Dubai: Dubai Airports (DA) has been recognised as a 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award (GEWA) winner, placing the organisation among a select group of international employers that record the highest levels of employee engagement.
According to Emirates News Agency, DA sits in the 77th percentile in this competitive benchmark, with a score of 74 percent for employee engagement, up from 71 percent in 2025, reflecting a significant uptick at this level of maturity. The GEWA is one of the world's most rigorous workplace distinctions, awarded to organisations that meet demanding standards in engagement and strengths development, and that can demonstrate how supporting and developing people leads to meaningful change.
The latest edition of Gallup's Global Database comprises 27.6 million respondents and over 6,000 clients across over 200 countries. DA is a two-time consecutive recipient of this award and the only airport on the 2026 winners list. The recognition follows a landmark year in which Dubai International (DXB) delivered the highest annual traffic in its history, retained its title as the world's busiest international airport for the 12th consecutive year, and underlines the role DA's people play in sustaining operational excellence.
Meshari Al Bannai, Chief People Officer of Dubai Airports, stated that the award recognises how the leadership, development, and empowerment of their people directly shape airport performance and guest experiences in Dubai. Engagement at Dubai Airports is embedded into daily operations, from developing future leaders and national talent, to building a culture where accountability, service, and innovation thrive together. This connection between people and performance distinguishes DA from its peers.
The focus on people is also reflected in DA's investment in the next wave of skills as it develops Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC). Artificial intelligence (AI) is integrated across learning and development strategies, including a microlearning platform with an AI coach and AI-assisted creation of high-quality content. The organisation has begun deploying AI agents through Microsoft Copilot Studio, Negotiation Coach, and simulation-based practical training to replicate the complexity of live airport environments.
The people strategy centres on building capability and nurturing one of the strongest national talent pipelines, while creating clear development pathways for Emirati and international talent alike.
