The International Coaching Federation (ICF), the world’s largest coaching organisation, held the fourth annual ICF Middle East Prism Awards, celebrating the achievements of organisations with strong coaching cultures, in its first-ever virtual iteration.

The awards recognised the exceptional work Middle Eastern businesses and organisations undertake in using coaching to offer employees at all levels the opportunity to grow their skills, enhance their value and reach their professional goals. Winners were selected by a panel of the ICF members and credentialed coaches based on the four main pillars of impact, standards, strategy and sustainability.

Qatar Financial Center (QFC), nominated by ICF master certified coach Clare Beckett McInroy, was the night’s winner. Oman-India Fertilizer Company (Omifco), nominated by ICF professional certified coach Ave Peetri, received anhonourable mention, while Dubai Airports, nominated by ICF master certified coach David Ribott, was the second runner-up.

This year’s keynote speech was delivered by James Dillon, a renowned French-American business author and an ICF professional certified coach with over 30 years of experience. Dillon detailed the use of coaching as a strategic perspective for businesses especially as the world recovers from a global economic and health crisis brought on by the spread of COVID-19.

The master of ceremonies was Michael Jackson, an ICF associate certified coach. The 2020 chair of the ICF Credentials and Standards Global Board, Benita Stafford-Smith, MCC, gave a speech reflecting on the history of the Middle East Prism Awards. Linda McLoughlin, MCC, an ICF Professional Coaches Global Board director, commemorated the 25th anniversary of ICF.

“The Middle East is of great importance to the ICF and although we could not celebrate the achievements of our award-winning organisations in person, we were glad to use a first-of-its-kind virtual event to recognise and celebrate the professionals and businesses that are truly driving long-term change in the region,” said Magdalena NowickaMook, ICF chief executive officer.