is a globally recognized educator, author, and thought leader with over 20 years of experience transforming education and leadership development across the GCC and beyond. Currently serving as Assistant Professor at the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), UAE, he is dedicated to empowering Generation Z with the mental codes to thrive in the AI-driven future.
A dynamic keynote speaker and certified expert in HR and leadership, Dr. Mohammed has delivered impactful sessions at Expo 2020, SHRM, UAE University, FAHR, and other global forums. His signature themes—AI for Leadership, Future of Work, Digital Fluency, Entrepreneurial Mindset, and Sustainable Leadership—bridge academia with industry realities.
He is the author of the upcoming book “Thrive AI: Codes for Generation Z to Survive in the AI Age”, a practical guide on leading in a disruptive world. His work integrates AI, HR analytics, and competency-based education to prepare students and professionals for meaningful impact in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Dr. Mohammed holds a DBA from ESC Clermont Business School (France), Ph.D. in HR Management, and is a Fellow of CIPD, CMI, HEA, and SHRM-CP certified. His career is marked by numerous accolades including the ACBSP Teaching Excellence Award (2024), Sheikh Mansour Best HR Research Award (2020), and Queen Effat Excellence in Teaching Award (2014).
Driven by the belief that “AI can process data, but it is the human spirit that shapes the future,” Dr. Mohammed continues to inspire young minds to lead with creativity, ethics, and resilience.

Abstract of the Speech

By 2030, the future of work will be defined not by static job titles but by adaptable skills that enable people to collaborate effectively with AI based agentic intelligent systems. The World Economic Forum (2025) projects that 60% of core skills required for the job market will change by 2030, with this global labor market experiencing both disruption and opportunity: 92 million jobs displaced and 170 million created, a net gain of 78 million roles, which no one knows. Yet the scale of change is daunting: 59% of workers will require retraining within just five years. Industry is already responding—78% of firms report AI adoption in at least one business function (McKinsey, 2025), and PwC (2025) finds that skill requirements in AI-exposed jobs are evolving 66% faster than in non-exposed roles.
Emerging skill demands cluster in three domains. Technical skills such as AI, big data, cybersecurity, and digital literacy are accelerating in demand. Human skills—critical thinking, adaptability, resilience, and creativity—remain enduring and essential. At the same time, ethical competencies—governance, fairness, inclusion, and human agency—are gaining prominence as AI reshapes decision-making and work processes.
For higher education, the implications are profound. Research suggests that up to 60% of curricula risk misalignment with labor market needs, while static degree models cannot keep pace with rapid change. Faculty themselves require retraining to integrate AI into pedagogy and assessment. To remain relevant, universities must shift from degree-centric models to skills-first, adaptive learning ecosystems. This includes modular, stackable micro-credentials; AI-integrated, work-based projects; and continuous learning platforms supported by AI tutors and simulators. Equally urgent are embedding AI ethics and AI governance training (UNESCO, 2025), fostering academia–industry partnerships for skills forecasting and internships, and investing in faculty development and institutional AI governance.
This keynote will provide a blueprint for universities to transition into dynamic ecosystems of lifelong learning, equipping graduates not only with technical fluency but also with the capacity to collaborate with AI responsibly, creatively, and inclusively.