Honouring Culture, Driving Progress: The Power of Diversity
By: Caroline Hobeika, Chief Human Resources Officer, AWR Group

In any organisation, culture is built by the people who walk its hallways, speak its languages, and shape its decisions. At AWR Group, that culture is defined by a rich tapestry of nationalities, generations, and lived experiences – each one adding crucial nuance to how we solve problems, make decisions, and move forward together.
In an ever-evolving global landscape, we are constantly reminded of the profound importance of embracing diverse perspectives. At AWR Group, diversity isn’t something we merely aspire to; it’s an intrinsic part of how we operate, every single day.
Where inclusion meets impact
True diversity goes far beyond statistics; it's about the tangible impact it has on an organisation's ability to thrive. Today, our 3,334 employees at AWR Group span four generations and represent 61 nationalities, collectively speaking 101 languages. With Millennials accounting for more than 60% of our workforce, and over 200 Emiratis proudly contributing to our ranks, these figures represent more than just numbers. They signify a vibrant ecosystem that powers how we grow, how we adapt, and ultimately, how we serve.
The sheer breadth of experience, cultural fluency, and intergenerational knowledge within our teams significantly strengthens our ability to lead with relevance and authenticity in every market we operate in. It’s this profound diversity that enables us to build solutions that genuinely resonate – whether we’re designing intuitive customer journeys, shaping agile business strategies, or nurturing the next generation of leadership from within.
Embedding equity in the everyday
For diversity and inclusion to truly flourish, the approach cannot be confined to awareness days or programme announcements. It must be fundamentally embedded into the operational fabric of an organisation. At AWR Group, this principle guides our actions, taking form in how we structure our hiring frameworks, integrate it into our leadership development plans, and foster open conversations across all teams.
It’s reflected in the intentional way we structure cross-functional collaboration, in the openness of our feedback channels, and in how we define performance – not solely by outcomes, but crucially, by how those outcomes are achieved. We have seen the tangible results of this embedded approach: higher employee engagement, stronger retention rates, and the cultivation of a more agile, forward-thinking culture that responds not just to market shifts, but profoundly to the needs and perspectives of its people.
Sustaining the culture we shape
Organisations often talk about culture as a static set of values. For us, it’s something far more dynamic. It’s the fluid exchange of ideas. It’s how respect is demonstrated in every interaction. It’s the underlying tone of our leadership and the intricate fabric of our teams.
While we are immensely proud of the inclusive environment we’ve cultivated, we also recognise that sustaining a truly diverse and equitable culture demands continuous commitment. It requires actively questioning assumptions, thoughtfully rethinking established norms, and ceaselessly listening to the communities we are part of – both internally within our organisation and externally in the markets we serve.
Indeed, our differences don’t divide us – in fact, they are a powerful driving force for progress. The real opportunity lies in how we consistently harness that potential: through deliberate action, unwavering accountability, and a shared belief in what we can collectively create. Because when people feel truly seen, genuinely valued, and deeply empowered, that’s when the most impactful work truly begins – and the most profound progress naturally follows.
