The CIPD has announced the finalists for its fifth annual Middle East People Awards. This year’s entries tell inspiring stories of innovation, leadership and resilience from employers who are putting people first as they prepare the future of work.

The awards celebrate the relentless efforts and outstanding achievements of individuals, teams and employers dedicated to fostering a workplace environment where people thrive and innovation flourishes. With a focus on innovation, leadership, and resilience, the awards demonstrate how employers across the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region are actively putting people first as they prepare for the future of work.

Each of this year’s awards categories is a testament to the evolving landscape of HR practices and people development. From Best Nationalisation Initiative to Best HR/L&D Consultancy and Best Change Management Initiative, the categories have evolved to reflect the dynamic needs of the ever-changing world of work.

A judging panel of senior regional people professionals and CIPD experts have evaluated the entries based on their impact on individuals, alignment with business objectives, innovation, and a holistic approach that prioritises people.

Commenting on this year’s entries, Stuart Dunlop, Regional Director, CIPD said: “From flexibility to digital transformation, an increased focus on wellbeing and mental health and digitally-enabled learning initiatives, this year’s entries told inspiring stories of innovation, leadership and resilience – showing how Middle East employers are preparing for the future of work.”

Winners will be announced on 7 December 2023 at the Awards Gala Dinner at The Westin, Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina. Over 200 senior business leaders from the region’s leading employers will attend the gala dinner.

The finalists are:

Best Change Management Initiative

Alkhorayef Group
National Bank of Fujairah
Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority

Best Nationalisation Initiative

Pink Squid (on behalf of Alshaya Group)
Saudi Ground Services (SGS)
Emirates Group
Oman Tourism and Development Company (OMRAN Group)
Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF)

Best Learning and Development Programme

NEOM
Saudi Aramco – The Safe Advanced Training (SAT) programme
Saudi Ground Services (SGS)
Dubai Police
ADNOC

Most Impactful Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative

Zain
Bupa Arabia
Tabreed
Riyad Bank

People Team of the Year

Guinness World Records
STC
Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority

Best Employee Engagement Initiative

Tamkeen
STC
Saudi Aramco
Bupa Arabia
PureHealth

Best Recruitment and Talent Management Strategy

Saudi Ground Service (SGS)
Riyadh Airport Company
Savola Foods Company
Riyad Bank

Best HR Leadership Development Programme

STC
Tamkeen
Tabreed

Best HR, L&D, and OD Consultancy

STC
Talogy in partnership with Red Sea Global
Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority
CLD MENA

Employer of the Year

Tamkeen
Bahri
Bupa Arabia
Standard Chartered Bank

Rising Star of the People Profession

Carmen-Dora Hosciuc-Rendi
Faye Truin
Sara Alalshaikh
Latifa AlAmeri
- _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

About the Awards CIPD Middle East Awards (cipdawards.com)

About CIPD

The CIPD has been championing better work and working lives for over 100 years. It helps organisations thrive by focusing on their people to build stronger economies and societies. It’s the professional body for HR, L&D, OD, and all people professionals – experts in people, work and change. With almost 160,000 members globally – and a growing community using its research, insights, and learning – it gives trusted advice and offers independent thought leadership. It’s a leading voice in the call for good work that creates value for everyone. www.cipd.org/ae