Embracing diversity for a better tomorrow

Inclusion and Diversity

We believe that embracing diverse voices and perspectives is not just beneficial, but crucial for groundbreaking innovation. Our region is a melting pot of unique cultures and experiences, and our aim is to reflect this diversity in our organisation.

Our commitment to inclusion ensures that every voice is not just heard, but understood and valued. This commitment is embedded in our actions and our approach to solving the complex challenges that businesses and societies face today.

We recognise that the key to unlocking the full potential of our diverse people lies in fostering a culture where differences are celebrated and leveraged. By equipping our people with the necessary knowledge, skills, and mindset, we empower them to collaborate effectively, harnessing their unique insights to find innovative solutions.

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Together, we are more than just a team; we are a community of diverse solvers, ready to build trust and deliver sustained outcomes.

Diversity is more than a strategy; it's the heart of our business. We believe that embracing diversity and cultivating a culture of belonging are essential for innovation. Our success hinges on nurturing an environment where everyone can be their true selves. This commitment to authenticity and inclusivity isn't just how we do business, it's why we excel.

Hani Ashkar, Middle East Senior Partner

Hani Ashkar

Middle East Senior Partner

Diversity is more than a strategy; it's the heart of our business. We believe that embracing diversity and cultivating a culture of belonging are essential for innovation. Our success hinges on nurturing an environment where everyone can be their true selves. This commitment to authenticity and inclusivity isn't just how we do business, it's why we excel.

Celebrating diversity and cultivating Inclusion:
Our Initiatives for a workplace where everyone belongs

We run many initiatives that are aimed at promoting and instilling diversity and inclusion within our organisation. These initiatives represent our steadfast commitment to creating a workplace where differences are not only accepted but are celebrated. From comprehensive training programs to foster inclusivity, to targeted recruitment strategies designed to attract a diverse talent pool, each initiative is carefully crafted to enhance our collaborative culture. 

We focus on equity through targeted programmes, such as mentorship and sponsorship to ensure that every voice is heard and valued. Here are a few highlights:

Inclusion first: Strengthening systems and enhancing behaviours

Inclusion isn't just a part of our strategy, it's our guiding principle. We see it as the catalyst for innovation, and the essence of a vibrant workplace. By weaving inclusion into the fabric of our daily operations, we tap into a wealth of diverse insights, fostering a culture where breakthrough ideas thrive. This is why we ensure that we put inclusion first.

Systems for inclusive excellence

Our commitment to inclusion is deeply rooted in the systems we build. We're expanding the development of processes, policies, and interventions that champion equity at every level. Our aim is to create an environment where every individual has the opportunity to excel and realise their full potential.

Cultivating behaviours for a diverse community

We believe in the power of behaviours to transform our workplace. By fostering a community where inclusive behaviours are second nature, we enable our team to value differences and harness the power of diversity. This commitment to nurturing inclusive mindsets and skills is essential in our pursuit of building trust and delivering sustained outcomes.

Fostering inclusive leadership at every level

We view inclusive leadership as an essential human skill, vital for unlocking the potential of diverse teams and creating meaningful impact and value for our clients, our people, and society. As part of our initiative to enhance these skills, we introduced the Inclusive Mindset knowledge badge, a pivotal step in our journey towards fostering an inclusive culture.

The Inclusive Mindset learning experience is an innovative learning programme that encourages our people to enhance their ability to listen to those around them, learn from the experiences of others, and to create change through their everyday actions.

Of those who have completed the programme:

  • 92% reported an improved ability to practise more inclusive behaviours day-to-day.
  • 92% said the learning will help strengthen PwC’s culture of inclusion and belonging.

Learn more about our Inclusive Mindset badge.

In the next phase on our journey, we will continue to scale this learning globally and develop a skill badge called “Inclusive Culture”.

Empowering gender equality: transforming our workplace and the world

Our pledge for equality

We're not just committed to creating a gender-equal workplace; we're passionate about shaping a world where gender equality is the norm. Our mission is to empower our female talent, breaking down historic barriers and paving the way for a future where they lead and thrive.

Our key initiatives for gender parity:

Targeted mentorship program

We have established a comprehensive mentorship program, providing our emerging female talent with personalised coaching and guidance from experienced leaders. This initiative is designed to elevate their career trajectory, ensuring success both within and beyond our organisation.

Empowering sponsorship program

Our sponsorship initiative is tailored for our senior female professionals, offering them continuous access to opportunities and support from influential leaders. This program fosters a community of high-achieving professionals, committed to mutual growth and success.

Focused upskilling efforts

In collaboration with the PwC Academy Middle East, we're dedicated to enhancing the skills of our female workforce. By leveraging data, we pinpoint areas for development, ensuring our female staff are equipped for success in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Inclusive decision-making

We integrate a gender lens in all our business processes and decisions, striving for parity throughout our organisation. Our approach involves close collaboration with internal teams to guarantee a fair and unbiased employee lifecycle.

Gender KPIs for accountability

We operate under the principle that measurable goals foster achievement. By setting and monitoring gender-focused KPIs, we hold ourselves accountable for progress, ensuring our workplace is not only diverse but also thriving and inclusive.

Innovative returnship program

Our dedicated returnship program supports women re-entering the workforce after a career break. We provide the necessary training and support to ensure a seamless transition.

We strive to lead the charge towards a more balanced and equitable workplace. Our commitment to gender equality is unwavering, and our actions are testament to this promise. We believe that the future is inclusive, empowered, and exceptionally bright.

Elevating local talent: Our drive for nationalisation

Our vision for regional empowerment: 

With a presence across 14 offices in the GCC, we're at the forefront of nurturing and championing local talent. Our commitment to nationalisation is integral to our people strategy, key to solving complex client problems and building societal trust. 

Here are some of our Nationalisation initiatives:

Nationalisation lens across all of our decisions and processes

We carefully examine every business process and decision through a nationalisation-focused lens. We actively engage with various internal departments and key stakeholders, ensuring that our strategies and actions consistently position us as the preferred employer for the region's talent. This dedicated approach ensures that the growth and success of our local talent is always at the forefront of our operations.

Nationalisation KPIs

We monitor and measure our success with data-driven KPIs, ensuring tangible results. By setting ambitious benchmarks and rigorously monitoring progress, we're not just reaching targets – we're exceeding them and reshaping industry standards.

Watani programme: A gateway to excellence

Our flagship Watani programme offers our UAE nationals unparalleled support to empower them to excel. From interns to seasoned professionals, we offer a bespoke upskilling journey and exciting opportunities to grow their skills and receive individualised support.

STEP programme: crafting future leaders

Through the STEP initiative, we're sculpting the UAE's next generation of leaders. Our secondment opportunities are a launchpad for local talent, providing the vital experience and exposure needed to lead in their fields.

UAE nationals mentorship program:

We have established a comprehensive mentorship program to support our national talent to thrive within and beyond our organisation. Participants receive personalised coaching and guidance from experienced leaders.

Hemam 2.0 programme: Elevating Saudi Talent

The Hemam 2.0 Programme represents our strategic commitment to the development of Saudi Arabia's emerging talent. This comprehensive suite of initiatives has been meticulously crafted to accelerate the career growth of Saudi nationals. 

Hani Ashkar, Middle East Senior Partner

Diversity is more than a strategy; it's the heart of our business. We believe that embracing diversity and cultivating a culture of belonging are essential for innovation. Our success hinges on nurturing an environment where everyone can be their true selves. This commitment to authenticity and inclusivity isn't just how we do business, it's why we excel.


Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is rooted deeply in empathy and understanding. We believe in the power of a workplace where every individual is seen, heard, and valued not just for their skills, but for their unique life experiences and perspectives. It's about creating a community where every laugh, every challenge, and every triumph is shared and celebrated. Our journey in diversity is not just about building teams; it's about nurturing a family that thrives on its diversity.

Norma Taki, I&D Leader

Norma Taki

I&D Leader

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is rooted deeply in empathy and understanding. We believe in the power of a workplace where every individual is seen, heard, and valued not just for their skills, but for their unique life experiences and perspectives. It's about creating a community where every laugh, every challenge, and every triumph is shared and celebrated. Our journey in diversity is not just about building teams; it's about nurturing a family that thrives on its diversity.

How we can support you

Starting or continuing your organisation’s journey

At PwC, our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion goes beyond our own organisation.

We're excited to share our expertise and collaborate with clients and the wider community. Recognising the unique path of each organisation, we provide expertly created workshops tailored to empower and facilitate your journey towards meaningful change in Diversity and Inclusion. Our goal is to partner with you, leveraging our insights to nurture a culture of diversity that thrives on inclusivity and growth.

Contact us

Hani Ashkar

Hani Ashkar

Middle East Senior Partner, PwC Middle East

Stephen Anderson

Stephen Anderson

Strategy Leader, PwC Middle East

Waddah Salah

Waddah Salah

Managing Partner and Consulting Leader, PwC Middle East

Ken Walsh

Ken Walsh

Regional Managing Partner, PwC Middle East

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Contact us

Hani Ashkar

Hani Ashkar

Middle East Senior Partner, PwC Middle East

Norma Taki

Norma Taki

Deals Partner and Consumer Markets Leader, PwC Middle East

Tel: +971 4 304 3100

Zina Janabi

Zina Janabi

Middle East Inclusion & Diversity Director, PwC Middle East

Tel: +971 56 418 9962

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