Microsoft Tops Best Companies To Work For In UAE

Microsoft has been voted the best company to work for in the United Arab Emirates in a local study.

Marriott hotels took the runner-up spot while delivery company FedEx Express came third in an annual list of the best places to work in the UAE. The trio also occupied the top three places last year.

The rankings, as released by the Great Place To Work Institute and announced at the H Hotel in Dubai on Tuesday, recognise the best workplaces in over 45 countries worldwide.

Boutique retail outlet THE One and logistics firm DHL rounded up the top five places in the UAE.

David Robert, CEO of Great Place to Work Gulf, said: “What is really exciting is the significant improvement UAE companies are showing in terms of employee trust levels and effective HR programs.

“Benchmarking these companies against our global lists shows the UAE ranks as the eighth-best nation for trust in the workplace.

Occupying the remaining top 10 places were Ericsson, Omnicom Media Group, Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), Bayt and EMC2.

The 2013 awards also saw special mention for the ‘Top Companies for the Millenial Generation’ and ‘Top Companies for Women’.

Microsoft, THE One, DHL and Marriott were acknowledged for implementing best practices in hiring, developing and retaining millennial generation talent; the tech-savvy demographic of 20-something year olds.

THE One, DHL, Marriott and Paramount were four companies commended for their efforts in enhancing the workplace experience for women.

This year’s study – which ranks companies according to their credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie – was expanded from previous years’ lists of top 10 companies.

Dr. Michael Burchell, vice president of International Operations at Great Place to Work, said: “The expansion of the 2013 list is testament to the value UAE companies place on human capital development.

“We are also really pleased to see the entry of new companies on the list, among which is our first government entity. With human resource development a core focus of the UAE’s 2011-2013 economic strategy, we hope more businesses will adopt the Top Companies program as a measure of best practice.”

Robert added: “We also felt it was important in 2013 to recognize the top companies for the millennial generation and women.

“These are two segments of the population that are radically changing the way in which business is conducted and the best companies are implementing some extraordinary programs to multiply the contribution these groups make to their organizations.”

The Top 15 Places to Work in the UAE:

Microsoft
Marriott
FedEx Expres
THE One
DHL
Ericsson
Omnicom Media Group
SCA
Bayt
EMC2