Rashad Iskandrni

 

Inaugural KSA edition honours organisations leading with people, not perks

 

Aug 02, Riyadh, KSA: The first edition of the Employee Happiness Awards KSA was held last week at the Holiday Inn Riyadh – Al Qasr, bringing together finalists, jury members, and HR leaders to celebrate some of the Kingdom’s most forward-thinking employers.

The event marked the platform’s regional expansion into Saudi Arabia after three successful runs in the UAE. Led by Jatin Deepchandani, Founder & CEO of Plan3Media and Eventyst Global, the awards have grown into a trusted benchmark for recognising and promoting workplace excellence.

The Saudi edition saw strong participation from organisations committed to building inclusive, people-first environments grounded in leadership, well-being, and long-term talent development. Among the companies recognised were Gulf International Bank, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Roshn Group, Bahri, and GHC Group, alongside First Mills Company, Abdul Latif Jameel Enterprises, Riyadh Pharma, Al Watania Poultry, and ACWA Power, all of whom were honoured for measurable outcomes across engagement, culture, and employee experience.

GHC Group won multiple awards. “We were proud to participate in the Employee Happiness Awards 2025, a well-organized and inspiring event celebrating excellence in HR and L&D. GHC was honored with three awards: Gold - Best L&D Strategy, Silver - Best HR Leader - congratulations to Mr. Amin Halawani - and Bronze - Best Induction Program. Grateful for the major achievements,” said Fahad Alhendi, CBSO, GHC Group.

Al Watania Poultry won the Gold Award for Best Community Impact Initiative, championing CSR through employment opportunities and green farming practices. “Our people are at the center of everything we do. This award is a proud moment that reaffirms our commitment to building a workplace where values, purpose, and performance come together,” said Hisham Ayub, Executive Vice President - Shared Services, Al Watania Poultry.

Medtronic won the Silver Award for Best Internship Program, offering real-world projects and mentorship that lead 85% of interns to full-time positions. “Being recognized at the Employee Happiness Awards KSA 2025 is a proud milestone for us at Medtronic. The journey from nomination to presenting to the judges and celebrating at the gala was truly inspiring,” said Rozan Al-Musharraf, Senior HR Manager - Middle East, Medtronic.

Catrion won the Best Employee Reward & Recognition Strategy. “At CATRION, we believe that creating meaningful impact starts with recognizing our people and giving back to the community. These moments reaffirm our commitment to building a culture where purpose, appreciation, and belonging drive everything we do,” said Mr. Thamer Alturaif, CHRO, Catrion.

Gulf International Bank (GIB) also won in the Employee Reward & Recognition category, with inclusive benefits and thoughtful programs. “Being recognized at the Employee Happiness Awards KSA 2025 is an absolute thrill. An unforgettable experience that reflects the power of purpose-driven culture,” said Nawaf Kably, CHRO, GIB.

With successful editions in the UAE and upcoming chapters in Singapore and Malaysia, the Employee Happiness Awards continues to spotlight the growing importance of employee well-being in shaping the future of work.