Employee Happiness Awards UAE 2026 Recognises Air Arabia, EDGE Group and Apparel Group

The Employee Happiness Awards (EHA) UAE 2026 has concluded its fourth and largest UAE edition, recognising organisations for their initiatives in employee well-being, learning, workplace culture and human resources innovation.

Organised by Eventyst Global, the awards ceremony took place at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, bringing together more than 300 guests, including business and HR leaders, finalists, independent jury members and partners.

This year's edition received more than 300 submissions across 29 company and individual categories, with over 140 companies reaching the finalist stage. Entries were evaluated by 38 independent jury members based on their rationale, execution and demonstrated impact. Winners were selected independently of the organiser.

Air Arabia, EDGE Group and Apparel Group Among Gold Winners

Several prominent UAE organisations received Gold recognition for their workplace initiatives.

The winners included:

• Air Arabia: Best Use of Technology to Drive Learning Initiatives

• EDGE Group: Best Use of Technology and AI in HR

• Apparel Group: Best Internship Program

• Etihad Water and Electricity: Best Company to Work For – Large

• Knowledge and Human Development Authority: Best Flexible Working Program

• Dubai Holding Community Management: Best L&D Strategy

• Berkeley Services UAE: Best Community Impact Initiative

• Emirates Islamic: Excellence in Emiratisation

The awards highlighted initiatives spanning employee development, technology-enabled HR practices, flexible working, community engagement and national workforce development.

Dubai Holding Community Management Recognised for Learning and Development

Dubai Holding Community Management received Gold recognition for Best L&D Strategy.

Omair Ibrahim, Executive Director of Human Capital and Corporate Services, said the organisation's recognition across four categories at the Employee Happiness Awards 2026 marked a significant milestone.

He said the achievement reflected its commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, empowered and supported in their professional growth.

“Investing in our people is fundamental to building a high-performing, future-ready organization,” Ibrahim said.

Berkeley Services UAE Wins for Community Impact

Berkeley Services UAE received Gold for Best Community Impact Initiative, recognising its work in inclusion and sustainability through 14 corporate social responsibility programmes.

Karl-Heinz Otto Mair, CEO of Berkeley Services, said the recognition reflected the company's focus on employee well-being and its people-centred approach.

He added that the company's work in the built environment creates opportunities to make a positive contribution to people's lives through its employees, strategic partnerships and community initiatives.

Emirates Islamic Honoured for Emiratisation

Emirates Islamic received Gold for Excellence in Emiratisation, recognising its efforts in national workforce development.

Farida Mohammed Rafi, Chief Human Resources Officer at Emirates Islamic, said the bank was pleased to receive recognition at the 2026 awards.

She said the achievements across the Emiratisation and Leadership Succession categories reflected the bank's continued commitment to fostering a people-first workplace culture.

Eventyst Global Highlights Growing Focus on Employee Well-Being

Jatin Deepchandani, CEO of Eventyst Global, said the strong participation and initiatives presented at this year's awards demonstrated organisations' growing focus on placing employees at the centre of business success.

He highlighted the importance of recognising initiatives that demonstrate innovation, commitment and measurable impact, adding that EHA aims to encourage meaningful discussions and connect organisations working towards happier, more inclusive and future-ready workplaces.

Employee Happiness Awards Expands Across International Markets

Launched in the UAE in 2023, the Employee Happiness Awards has expanded beyond the Emirates to include Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Malaysia.

Under the message “Celebrating People Across Borders,” the platform held its inaugural Singapore and Malaysia edition in 2026, while its second Saudi Arabia edition is underway.

The latest UAE ceremony reflects the platform's continued expansion and its focus on recognising workplace practices that support employee satisfaction, inclusion, development and organisational performance.