MENA HR Leaders Awards

Celebrating Excellence in Human Resources Across the Middle East and North Africa

About the Awards

The MENA HR Leaders Awards, hosted by Verve Management, are designed to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements and innovations in Human Resources across the Middle East and North Africa. Our flagship award, the MENA Top 100 HR Leaders, highlights those shaping the future of work.

Flagship Award

Our flagship recognition, the MENA Top 100 HR Leaders, highlights those shaping the future of work in the region.

Premium Networking

A high-profile gala event providing a premium networking platform for HR leaders, industry experts, and corporate executives.

Recognizing HR Excellence Across MENA

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Award Catagories

100

Top Leaders Awards

200+

Delegates

10+

Sponsors

MENA Top 100 HR Leaders

Our flagship recognition celebrating the most influential and impactful
HR professionals shaping the region’s future of work

Award Categories

Our flagship recognition will be the MENA Top 100 HR Leaders, celebrating the most influential and impactful HR professionals shaping the region’s future of work.
In addition to this, I suggest the following award categories to capture the broad spectrum of excellence in HR:

HR Innovator of the Year

For groundbreaking innovations in HR processes, strategies, or technology adoption.

Originality and creativity of HR initiatives

Successful implementation and measurable impact

Scalability and potential for replication across industries

Alignment with future trends in HR

Best Talent Acquisition Strategy

Recognizing excellence in recruitment and talent sourcing methods.

Innovative recruitment methods and tools

Diversity and inclusivity in hiring practices

Evidence of reduced time-to-hire and improved quality of hire

Demonstrated business impact (e.g., retention, performance of hires)

Excellence in Learning & Development

Honoring outstanding learning and employee development programs.

Comprehensive and well-structured programs

Use of innovative learning technologies or methods

Evidence of measurable skills growth and career progression

Alignment with organizational goals

Outstanding Employee Engagement Initiative

For initiatives that have demonstrably improved employee satisfaction and engagement.

Creativity and relevance of engagement programs

Demonstrated improvement in engagement metrics (eNPS, surveys)

Long-term sustainability and employee involvement

Positive impact on culture and retention

Diversity & Inclusion Champion

Highlighting significant efforts to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity in the workplace.

Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Evidence of measurable outcomes (diverse hires, pay equity, etc.)

Leadership advocacy and accountability

Sustainability of initiatives and cultural integration

HR Technology Leader of the Year

For outstanding use and integration of HR technology solutions.

Effective use of HR technology for transformation

Innovation in digital HR tools/processes

Demonstrated ROI and efficiency gains

Improved employee/manager experience through technology

Best HR Team

Awarded to the most effective and impactful HR team delivering measurable results.

Collaboration and effectiveness as a unit

Alignment of HR goals with organizational strategy

Evidence of measurable HR and business impact

Innovation and adaptability of the team

Rising HR Star

For emerging HR professionals who have made significant contributions early in their careers.

Significant early-career contributions

Demonstrated leadership potential and initiative

Evidence of impact on team or organization

Recognition from peers/superiors

Best Employer Brand Strategy

Recognizing excellence in building and promoting a compelling employer brand.

Creativity and clarity of brand messaging

Evidence of improved talent attraction and retention

Use of digital and social platforms for employer branding

Alignment of employee experience with brand promise

HR Leader in Change Management

For leadership in managing successful organizational change initiatives.

Leadership in guiding organizations through change

Successful communication and stakeholder engagement

Measurable positive outcomes (performance, adoption rates)

Demonstrated resilience and adaptability

Excellence in Compensation & Benefits

For innovative and effective compensation and benefits programs.

Innovation in compensation and benefits structure

Demonstrated positive impact on retention and motivation

Fairness, equity, and alignment with market standards

Evidence of improved employee satisfaction

HR Compliance & Ethics Award

Recognizing outstanding adherence to HR compliance and ethical practices.

Strong adherence to HR legal and regulatory standards

Implementation of ethical policies and practices

Demonstrated impact on trust, culture, and governance

Proactive measures to prevent risks and misconduct

HR Leadership Lifetime Achievement

Honoring individuals with sustained and exceptional contributions to HR in the MENA region.

Long-term impact on HR profession in the MENA region

Sustained leadership and contribution to people development

Recognition by peers, industry bodies, or government entities

Mentorship and inspiration for the next generation of HR leaders

Jury Panel

Fatima Mirza

Head of HR MEA
Evonik

Brett Preston

Chief HR Officer
Ghobash Group

Maya El Husseini

Group HR Head
Jubaili Bros

Imran Ahmad

Group Chief HR Officer
Jashanmal National Co

Kabira Bhatporia

Head of HR, MENA
JLL

Vrinda Sood

Human Resource Director
Ecolab

Liesbeth Schiavo

Chief People Officer
EFS Facilities Services Group

Peter Lemperis

Chief Human Resources Officer
Vanguard Logistics Services

Amira AbdelBasset

People & Culture Director, Al Dahra

Rehab Khalaf

Senior HR Leader

Pinar Yucealp

HR Director
IBM Middle East and Africa

Partners

Silver Partner

Engagement Partner

Nomination Process

Nominations will be open to all HR professionals and organizations operating in the MENA region. The nomination form will require details about the nominee’s achievements and impact related to the chosen category. Each nomination will be reviewed by a panel of HR experts and industry leaders to ensure a fair and transparent selection process.

Submit Nomination

Complete our comprehensive nomination form with detailed achievements and supporting documentation

Expert Review

Our panel of HR experts and industry leaders carefully evaluate each submission for excellence 

Celebrate Excellence

Join the prestigious awards ceremony and celebrate your achievements with industry peers

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catagories

Nomination Form

The MENA Top HR Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in human resources, recognizing individuals, teams, and organizations driving innovation, impact, and excellence across the region. This form is your opportunity to showcase accomplishments that align with the award criteria.

Frequently Asked *Questions

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

Nominations Open:

Accepting Now

Nominations Close:

31st October 2025

Shortlist Announcement:

7th November 2025

Awards Ceremony:

20th November 2025

Contact Us

For any inquiries related to nominations, sponsorship, or event details, interested parties can reach out to us at:

Contact *Information

Phone Number

+971 4 243 4677/88

Email Address

info@vervemanagement.com

Our Location

1702 & 1706 , Mazaya Business Avenue BB2, Al Thanya Fifth, JLT, Dubai, UAE