Shortlist announced for the 2026 CIPD Middle East People Awards
This year's shortlist reflects a strong focus on skills, capability and people performance. Winners will be announced in Dubai on 10 December.
This year's shortlist reflects a strong focus on skills, capability and people performance. Winners will be announced in Dubai on 10 December.
Skills, capability and organisational performance emerged as key themes from this year's entries to the 2026 CIPD Middle East People Awards. Since launching in 2019, the awards have more than doubled in scale, reflecting the growing influence of the profession and its contribution to organisational success.
The shortlist announced today recognises the organisations, teams and individuals leading the way in people practice across the Middle East and North Africa. Entries came from eight countries and a broad mix of sectors, including government, financial services, aviation, technology, energy, pharmaceuticals and defence. Together, they show how organisations are responding to a rapidly changing world of work.
One theme stood out across this year's entries: a growing focus on capability.
Learning and Development was the most competitive category, followed closely by the new Talent Performance and Capability Development award. Strong participation in Employee Engagement, Change Management and AI also highlights where organisations are focusing their efforts. Together, the entries point to a profession increasingly focused on building the skills, capabilities and organisational readiness needed to navigate change and drive performance.
"What stands out this year is the growing focus on capability as a driver of business performance. The strongest organisations aren't simply responding to change. They're investing in skills, leadership and organisational capability to prepare for what's next."
An independent judging panel assessed every entry. Using our Profession Map as their guide, judges evaluated each submission against evidence, impact and results.
The following organisations and individuals have been shortlisted. They will now take part in interviews before this year’s winners are selected.
Winners will be announced at the CIPD Middle East People Awards Gala on 10 December 2026 at the Ritz-Carlton JBR, Dubai. Neil Carberry, our chief executive, will attend.
"The gala is a celebration of our profession and the community behind it. It’s an opportunity for people professionals to come together, recognise outstanding achievements and celebrate the individuals and teams raising the bar for people practice across the region."
Attendance is mainly for shortlisted organisations and candidates. If you’d like to attend, you’re welcome to register your interest.
