How Dubai National Insurance Built a Workplace Where People Choose to Stay

Winner: Best Company to Work For – Medium Enterprise | Employee Happiness Awards UAE 2025

| Written by Riya Malhotra

In an industry built on trust, Dubai National Insurance (DNI) believes that trust must begin within its own organisation.

When DNI was recognised as the Best Company to Work For – Medium Enterprise at the Employee Happiness Awards UAE 2025, the award reflected far more than a successful HR programme.

It acknowledged a long-term commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel supported, connected, and empowered to grow.

For an organisation with more than three decades of presence in the UAE insurance sector, employee happiness is not treated as an initiative. It is embedded into the company culture, influencing everything from leadership development and learning opportunities to wellness programmes and community engagement.

Putting People at the Centre of Growth

As industries continue to evolve, attracting and retaining talent requires more than competitive compensation. Employees increasingly seek meaningful development opportunities and a workplace that invests in their future.

At DNI, this belief has translated into structured learning and development programmes designed to build both technical expertise and future leadership capabilities. Through partnerships with institutions such as the Emirates Institute of Finance and dedicated leadership development initiatives, employees are encouraged to continuously expand their skills and prepare for new responsibilities.

The company’s approach extends beyond traditional training. Career development is viewed as a shared journey, with employees given access to learning pathways that support both individual ambitions and organisational goals.

Winning the ‘Best Company to Work For’ award is a proud milestone for DNI and a reflection of our unwavering belief that our people are our greatest strength. We have built a culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to grow.

– Charbel Yazbeck, Acting CEO, Dubai National Insurance

Creating Moments That Matter

Employee engagement at DNI is driven by the understanding that workplace culture is built through everyday experiences.

A dedicated Happiness Committee plays a central role in bringing employees together through wellness programmes, cultural celebrations, sporting events, social activities, and recognition initiatives.

Throughout the year, employees participate in activities ranging from wellness talks, health screenings, meditation and yoga sessions, and women’s wellness events to bowling tournaments, sports festivals, cultural celebrations, karaoke evenings, and team-building experiences.These initiatives are designed not only to improve engagement but also to foster a sense of belonging across a diverse workforce.

The impact has been significant. DNI reported a 22 per cent improvement in employee satisfaction, alongside an impressive 98 per cent participation rate in employee engagement initiatives.

Linking Development with Retention

Many organisations invest in learning. Fewer successfully connect learning with long-term retention.

DNI has focused on ensuring that employee development translates into meaningful career progression. Through targeted development initiatives, the company recorded a 15 per cent increase in retention among employees participating in structured development programmes.

This approach reinforces a simple but powerful message: employees are more likely to remain with organisations that actively invest in their growth.

The company also encourages cross-functional collaboration, giving employees opportunities to contribute ideas, participate in innovation-focused activities, and engage directly with leadership. An innovation lab and strong leadership involvement have helped create an environment where employees feel heard and empowered to contribute beyond their immediate roles.

A Culture Strengthened by Community

DNI’s people-first philosophy extends beyond the workplace.

Employees regularly participate in CSR initiatives, community outreach programmes, blood donation drives, and partnerships supporting people of determination and community organisations. These activities strengthen employees’ connection to a broader purpose while reinforcing the company’s commitment to social responsibility.

At the same time, regular departmental training sessions, professional development workshops, and recognition programmes ensure employees continue to learn, grow, and feel appreciated throughout their careers.

Building a Sustainable Future Through People

For DNI, employee happiness is not measured solely by engagement scores or participation rates. It is reflected in the organisation’s ability to create an environment where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to succeed.

“This recognition reflects our structured and consistent efforts to enhance employee well-being, engagement, and professional development,” says Hassan Al Khuwaildi, Head of Business Support and Chairman of the Employee Happiness Committee.

We remain committed to strengthening our people-centric culture and enabling our employees to build meaningful and successful careers with DNI.

As organisations across the UAE compete for talent in an increasingly dynamic market, DNI’s success offers a clear lesson: when employee happiness becomes a strategic priority, business performance, retention, and culture grow stronger together.

For Dubai National Insurance, being named the Best Company to Work For is not the finish line. It is validation of a workplace philosophy that continues to put people at the centre of progress.