Dubai Airports has been recognized as a winner of the 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, becoming the only airport operator included in this year’s global list.
The recognition came during a challenging period for the region’s aviation sector, as Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central handled around six million passengers between late February and April amid regional airspace disruptions.
Dubai Airports said the award highlighted its employee engagement and workplace development efforts despite operational pressures caused by ongoing regional tensions.
The company recorded a 74 percent employee engagement score, an increase from 71 percent in 2025, placing it in the 77th percentile globally.
Gallup said the award recognizes organizations that meet global standards in employee engagement and workplace culture based on benchmarking data from more than 27 million respondents across over 200 countries.
Dubai Airports noted that this marks the second consecutive year it has received the recognition.
Meshari Al Bannai, Chief People Officer of Dubai Airports, said employee engagement plays a direct role in airport performance and passenger experience.
“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,” Al Bannai said.
Dubai Airports also said it continues expanding the use of artificial intelligence in employee learning programs, simulation training, and operational exercises as part of preparations tied to the future development of Al Maktoum International Airport.
The company added that talent development programs such as “Future Faces” and “Rising Stars” remain focused on building Emirati leadership and workforce capabilities.
The award came as Dubai’s airports managed more than 32,000 aircraft movements and over 213,000 tonnes of cargo during months affected by regional airspace restrictions and flight rerouting.
DXB handled 18.6 million passengers during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a 20.6 percent decline year-on-year, with March recording the sharpest drop amid intensified regional airspace constraints.
