Top 100 workplaces of 2024: Great Place to Work's guide to Middle East's best employers

Great Place to Work Middle East has recently unveiled its highly-anticipated ranking of the best workplaces in the region for 2024. This prestigious list categorizes the top 100 workplaces into 50 large companies, 25 medium companies, and 25 small companies, celebrating those that exemplify outstanding workplace culture across the region.

Great Place to Work, a global research and management consultancy, recognizes top employers in over 60 countries worldwide.

The rankings are derived from a rigorous, research-driven methodology that includes proprietary employee surveys and comprehensive assessments of HR policies. In the UAE, any company with 10 or more employees is eligible for recognition, underscoring the inclusive nature of this accolade.

This recognition comes at a time when the Middle East is increasingly becoming the destination of choice for professionals across the region.

According to a recent LinkedIn study, professionals in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are overwhelmingly choosing to remain in their regions rather than relocating to Europe or the U.S.

An impressive 82% of respondents expressed a preference for remaining in the Middle East, citing the region's high standard of living (46%), attractive lifestyle (35%), and abundant opportunities for professional growth (31%) as key reasons for their decision.

This trend is a testament to the Gulf region's growing appeal as a hub for both career development and quality of life.

LinkedIn’s annual "Jobs on the Rise" lists further reinforce this narrative, revealing a significant surge in finance and tech roles, alongside emerging opportunities in healthcare.

These insights provide valuable guidance for professionals at every stage of their careers, highlighting the sectors that are driving growth and innovation in the region.

Yet, amid this optimism, remains a nuanced picture of the aspirations and challenges faced by the younger workforce.

According to IPSOS, while millennials in the region may harbor concerns about their future prospects, they are nonetheless driven by a strong desire to build successful careers, with many also aspiring to start their own businesses.

Interestingly, LinkedIn data reveals that millennials make up 65% of green-skilled professionals in the UAE, indicating a strong inclination towards sustainability and environmental stewardship within this generation.

The desire for autonomy and flexibility in the workplace is another key trend shaping the future of work in the region. A PwC survey conducted last year found that a significant portion of the workforce — 55% of millennials, 54% of Gen X, and 48% of Gen Z—expressed a strong preference for choosing how they perform their work. This year, this desire has translated into tangible changes in work arrangements, reflecting a broader shift towards flexibility and employee empowerment.

As the Middle East continues to evolve as a dynamic and attractive destination for professionals, these insights paint a comprehensive picture of the region’s thriving workplace culture and the trends that will shape its future. From the recognition of top employers to the evolving aspirations of its workforce, the Middle East is clearly positioning itself as a leading hub for career growth and innovation.