UAE. Dubai Airports has celebrated its recognition in the 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award (GEWA), joining a select group of global employers distinguished for high levels of employee engagement.
The airport company ranked in the 77th percentile of the benchmark, with employee engagement rising to 74% from 71% in 2025, reflecting continued progress in workforce engagement.
Described as one of the world’s most rigorous workplace distinctions, the GEWA is presented to organisations that achieve high standards in engagement and strengths development, showcasing how supporting and developing people can drive meaningful change.
Spanning more than 200 markets, the most recent edition of Gallup’s Global Database includes 27.6 million respondents and more than 6,000 clients.
This marks the second consecutive year that Dubai Airports has received the recognition, with the company standing as the only airport featured on this year’s winners list.
The achievement builds on a milestone year in which Dubai International delivered record annual traffic and retained its status as the world’s busiest airport for the 12th consecutive year. Together, these results reinforce the critical role of Dubai Airports’ workforce in upholding high operational standards.
Dubai Airports Chief People Officer Meshari Al Bannai said, “This award recognises that the way we lead, develop and empower our people directly shapes how our airports perform and how our guests experience Dubai.
“Engagement at Dubai Airports is embedded into the way we operate every day, from developing future leaders and national talent, to building a culture where accountability, service and innovation thrive together. That connection between people and performance is what sets us apart.”
Dubai Airports has reinforced its people-focused strategy through continued investment in next-generation skills as development progresses at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is integrated across its learning and development strategy, ranging from an AI-powered microlearning platform with a virtual coach to the AI-assisted creation of high‑quality training content.
The company has deployed AI agents through Microsoft Copilot Studio, Negotiation Coach and simulation‑based practical training to recreate the complexity of live airport operations.
The airport company noted that its people strategy focuses on capability building and strengthening national talent pipelines, with clear development pathways for Emirati and international staff. Future Faces and Rising Stars are key Emirati talent programmes, supported by a promote-from-within approach that has helped develop leaders across operations and corporate functions.
The GEWA recognition highlights Dubai Airports’ ongoing focus on talent attraction and development in a highly competitive global market. It also indicates stronger employee engagement across its operations at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International. ✈
