What makes for a winning entry?
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.
And the winners are…
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.