Winners including Bupa Arabia, Abu Dhabi Police, and the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources were also recognised for their contributions to the people profession across the region.
We were thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Middle East People Awards this week at our celebratory gala dinner in Dubai. The awards celebrate individuals, teams and organisations that demonstrate innovation and impact in people management and development.
This year, the independent judging panel – including HR professionals and CIPD experts – reviewed more than 200 entries, the highest number since the awards began in 2019. Entries came from a variety of sectors, providing an opportunity to reflect on the Middle East region’s progress in professionalising the HR function across all industries. The awards also featured a brand new digital innovation and AI award, in recognition of the ways in which the profession is responding to the challenges and opportunities that AI brings to the workplace.
A panel of 28 judges carefully considered the shortlists to select a worthy winner for each of the 12 award categories. They were looking for evidence of forward-thinking initiatives that delivered measurable results and which aligned closely with their organisation’s business strategy.
“We saw a record number of high-quality entries, demonstrating the breadth of innovation in the region. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists for their dedication to better work and working lives.”
The first ever award for best digital innovation/AI innovation went to the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources. Judge Gareth Powell, Group Chief Human Resources Officer at First Abu Dhabi Bank, said:
“This category is front and centre for all CHROs worldwide and I was very impressed by the overall standard of submissions. However, this particular submission stood out above all others because of the personalised services it is offering to employees across the organisation.”
This year’s People Team of the Year award went to Red Sea Global. The judges said that the organisation had set a new standard with their commitment to building Saudi talent, advocating for blue-collar worker rights, and promoting work-life sustainability. Their innovative initiatives, which also extend to contract staff, were seen to have significantly contributed to their projects and the wider tourism industry.
Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority were recognised for delivering the best learning and development initiative for its Itqan ‘Mystery’ On-Job Customs Training initiative. The judges commented that it ‘truly set the standard for innovation in learning and development’. They also praised the organisation for its deep commitment to cultivating talent and creating transformative programmes that empower individuals, drive organisational success, and contribute to building a resilient, future-ready workforce for the sector.
When it came to the crucial topic of equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I), Abu Dhabi Police scooped the prize. The judges said that its ‘innovative approach to tackling multiple pillars of ED&I was truly inspiring, showcasing a commitment to enabling everyone to thrive’. They also felt that the entry included impactful examples and data which demonstrated the organisation’s genuine passion for driving meaningful, lasting change.
Employer of the year, Bupa Arabia, was praised for its unwavering focus on talent attraction and retention. The judges were also impressed by the organisation’s work to align their HR strategies with the business strategy.
People Team of the Year: Red Sea Global
Most Impactful Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Initiative: Abu Dhabi Police
Best Learning and Development Initiative: Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority | The Itqan “Mystery” On-Job Customs Training initiative
Best Talent Management Strategy: Riyadh Airports Company
Best Digital Innovation / AI Initiative in HR: Federal Authority for Government Human Resources
Best Nationalisation Initiative: Abu Dhabi Police
Rising Star of the People Profession: Mohamed Adil Abdalla Eisa Al-Ali, UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)
Best Employee Engagement Initiative: Bahri
Employer of the Year: Bupa Arabia
Outstanding CIPD Student of the Year: Arushi Pande
Best Change Management Initiative: General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai
Best Wellbeing Programme: Hamad Medical Corporation
A special thank you to our five sponsors, for their support in helping us to celebrate the best of the people profession in the Middle East:
Taaeen Consulting & Talent Development – prestigious sponsor
Oakwood International – platinum sponsor
PwC’s Academy – gold sponsor
ICS Learn Group – bronze sponsor
The University of Manchester Middle East Centre – bronze sponsor
To nominate your organisation or an individual, or become a sponsor for next year’s awards, get in touch.
Join with us in championing better work and working lives across the Middle East
Find out how our Middle East Advisory Committees inform our work to support and raise the profile of the people profession in the region
