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We're now open for entries for the NEW Business Culture Awards MENA.
If you'd like to see what’s required to showcase your company culture initiative in the MENA region, download an Entry Kit now.
To talk through your initiative and the category it would be best suited for, contact the team on +971 50 394 9697, or at mena@businesscultureawards.com
This award recognises organisations that have positioned their unique workplace culture at the heart of their employer brand and/or their consumer brand. They will have clearly articulated values, and will be able to demonstrate how these have positively impacted on mindsets and behaviours within the organisation and/or in interactions with customers. Behaviour change should be sustained and consistent and have had an impact on business outcomes. Our judges will look to understand how the brand and values have been developed and how they have advanced; for example, how the employer brand has been aligned with the consumer brand(s). Evidence should be provided of the benefits they have brought to the organisation; for example, the impact on employer visibility and reputation; on the attraction, retention and engagement of staff and customers. Finally, entrants should clearly demonstrate the journey to achieving this strong brand and values, including how any barriers or challenges were overcome.
Effective learning has the capacity to inspire individuals to do their best work and can have a transformative effect on the organisation as a whole. Innovation in learning and a blended approach to how interventions are delivered have enabled learning to be more effectively embedded, leading to true, long term mindset and behaviour change. Entrants in this category will be able to show how their learning approach has impacted on organisational culture and the business benefits that have arisen as a result of the initiative as a whole; for example upskilling/reskilling employees in line with new business priorities. Judges will be looking to understand how this focus on learning has been enacted, resulting in a reinvigorated culture that has the renewed confidence of employees and other stakeholders. As well as describing how the culture of the business has changed, submissions should also fully outline the transformation journey itself, including how any barriers or challenges were overcome.
This award recognises organisations that have advanced employee health and wellbeing, increasing engagement and strengthening business culture as a result. The focus could be on physical, mental or financial wellbeing or a blend of all of these. Entrants may, for example, consider wellbeing in the context of the cost of living crisis, the introduction of different ways of working, or the increase in stress and burn-out in organisations. The judges will look to understand how wellbeing initiatives have been developed and advanced, and the impact this has had. Evidence should be provided of the benefits it has brought to the organisation; for example, the impact on the attraction, retention and engagement of staff. Finally, entrants should clearly demonstrate the initiative’s journey, including how any barriers or challenges were overcome.
When, where and how we work has been in flux in recent years, with more geographically dispersed workforces; advanced technologies; variations to traditional working weeks; and to how teams come together. This is transforming the rhythm of work, how decisions get made and how engaged people feel. In this context, the need to sustain a positive culture is hugely important. This category is open to companies who have introduced different ways of working and have aligned their culture accordingly. Examples include: connecting remote, hybrid or frontline teams more effectively; introducing more agile ways of working; reimagining physical workspaces; or introducing more flexible approaches to the working week. The judges are keen to grasp how employees themselves have helped to shape their new ways of working, how the culture has supported the change and how the resulting practices have had a positive impact on employee engagement. They will also be keen to understand the business benefits that have arisen as a result. As well as describing how the culture of the business has been impacted, submissions should also fully outline the transformation journey itself, including how any barriers or challenges were overcome.
Coaching, mentoring or otherwise developing individuals through ongoing, targeted and specific activities and conversations can have wide-reaching benefits for the organisation and for the individuals. It can develop and retain your critical talent; provide a stabilising factor during change; facilitate knowledge-sharing and skill-transfer; as well as boosting people’s performance and motivation or supporting their career transition. Judges will be looking to understand how your coaching, mentoring and/or personal development/performance management initiatives have supported the organisation’s performance and success and how far-reaching the impact has been in terms of developing a coaching culture or more effective performance. You will need to outline all steps of the project, including planning, implementation, measurement, outcome, and next steps. You will also need to outline clearly who has been involved (and include a rationale as to why these people were selected in the case of coaches, coachees and personal development groups).
Technology and analytics have the capacity to transform how things get done day-to-day in businesses large and small. This award is open to organisations who can demonstrate a people-first approach to using technology, analytics or both, effectively. The judges will be keen to grasp how organisations have enacted this focus on technology and/or analytics; what the cultural impact has been; and how this has enhanced the confidence of stakeholders. Entrants will show how their organisations have progressed technology and/or analytics at a cultural level, not an operational one, and what business benefits have arisen as a result. As well as describing how the culture of the business has changed, submissions should also fully outline the transformation journey itself, including how any barriers or challenges were overcome.
The Best Young Emirati Talent in Business award recognizes exceptional young Emirati professionals who are driving innovation, leadership, and growth within the UAE’s dynamic business landscape. This award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex business challenges with vision and resilience. Nominees for this category are not only excelling in their respective industries but are also shaping the future of business in the UAE through creativity, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. They embody the values of ambition, adaptability, and forward-thinking leadership that are essential in today’s fast-evolving market. This award highlights the achievements of young Emiratis who serve as role models, inspiring peers and future generations to pursue excellence and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic growth. By honoring these rising stars, the award underscores the importance of nurturing homegrown talent, fostering entrepreneurial initiatives, and celebrating those who are poised to become the next leaders of the UAE’s thriving business community.
The Best Female Emirati Entrepreneur or Talent in Business award celebrates the outstanding achievements of Emirati women who are redefining the business landscape in the UAE. This accolade recognizes women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit, driving growth and inspiring positive change within their industries. Nominees for this award are distinguished by their ability to turn vision into impact, whether through launching successful ventures, spearheading transformative projects, or pioneering initiatives that challenge conventions. They exemplify resilience, strategic thinking, and creativity, setting new benchmarks for excellence in the business community. This award highlights the invaluable contributions of female Emirati leaders who serve as role models, inspiring peers and future generations to pursue ambitious goals with confidence and determination. By honoring these trailblazers, the award underscores the UAE’s commitment to empowering women, fostering diversity in business, and celebrating those who are shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative economy.
Entries are open for the Business Culture Awards MENA.Download the Entry Kit to learn how to showcase your company culture.