Become a 2027 Inspiring Place to Work™ - Earlybird Deadline Approaching: Dec 2, 2026
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Become an Inspiring Place to Work™ in Middle East & Africa

Entries now open for the #1 PeopleFirst HR & Workplace Awards

Early Bird Deadline – Dec 2, 2026  –

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Tell your culture story and be recognised as an Inspiring Place to Work™

Established in 2015, The Inspiring Workplaces Awards Middle East & Africa are among the most respected HR and workplace awards programmes in the region, celebrating organisations that put PeopleFirst and demonstrate excellence in culture, leadership, wellbeing, inclusion and employee experience.

Be celebrated on a global (and local) stage for the culture of belief, belonging and purpose you’re building.

Entrants submit a written culture story and supporting evidence highlighting how their organisation lives its values through measurable people outcomes.

Successful organisations are recognised as an Inspiring Place to Work™ and receive the official badge: a symbol of trust, purpose, excellence and PeopleFirst leadership. Along with recognition, reach and connection to a global community of inspiring organizations.

This isn’t just an award. It’s a chance to celebrate your people, elevate your story and inspire workplaces everywhere.

Part of our global mission to Celebrate, Certify, and Connect the world’s most inspiring workplaces. If you’d rather be recognized by being surveyed (or do both) then please explore the Certified PeopleFirst™ option too.

Real people. Real reactions.

PeopleFirst organizations like yours enter to…

  • Celebrate your people and their impact

  • Attract talent and standout as a PeopleFirst brand

  • Win a badge that proves your culture and promotes it

  • Let your culture story build your reputation

  • Show your leadership vision is working and being felt

  • Reflect on what's working and what's next

Download the entry pack

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Visit entry platform

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What winning feels like

Inspiring Places to Work lead by example…

Your recognition doesn’t end with the award, it becomes part of a global movement. As an Inspiring Place to Work, your story has the power to spark change, influence others and redefine what PeopleFirst leadership looks like. Winners are invited to speak, present and take the spotlight showing the world what great culture truly means.

See shorts below from our marquee events such as: The Global PeopleFirst Summit, The Summer Series and Inspire Club Podcast.

Middle East and Africa Judges

Our panel of judges embodies a wealth of knowledge, expertise and dedication to cultivating workplaces that inspire. Spanning different industries, locations and organizations, our judges bring a variety of experiences to the table.

At the Inspiring Workplaces Awards, our judges generously volunteer their time and expertise, serving as pillars of independence and transparency throughout the judging process.

  • Andra Nel
    People, Culture & Purpose Director
    KFC Africa

  • Mr. Duke Mgaga
    Chief People Officer
    Parliament of the Republic of South Africa

  • Eng. Ibrahim Sami Abuzinadah
    Chief People Officer – Human Resources & Administration
    Abdul Latif Jameel Enterprises – Saudia Arabia

  • Saliha Latif
    Chief People Officer
    ReformHR

  • Dr Saqlain Sher
    Chief People Officer, MENA Region
    Apex Core Engineering

  • Dr Jerry Gule
    Director | Coach | Chairperson of Boards

  • Amr Zawawi
    Group Director – HRD
    Zahid Group

  • Mohammad Janna
    Executive HR Director
    AbbVie

  • Reabetswe Nokwane
    HR Director: Sub-Saharan Africa
    Scatec

  • Kristina Vaneva
    Beyond Employee Engagement Consultancy

  • Michelle Ponto
    Founder & CEO
    Blue Gecko Consulting

  • Anirudhe Ghosh
    Head of Sales
    Adecco UAE

  • Ramadan Saleh Alabdi
    Excellence and Service Improvement Expert
    Advisum

  • Ebrahim R. A. Harara
    Service Management Specialist
    Government Organization, UAE

  • Elizabeth Okonji
    Founder, Curator-in-Chief
    TGL Labs
  • Safa Ayesh
    Organizational Excellence Advisor & QMS Lead Auditor

Want to become a sponsor?

There are different ways to partner with us. From annual sponsorships, speaking slots, awards specific opportunities and much more.

Contact us