Inspiring Workplaces names 2026 Middle East and Africa winners

By AI, Created 9:23 AM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Inspiring Workplaces Group announced its 2026 Middle East & Africa awards winners on May 18 during an online ceremony, ranking the region’s top 10 PeopleFirst workplaces. Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment took No. 1, with Burson, KEO, Savola Foods Company, Emirates Islamic and Qatar Airways Group among the other top finishers.

Why it matters: - The rankings spotlight employers in the Middle East and Africa that are using culture, trust and belonging as business tools, not just HR themes. - The awards signal which organizations are setting the pace on employee experience in a work environment shaped by uncertainty, technology change and shifting expectations. - The recognition can help winners strengthen recruiting, retention and reputation across the region.

What happened: - Inspiring Workplaces Group announced the 2026 Inspiring Workplaces Awards winners for the Middle East & Africa on May 18, 2026. - The winners and rankings were revealed at an online ceremony. - Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment ranked No. 1. - Burson ranked No. 2. - KEO and Savola Foods Company tied at No. 3. - Concentrix ranked No. 4. - EDGE GROUP PJSC and Intelcia tied at No. 5. - Emirates Islamic ranked No. 6. - American Creativity Academy ranked No. 7. - Xworks Interiors LLC ranked No. 8. - Sharjah Electricity & Water Authority, or SEWA, ranked No. 9. - Qatar Airways Group and DAS Holding tied at No. 10.

The details: - The awards recognize organizations that build PeopleFirst cultures based on trust, purpose and belonging. - The judging process uses six elements: culture and purpose, leadership, wellbeing, inclusion and belonging, employee voice and employee experience. - Entries were reviewed by an independent panel of expert judges, and scores determined the rankings. - Savola Foods Company also received best-in-class recognition for inspiring culture and purpose, inspiring leadership, inspiring employee voice and inspiring employee experience. - Concentrix received best-in-class recognition for inspiring culture and purpose. - Intelcia received best-in-class recognition for inspiring wellbeing. - Inspiring Workplaces said organizations are being honored for going beyond policies and programs to create environments where people feel valued, included and empowered to thrive.

Between the lines: - The list shows a growing focus on workplace culture as a competitive advantage in the Middle East and Africa. - Savola Foods Company’s multiple special recognitions suggest a broad-based score across several culture dimensions, not just one standout category. - The awards also reflect a wider shift in leadership expectations, with employee wellbeing and voice treated as core performance drivers. - Matt Manners, founder of Inspiring Workplaces Group, said putting people first is now a necessity, not a nice-to-have, amid economic uncertainty and technological disruption.

What’s next: - Organizations can enter the 2027 Inspiring Workplaces Awards in regions including North America, Latin America, UK & Ireland, Europe, Asia, Middle East & Africa and Australasia. - The deadline to enter the 2027 awards is February 24, 2027. - More information is available here. - Inspiring Workplaces also offered sponsorship opportunities and invited interested organizations to contact matt@inspiring-workplaces.com.

The bottom line: - The 2026 rankings put a regional spotlight on employers treating workplace culture as a measurable business strategy.