The inaugural Employee Happiness Awards KSA took place last week at the Holiday Inn Riyadh – Al Qasr, bringing together HR leaders, finalists, and jury members to recognise some of the Kingdom’s most progressive employers.
The event marked the platform’s expansion into Saudi Arabia following three successful editions in the UAE. Led by Jatin Deepchandani, Founder & CEO of Plan3Media and Eventyst Global, the awards have grown into a regional platform for recognising and championing workplace excellence.
The Saudi edition drew strong participation from organisations committed to building people-first workplaces rooted in well-being, leadership, and long-term development. Among those recognised were Gulf International Bank, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Roshn Group, Bahri, and GHC Group, along with First Mills Company, Abdul Latif Jameel Enterprises, Riyadh Pharma, Al Watania Poultry, and ACWA Power – each honoured for measurable impact across culture and engagement.
One of the big winners on the night was Roshn Group, which walked away with several awards. The team shared their lessons on how they have built a high performance culture that also prioritizes employee wellness
Bahri received the Gold Award for Best HR Team of the Year, recognised for redefining its employee value proposition through a focus on rewards, growth, and belonging. “At Bahri, we don’t just invest in people, we believe in them,” said Rahwan Iskandarani, People Solutions Manager, Bahri. “Winning Gold for HR Team of the Year and Best Retention Initiative is more than an award, it’s a reflection of our commitment to our people.”
KAFD was named Best Company to Work For – Large, honoured for its 24/7 wellness support and mental health partnerships. “It’s an honour to be recognised at the Employee Happiness Awards KSA 2025,” said Zeyad Alqahtani, Employee Engagement & Experience Senior Specialist, KAFD. “This award reflects our ongoing commitment at KAFD to building an environment where ambition thrives, people feel empowered, and the employee experience is truly elevated.”.
Riyadh Pharma took home the Gold for Best Internship Program, distinguished by its cross-functional exposure, and commitment to transforming interns into future leaders. “Being recognized as the Best Internship Program at the Employee Happiness Awards KSA 2025 is more than an honor – it’s a testament to the passion, mentorship, and purpose we pour into every intern’s journey. We thank every intern who brought their energy, curiosity, and ambition to our shared success,” said Hamza Alkhalili, Training & Development Manager, Riyadh Pharma.
Alfa Company won Gold for Best Recruitment Strategy, credited for its use of AI tools and employer branding to streamline hiring and attract top talent. “We believe, in AlfaCo, that these recognitions reflect our commitment to building a workplace culture where people are empowered, valued, and inspired. Sincere thanks to the organizers for an amazing and reenergizing evening that truly celebrated the spirit of people-first leadership,” said Jonathan M. Norotsky, CEO, Alfa Company.
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.
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