The CIPD has announced the finalists for its fifth annual Middle East People Awards.

The awards celebrate the relentless efforts and outstanding achievements of individuals, teams and employers who are 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.

Winners will be announced on 7 December 2023 at the Awards Gala Dinner, taking place at The Westin, Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina. Over 200 people professionals from the region's leading employers are expected to attend to 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