- Women account for 42% of all new hires across leading companies
- Female workforce participation in the GCC stands at 33%
Avtar Group, a prominent workplace culture consultancy and Inclusion (DEI) solutions provider, has announced the second edition of the Avtar & Seramount Best Companies for Women in Gulf (BCWG) list. This benchmark initiative recognises organisations throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that are advancing gender diversity and building inclusive policies at work. The announcement took place during the Best of Best (BOB) Conference held today in Dubai.
The 2025 BOB – Gulf Conference attracted enthusiastic engagement from regional companies, with contributions from Al Shirawi Facilities Management LLC, Diversey – A Solenis Company, DKHOON AL EMIRATIA, Finastra UK Limited, Ingram Micro Company, and KONE MIDDLE EAST LLC, among others.
The 2025 BCWG findings highlighted the Top 10 Best Companies for Women in Gulf, alongside other organisations acknowledged for fostering inclusive work cultures. Among the Top 10, 80% are headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, while the remaining 20% are based in Saudi Arabia.
Companies were evaluated on parameters including:
- Programs for 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
- Canon Middle East
- CBRE Advisory Services LLC
- GIG GULF Insurance
- House of Shipping Management Consultancies FZCO
- Ingram Micro Company
- Leisure And Entertainment Global Project Management Service LLC
- 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
Please note the winners of 2025 BCWG are listed alphabetically
Best Companies for Women in Gulf | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Commenting on the occasion, Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President, Avtar Group, said
“As the Best Companies for Women in Gulf (BCWG) study completes its second edition in the Gulf Co-operation Council, we are delighted to see the commitment to gender inclusion, growing in the region. Best companies, hailing from across industry sectors have instituted comprehensive inclusion frameworks, to ensure women’s advancement is recognised as a strategic growth priority. From leadership training to coaching, mentoring and sponsorship, these organizations promote a culture of allyship and advocacy alongside creating equitable pathways for career growth. By fostering opportunities for women to excel, lead, and thrive, the best companies have set a gold standard for progressive organizations in the region, inspiring the larger business ecosystem. We are proud to honour these frontrunners!”
Subha V. Barry, President, Seramount, said
“Seramount and Avtar share a deep commitment to advancing global inclusion, and we’re proud to celebrate the continued momentum of the Best Companies for Women in the Gulf initiative,” said Subha V. Barry, President of Seramount. “This year’s Top 10 and Best Companies are taking meaningful action to support women in the workplace—through sponsorship, mentorship, ERGs, and benefits that empower talent advancement. These organizations are not only investing in equity, they’re helping shape a more inclusive future of work. At Seramount, we’re honored to recognize their leadership.”