Organised independently by the CIPD, the CIPD Middle East People Awards recognise individuals, teams and organisations across the MENA region for their outstanding achievements in people management and development.

As disruption has become the norm and with the world grappling with humanitarian and economic crises, organisations around the world are having to be agile and to hire, retain and develop talent. "From flexibility to digital transformation, an increased focus on wellbeing & 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", says Charlotte Chedeville, Regional Head of Operations – MENA at CIPD.

Judged by a panel of senior regional HR professionals and CIPD global experts, the Awards span across ten categories. Sifting through nearly a hundred nominations, the judges were looking for entries that demonstrated high people impact, alignment with the business, innovation and a holistic approach that puts people first.

Winners will be announced on 8 December at the Awards Gala Dinner, taking place on the lawn of the Address Montgomerie in Dubai. Featuring Paralympic Champion Mark Colbourne MBE, CIPD Chair of the Board Valerie Hughes D’Aeth, the black-tie event celebrates the people at the heart of our businesses. 100 people professionals from the region's leading employers are expected to attend to shares ideas and make new connections, to the sound of homegrown jazz band Lady J Trio.

The finalists are:

BEST RECRUITMENT & TALENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

• Bahri
• Riyad Bank
• e&
• KEO International Consultants

BEST DIGITAL INNOVATION IN HR

• Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), UAE
• Zakaat Tax Authority, Saudi Arabia

EMPLOYER OF CHOICE

• Savola Group
• Bahri
• Bupa Arabia
• Saudi Railway Company

BEST HEALTH & WELLBEING PROGRAMME

• Red Sea Global
• Standard Chartered
• Dar Al Riyadh

BEST COACHING & MENTORING INITIATIVE

• Bupa Arabia
• Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)
• Standard Chartered
• Riyad Bank

BEST EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE

• Atlantis Dubai
• Mobily
• Solutions by STC
• Bupa Arabia n

MOST IMPACTFUL DIVERSITY & INCLUSION INITIATIVE

• The Leading National Academy (LNA), Saudi Arabia
• Bupa Arabia
• Riyad Bank

HR / L&D TEAM OF THE YEAR

• Dar Al Riyadh
• Saudi Ground Services (SGS)
• Abu Dhabi Police Headquarters
• Atlantis Dubai

BEST L&D PROGRAMME

• Standard Chartered
• Accor
• Dar Al Riyadh

HR RISING STAR OF THE YEAR

• Sarra Al Breiki
• Ridip Bordoloi
• Karen Rose Sariego

"HR has played a vital role in restoring and reprioritising business goals in recent years and it why both organisations and employees have remained resilient despite difficult times. That’s why now, more than ever, it’s important to recognise people professionals for their hard work and dedication", concludes Colin Kennedy, CEO at ICS Learn Group, Learning Partner of the event.

To book your seat, please visit www.cipdawards.com or email events@cipd.ae