The Business Culture Awards, a leading global platform celebrating excellence in organisational culture, has announced the launch of its first-ever MENA edition in Dubai. This move brings one of the world’s most influential recognition programmes for workplace culture to the UAE, aiming to spotlight and benchmark regional companies against international standards. Since its inception in 2016, the awards have highlighted over 400 winning case studies from organisations in 48 countries.
A Strategic Focus on Workplace Culture
The launch comes at a critical time for the region’s business landscape. Recent studies underscore the growing importance of a strong workplace culture for attracting and retaining talent. According to Gallup research, only about 30% of employees in the UAE feel engaged at work, while a McKinsey report indicates that nearly 40% of locally born workers plan to leave their jobs within six months. These figures highlight an urgent need for organisations to prioritise cultural practices that boost employee retention and well-being.
“Business culture is no longer a soft metric; it is a strategic driver of growth,” said Cath Longfield, Co-Founder of the Business Culture Awards. “In the UAE and MENA region, culture is central to attracting and retaining top talent, particularly in markets defined by diversity, innovation, and ambitious national visions. We are excited to bring this platform to the region and celebrate the organisations building the future of work here.”
Dubai As The Regional Hub
The MENA programme will be delivered in partnership with TKOP World LTD, led by Premal Patel, who serves as the Managing Partner of Business Culture Awards MENA. The choice of Dubai as the host city reflects its status as a global hub for innovation and business.
“Dubai is the natural home for the Business Culture Awards,” said Patel. “The UAE has positioned itself as a leader in fostering innovation, ambition, and human connection. Our goal is to shine a spotlight on organisations that not only succeed commercially but also create cultures that empower people and contribute to the region’s sustainable development.”
Programme Details and Key Dates
The inaugural MENA programme features 28 award categories, aligned with the established UK awards, and is expected to attract more than 40 participating companies in its first year. Key dates for interested organisations are as follows:
- Entry Deadline: January 2026
- Judging Period: February – mid-March 2026
- Finalists Announced: End of March 2026
- Awards Gala: May 12, 2026
About Business Culture Awards
Founded in 2016, the Business Culture Awards recognise organisations that place people and culture at the core of their success. Featuring case studies from 48 countries, the awards showcase global best practices in workplace culture to inspire businesses worldwide.
Source: Zawya
