Mohammed Al Bunai, the CEO of Human Resources at Dubai Airports, highlighted that the organization has trained over 53,000 airport community employees on the “Unified Service” and “Facilitated Travel” programs. This initiative is part of their commitment to delivering a world-class hospitality experience, prioritizing excellence and inclusivity to cater to all travelers, including those with hidden challenges like autism and sensory sensitivities.
In an interview with UAE News Agency, he stated, “Human capital is a fundamental pillar in achieving the strategic objectives of Dubai Airports, which accommodates nearly 90 million passengers annually.” He emphasized that the organization’s success relies heavily on having a skilled workforce that aligns with a culture of innovation and institutional excellence.
He elaborated that Dubai Airports follows a vision that places people at the heart of its strategy through comprehensive developmental and community initiatives encompassing employees and the entire airport community, guided by the principle of “Many Hearts, One Pulse” within a unified corporate culture under the banner “oneDXB.”
Furthermore, he mentioned the launch of the “Open Learning Center,” a digital platform that offers more than 5,000 training courses and 300 annual programs, covering essential topics such as leadership, digital transformation, and mental and physical health, while hosting global experts to enhance future knowledge and skills.
Al Bunai asserted that employee well-being is a central focus of Dubai Airports’ strategy, underpinned by a wellness plan that revolves around five key areas: professional development, physical health, financial stability, social relationships, and community engagement. He noted that global Gallup survey results positioned Dubai Airports in the top quartile for employee satisfaction and institutional engagement.
He stated, “When employees feel valued and supported, it automatically reflects on the guest experience,” adding that the teams at Dubai Airports are fully aware that their roles shape the first and last impressions for visitors from around the globe.
Regarding the work environment, Al Bunai explained that Dubai Airports employs individuals from over 90 different nationalities and promotes a culture of diversity and collaboration, which enhances cultural intelligence and creativity, fostering an environment that encourages excellence and innovation in service delivery.
He also addressed the “Learning Week at Work” organized by the institution under the theme “Connecting with Our Future,” with participation from over 3,000 employees and 35 speakers across 20 sessions covering various topics such as artificial intelligence and emotional intelligence. He noted that high levels of participation indicated employees’ passion for learning and development.
Al Bunai confirmed that Dubai Airports maintains a well-balanced approach between operational excellence and skill development, integrating learning into daily workflows and utilizing data to identify skill gaps and design effective training interventions, in addition to adopting a “Agile Workforce” model that grants the organization flexibility to face challenges without compromising service quality.
In terms of aligning human resources efforts with the UAE’s “Year of Community,” Al Bunai stated, “Dubai Airports has blended professional development with community service through initiatives such as blood donation campaigns, UAE clean-up events, and hosting students from the SNF Center for People of Determination in the workplace, along with supporting the “One Billion Meals” initiative and Hajj seasons in collaboration with the UAE Red Crescent.”