The UAE News Report: Avtar Group, one of the leading workplace culture consulting and Inclusion (DEI) Solutions firms, has announced the second Edition of Avtar & Seramount Best Companies for Women in Gulf (BCWG) list. BCWG is an influential benchmarking initiative spotlighting organization across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region that excel in fostering gender diversity and inclusive workplace policies. The announcement was made at the Best of Best (BOB) Conference held today in Dubai.
The 2025 BOB – Gulf Conference saw an active participation from the companies in the region with speakers including Al Shirawi Facilities Management LLC, Diversey- A Solenis Company, DKHOON AL EMIRATIA, Finastra UK Limited, Ingram Micro Company, KONE MIDDLE EAST LLC amongst others.
The 2025 BCWG study unveiled the Top 10 companies and other Best Companies in the Gulf region that are leading the change in creating inclusive work environments for women. Companies were evaluated on parameters including:
- Recruitment and retention of women professionals
- Representation of women in leadership roles
- Pay equity and benefits
- Parental and caregiving support policies
- Flexible work arrangements
- Management accountability on DEI
This year’s winners represent diverse sectors, from technology and manufacturing to retail, and financial services.
The 2025 Top 10 Best Companies in Gulf, listed alphabetically are:
- A A Al Moosa Enterprises Car Rental Division (Thrifty & Dollar)
- Al Shirawi Facilities Management LLC
- Diversey- A Solenis Company
- DKHOON AL EMIRATIA
- Easa Salel Al Gurg Group
- Ecolab
- EY
- Finastra UK Limited
- KONE MIDDLE EAST LLC
- TruKKer
Nine more companies qualified to feature in the list. Listed alphabetically, they are:
- Apparel Group
- Beauty Steps
- Canon Middle East
- CBRE Advisory Services LLC
- GIG GULF Insurance
- House of Shipping Management Consultancies FZCO
- Ingram Micro Company
- MCA MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS & MCA AUDITING
- Wipro Limited
Key Highlights are as indicated below:
- Women’s representation in Best Companies is at 33%
- 42% of all hires in Best Companies is women
- 28% of all women in Best Companies were promoted – this is higher at 34% in Top 10 companies
- 95% companies provide leadership training and 79% provide formal mentoring and 79% provide executive coaching, all contributing to this facet of career advancement.
- Towards enabling women’s engagement, 63% companies have employee resource groups
- Towards ensuring equity in career advancement, 63% best companies provide assured performance rating during paid maternity leave
- Towards fostering emotional support, 63% offer postpartum stress/depression counselling
- 95% companies foster an inclusive culture through programs to resolve Diversity, Equity & Inclusion grievances
