Revealed: Top companies to work for in the UAE

The annual list of the best companies to work for in the UAE has been released by consultancy firm Great Place to Work for the year 2016-2017.

Logistics company DHL retained the top spot for the fourth consecutive year, for providing a “family experience” for its employees, the report said.

“It places people first, above any other business practice, understanding that a motivated and engaged workforce is a productive and profitable one,” it added.

DHL was followed by Omnicom Media Group, which moved one spot from last year, followed by Splash which also moved up one spot to take third.

The list included 24 companies in total.

“Despite a challenging financial year, most companies that have been on the list previously maintained their position as great workplaces,” said Maha Zaatari, managing director of Great Place to Work in the UAE.

“We’re definitely seeing a marked improvement in the standard of HR practices.”

The companies on the list come from diverse industries including logistics, technology, finance, media, retail, FMCG, fashion, hospitality, healthcare, technology, health and beauty, pharmaceutical and manufacturing.

“We are seeing among the top companies a greater emphasis on CSR initiatives as employers respond to employees’ desire for meaning, to be part of something bigger,” said Zaatari.

“People who have meaning and purpose in their lives are happier, feel more in control and get more out of what they do. They also experience less stress, anxiety and depression. Happiness in the workplace is carried into the home and the wider society so it really is a foundational piece in building the happiness of a nation.”

Top companies to work for in the UAE

1. DHL
Sector: Logistics

2. Omnicom Media Group
Sector: Media

3. Splash
Sector: Fashion

4. The One
Sector: Retail

5. Weber Shandwick
Sector: Communications

6. Estee Lauder Companies
Sector: Health and beauty

7. Hilti Emirates
Sector: Technology

8. FedEx
Sector: Logistics

9. Hilton
Sector: Hospitality

10. Mars
Sector: FMCG

11. BizGroup
Sector: Training and consulting

12. Hyatt
Sector: Hospitality

13. Eros Group
Sector: Technology

14. WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff
Sector: Engineering, professional services

15. Leminar
Sector: Industrial

16. UAE Exchange
Sector: Finance

17. Al Fakher Tobacco
Sector: Manufacturing and production

18. Dulsco
Sector: HR and industrial Services

19. NMC Healthcare
Sector: Healthcare

20. Philips
Sector: Healthcare technology

21. Delta Partners
Sector: Management consulting

22. Danzas AEI Emirates
Sector: Logistics

23. Mundi Pharma
Sector: Pharmaceuticals

24. Redington
Sector: Supply chain