By: Shalini Taneja, Deputy Director – Human Resources Department at Keolis MHI
The UAE has always been a nation built on the strength of its roots. As we enter 2026, officially designated by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, as the “Year of Family,” we are reminded that the heartbeat of our society doesn’t just pulse through our bustling cities or our world-class infrastructure, it lives within our homes.
In Dubai, a city that never stops moving, the private sector often measures success in KPIs and operational excellence. But as we reflect on the National Family Growth Agenda 2031, a new metric of success is emerging: Family Well-being.
For the private sector, this year is a call to action. We are no longer just providers of jobs; we are architects of the environment in which families thrive. At Keolis MHI, our CSR policy recognizes that our 3,000+ employees are, above all, sons, daughters, parents, and spouses. Our commitment to family is deeply rooted in our culture through initiatives that celebrate inclusion, care, and community. From family-focused events like movie screenings, cultural outings, and a large annual Ramadan Iftar, we actively involve employees’ families and recognize their vital role in supporting our workforce. We also protect and empower families through comprehensive health coverage, wellness initiatives such as the KM Sports League, and community programs that support education, orphans, and people of determination, aligning employee values with our broader corporate mission.
Our Roadmap for 2026
To truly honor this national mandate, Keolis MHI is expanding its “Family-First” framework with several key pillars:
- Integrating Families into Growth: We are opening our well-being events and webinars to family members. We recognize that mental and physical health is a collective journey; when a spouse or child learns about wellness alongside our employee, the impact is doubled.
- Celebrating the Support System: Success is never a solo effort. We are now inviting family members to our “Employee of the Month” celebrations. Behind every high-performing employee is a family that provides the foundation for that excellence, and it is time they are recognized as part of our success story.
- Investing in the Next Generation: We are launching dedicated internship opportunities for the children of our employees, alongside specialized professional courses open to KM family staff, including Graphic Design, Human Resources, and Communications skills. By creating clear career pathways and access to practical learning, we are not only supporting our employees and their families, but also actively investing in the development of the UAE’s future workforce.
- National Pride as One Family: This year, our UAE National Day celebrations will pivot to a dedicated “Family Day.” It is a moment to align our corporate pride with the national identity, celebrating the union of our professional and personal worlds.
As we look toward the remainder of 2026, we urge our peers in the Dubai private sector to look beyond the office walls. When we invest in the families of our employees, we are investing in the stability of our companies and the prosperity of our nation.
