Dubai Airports recognized for employee engagement and workplace development
Dubai Airports has been named a winner of the 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award. The award recognises organisations that show strong employee engagement and workplace development practices.
Dubai Airports recorded an employee engagement score of 74% in 2026. This is an increase from 71% in 2025. According to Gallup’s benchmarking data, the organisation is now placed in the 77th percentile among participating employers worldwide.
The Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award is based on employee engagement, leadership development and workplace culture. Gallup said the recognition is given to organisations that can show how employee support and development contribute to business performance and operational results.
The latest Gallup Global Database includes feedback from 27.6 million respondents and more than 6,000 clients across over 200 countries. The benchmarking process compares organisations across industries and regions to evaluate workplace engagement and strengths development.
Dubai Airports workplace award reflects operational performance
Dubai Airports is the only airport organisation included in the 2026 winners list. This is also the second consecutive year that the company has received the recognition.
The award comes after a year of high passenger traffic for Dubai International Airport. The airport recorded its highest annual traffic levels and retained its position as the world’s busiest international airport for the 12th consecutive year.
Dubai Airports said employee engagement plays an important role in maintaining airport operations and improving passenger experience. The organisation manages both DXB and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International.
Meshari Al Bannai, Chief People Officer at Dubai Airports, said the company focuses on leadership development, accountability, service standards and innovation as part of its workplace culture. He said the connection between employee performance and airport operations remains an important part of the organisation’s strategy.
Dubai Airports increases use of AI in employee training
Dubai Airports is also expanding the use of artificial intelligence in learning and development programmes. The company said AI tools are being integrated into employee training as it continues work related to the future development of Dubai World Central.
The organisation currently uses a microlearning platform supported by an AI coach to help employees access training materials and skill development resources. It is also using AI-assisted systems for creating learning content.
Dubai Airports has started deploying AI agents through Microsoft Copilot Studio. The company is also using negotiation coaching tools and simulation-based practical training programmes designed to replicate real airport operating environments.
The organisation said these systems are intended to help employees prepare for operational challenges and improve workplace learning processes.
Dubai Airports focuses on Emirati and international talent development
Dubai Airports said its people strategy is focused on capability building and long-term talent development. The organisation aims to create career pathways for both Emirati and international employees.
The company runs programmes such as Future Faces and Rising Stars to support Emirati talent development. These programmes are designed to help employees develop leadership and operational skills across different business areas.
Dubai Airports also follows a promote-from-within approach. According to the company, this strategy has helped employees move into leadership roles across airport operations and corporate functions over time.
The organisation said internal development programmes help employees gain a better understanding of airport operations and business processes while supporting workforce continuity.
The company said the Gallup recognition strengthens its position in attracting, retaining and developing employees in the aviation sector. It also highlighted the role of employee engagement in supporting airport operations and passenger experience at DXB and DWC.
Meshari Al Bannai, Chief People Officer of Dubai Airports commented: “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.”
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