MENA 40 Under 40
The HR Observer MENA 40 Under 40 Award 2026 will recognize and celebrate the region’s most promising HR and business leaders who are redefining the future of work, shaping workplace culture, and driving meaningful transformation across organizations.
HR Observer will publish its annual MENA 40 Under 40 list in October 2026, shining a spotlight on emerging leaders across the Middle East and North Africa who are making a significant impact within the HR, people, workforce, technology, and broader business ecosystem.
This year, HR Observer invites CXOs, CHROs, business leaders, founders, HR professionals, and professionals across functions to nominate outstanding leaders who are creating meaningful change in their organizations and the wider MENA business community.
Whether they are driving people strategy, transforming employee experience, building innovative HR technology, leading organizational transformation, or influencing the future of work from another business function, their contributions deserve recognition.
Why MENA 40 Under 40?
The Middle East North Africa (MENA) region is undergoing a significant transformation in how organizations attract, develop, engage, and retain talent. From AI and HR technology to workforce transformation, employee experience, leadership development, and organizational culture, a new generation of leaders is playing a critical role in shaping the region’s future of work.
The HR Observer MENA 40 Under 40 aims to identify and celebrate 40 exceptional professionals under the age of 40 who are making a measurable difference through leadership, innovation, resilience, and impact.
The list will recognize professionals who are not only excelling in their current roles but are also influencing how organizations and people work across the MENA region.
Who Can Be Nominated?
The award is open to professionals across all industries and business functions, including but not limited to:
- CHROs, HR Leaders & People Leaders: HR Directors, HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Compensation & Benefits, DEI, Employee Experience and Organizational Development professionals.
- HR Tech & People Analytics Leaders: Professionals using technology, AI, analytics, and digital solutions to transform workforce decisions and employee experiences.
- Business Leaders & CXOs: Leaders influencing organizational culture, people strategy, workforce transformation, or organizational design.
- Startup Founders & Entrepreneurs: Founders building innovative, people-first businesses, workforce platforms, HR technology, or solutions shaping the future of work.
- Functional Leaders: Professionals from technology, operations, finance, marketing, consulting, sales, strategy, and other functions whose work has created significant impact on people, culture, or workplace practices.
General Eligibility
- Age: Nominees must be under 40 years old as of December 31, 2026.
- Geography: Open to professionals across the MENA region.
- Industries: Open to nominees from all industries and business domains.
- Functions: Open to HR and non-HR professionals whose work has a meaningful impact on people, organizations, or the future of work.
- Nomination Type: Self-nominations and third-party nominations are accepted.
Nomination Process
1. Submit a Nomination
Complete the official HR Observer MENA 40 Under 40 nomination form with accurate and up-to-date information.
2. Provide Professional Details
Nominees should provide relevant professional information, including their role, organization, achievements, impact, contact details, and LinkedIn profile, where available.
3. Complete Registration
The nomination process is completed upon payment of the applicable registration fee.
4. Editorial Assessment
Nominations will be reviewed based on the information and achievements submitted as part of the nomination.
Selection Criteria
The HR Observer MENA 40 Under 40 selection process will consider several factors, including:
Innovation & Impact
The nominee’s contribution to organizational growth, workforce transformation, HR innovation, business performance, or workplace improvement.
Leadership
Evidence of leadership, influence, initiative, and the ability to drive meaningful change within an organization or industry.
Contribution to the Future of Work
The nominee’s role in shaping emerging workplace practices, technology adoption, talent strategies, employee experience, culture, or workforce models.
Values & Reputation
Professional integrity, organizational values, reputation within the business community, and contribution to a positive workplace environment.
Resilience & Determination
Unique professional journeys, challenges overcome, and examples of resilience, determination, and sustained achievement.
Nominate Now
HR Observer MENA 40 Under 40 Award 2026
Last Date to Nominate: September 30, 2026
Nomination Fee: USD 170
Nomination Link:
CLICK HERE
About HR Observer
HR Observer is a digital HR news and insights platform covering the evolving world of human resources, workforce transformation, leadership, technology, and the future of work.
Through news, analysis, leadership interviews, industry insights, and recognition programs, HR Observer brings together the people and ideas shaping the future of work across global markets.
Contact Us
For nominations, eligibility questions, or further information:
Phone: +91-8800736289 (Abhishek Kumar)
Email: awards@hrobserver.com
Recognize the leaders shaping the future of work across MENA. Nominate today.
