IHG Hotels & Resorts recognised among the Middle East's leading employers

International

Hotel group earns top workplace rankings across seven markets in the 2026 Great Place to Work awards

IHG Hotels & Resorts has been recognised as one of the Middle East's leading employers in the 2026 Great Place to Work rankings. The company achieved first place in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Jordan, while also receiving recognition in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The results highlight IHG's continued focus on employee development as the company expands across one of its fastest-growing regions.

With a growing hotel portfolio throughout the Middle East, IHG says attracting, developing and retaining talent remains central to its long-term growth strategy. The latest rankings recognise the company's efforts to create an inclusive workplace culture that supports both employees and business performance.

People-first culture supports regional expansion

According to IHG, investing in colleagues has become increasingly important as the company continues to open new hotels and support the region's ambitious tourism development plans.

“Being recognised as a top employer across multiple Middle Eastern markets is something we are incredibly proud of, because it reflects the culture our colleagues have helped create every day. At IHG, taking care of people is at the heart of what we do. As we continue to grow across the region, this recognition reinforces the importance of fostering inclusive, high-performing environments that enable our teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences and support our owners. It also reflects our continued focus on strengthening engagement, wellbeing and leadership at every level, ensuring our culture remains a true differentiator as we continue to expand and strengthen our presence across the region,” said Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Talent programmes strengthen Saudi hospitality

Saudi Arabia remains one of IHG's most important global growth markets. To support the Kingdom's expanding hospitality sector, the company continues to invest in initiatives such as Masarona by IHG, a flagship programme designed to help Saudi nationals build long-term careers in hospitality in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

“Saudi Arabia remains one of IHG’s most important growth markets globally, and being recognised as the #1 Best Workplace in the Kingdom reflects the strong culture our teams have built together. Through programmes such as Masarona by IHG, alongside initiatives like IHG Academy and broader learning and development opportunities, we are investing in the next generation of Saudi hospitality talent and creating meaningful career pathways for local colleagues. This recognition reinforces our commitment to nurturing local talent, strengthening engagement and contributing to the Kingdom’s tourism ambitions under Vision 2030,” said Maher Abou Nasr, Managing Director – Saudi Arabia, IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Focus on long-term careers and employee wellbeing

IHG continues to invest in leadership development, learning opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and inclusion programmes across its hotels and corporate offices. The company says these efforts are designed to create an environment where employees can build long-term careers while supporting the continued growth of the business and the wider hospitality industry across the Middle East.