Honoring Winners Selected from 1,400 Nominations across 18 Countries
The UAE Federal Human Resources Authority Receives the Largest Share of Awards
Istanbul, Turkey – Saturday, 12 September, 2026: Under sponsorship of Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Istanbul City hosted the seventh annual Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards Ceremony 2026, in the presence of more than 300 guests representing 82 organizations from 18 countries, in addition to government officials, business leaders, and board chairpersons from various sectors.
The ceremony honored the winners of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards, selected from more than 1,400 nominations evaluated by over 155 experts, and included the participation of Turkish organizations recognized in the Stevie Awards for Best Employers.
Stevie Awards Middle East and North Africa which is sponsored by Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry recognizes workplace innovation and excellence, honoring winners from 18 countries for their outstanding achievements and contributions.
During the ceremony winners were announced including Eastern Health Cluster in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, United Arab Emirates received the major Stevie Awards 2026 honors in recognition of distinguished achievements, outstanding results, and excellence in institutional innovation. Eastern Health Cluster received the “Best Organization of the Year” award, topping the list of the most recognized organizations in 2026, after winning nine Gold Awards, 19 Silver Awards, and 14 Bronze Awards across various categories.
Eastern Health Cluster is one of the largest operators of integrated healthcare networks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, serving more than two million beneficiaries through a network including 22 general and specialized hospitals, a medical city, and more than 120 primary healthcare centres.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, the United Arab Emirates received the highest rate this year achieving 9.66 out of 10, recording the highest nomination evaluation in 2026. The nomination highlighted the development of the Authority’s AI-powered HR assistant, which also won a Gold Stevie Award in the “Excellence in AI Innovation” category.
During the honoring ceremony for RAKEZ and the RAK Mediation and Arbitration Centre, H.E. Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, took the stage to recognize Abdullah Al Ahmad, Head of Government and Corporate Communications at RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zones), and Dr. Ibrahim Shawqi, Secretary-General of the RAK Mediation and Arbitration Centre, for their excellence and achievements in fostering innovation and distinction.
His Excellency Mohamed Mosbbeh Al Nuaimi, Chairman, Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasized that sponsorship of Ras Al Khaimah Chamber for Stevie Awards Middle East and North Africa reflects its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence and encouraging organizations to adopt best practices that enhance their growth and sustainability. He noted that hosting the ceremony in Istanbul, with the wide participation of organizations and government leaders, reflects the growing position of the awards as a prominent regional platform for recognizing outstanding achievements. He added that it also contributes to enhancing the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah presence on the international map of initiatives supporting innovation and the knowledge-based economy.
His Excellency Dr. Rashid Khalfan Al Nuaimi, Director General, Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: “Participation of over 1,400 nominations, and the evaluation by more than 155 experts, confirms the growing confidence in the Stevie Awards Middle East and North Africa, and the high professional standards adopted for evaluation and recognizing the institutional achievements.” He added that this year’s winners have shared valuable and inspiring experiences in applying innovation and artificial intelligence, developing human resources, and improving services. These achievements encourage organizations across the region to continue advancing their practices and transforming innovative ideas into tangible achievements with a sustainable impact.
Maggie Miller, President of the Stevie Awards, stated: “We are delighted to celebrate the winners of the 2026 Grand Stevie Awards. Both Eastern Health Cluster and the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources reflect the outstanding level of this year’s nominations.” She noted that the judging panels praised the creativity, innovation, and expertise demonstrated by the winners, which have contributed to the development and advancement of their respective organizations over the past two years.
The ceremony saw the winners take the stage to receive their awards in recognition of their achievements, deliver speeches, and participate in interviews conducted on the sidelines of the event. Meanwhile, the Stevie Awards Middle East and North Africa announced accepting of nominations for its 2027 eighth edition will begin on 23rd September 2026.
