In recent years, the Middle East has witnessed a significant transformation in workplace culture. Traditional corporate environments, once defined by hierarchical structures and formality, are now embracing new ideas and creative approaches to team building. This shift has been driven by a recognition of the value of employee engagement, collaboration, and innovation in driving organisational success.
Over the past 10 years we have delivered many different team activities in Dubai, Qatar and most recently, Saudi Arabia. At first, our brand of high energy engagement was seen as very radical but now…the audiences from that region are regularly exposed to a wide range of activities.
Evolving Attitudes Toward Team Building
Historically, team-building activities in the region tended to focus on structured, predictable formats—such as formal workshops or conferences. However, as globalisation has influenced business practices, companies across the Middle East are becoming more open to diverse and dynamic approaches. Organisations are now exploring team-building events that are not only engaging but also tailored to the unique cultural context of the region.
A key factor in this evolution is the growing millennial and Gen Z workforce, who prioritize meaningful connections and experiences. This demographic shift has encouraged businesses to adopt more interactive, creative, and inclusive activities that foster camaraderie and collaboration. Additionally, the increasing presence of multinational corporations and startups has introduced new practices and perspectives, further driving change.
This means our most popular team activities: Music, Art and Movement based options, align perfectly with this new interest. These activities prioritise employee well-being, reflecting a growing commitment to holistic development.
These kind of team activities promote a win-win outcome for all participants instead of a one team wins and the others lose. They show the power in a one team…one outcome experience.
Here is a real life example of an event we ran in Qatar for a group of 300 delegates
A whole morning containing two separate activities.
The perfect blend of construction, focus and great communication.
Everyone must first construct a section of a handheld railway track.
Once they have practiced moving footballs along with just their table, we create one combined track all around the room with everyone working together.
With multiple lines and many travelling footballs, the aim is to get as many balls along the entire track without falling.
https://cte.smugmug.com/Team-on-Track
This requires great communication and patience.
Individuals recreate a section of an image then, we connect all the canvasses later to see the final masterpiece.
Groups get so involved with the Big Picture and it’s not uncommon for clients to take their artwork and mount it somewhere in their office etc. You can choose from a famous piece of art or…you can recreate a business design containing your companies: logo, mission statements etc.
Here is a video. https://vimeo.com/944476496?share=copy
Please click here to see countless smiling faces and people totally focused on getting it right https://cte.smugmug.com/The-Big-Picture/
Once dry, we connect all the sections together and reveal your groups final masterpiece.
These two very different activities kept the audience of 300 delegates totally entertained and challenged all morning. There was sharing, collaboration and much fun experienced between all the participants. On this particular event, the VIP member of the Royal family, was so impressed and intrigued at the engagement from the audience…our distinguished guest decided to stay and watch the whole morning instead of a brief appearance and leave. This was a great honour and all the participants were very touched by this.
As the Middle East continues to evolve as a global business hub, the appetite for innovative and meaningful team-building events is expected to grow. Companies are likely to invest more in personalized and experiential activities that cater to the diverse needs of their workforce. Furthermore, advancements in technology and a focus on sustainability will shape the future of team building in the region.
The changing attitudes toward team-building events in the Middle East signify a broader cultural transformation. By embracing new ideas and fostering collaboration, organisations are not only enhancing employee satisfaction but also building resilient and dynamic teams ready to face the challenges of the modern workplace.
We have many options to offer companies all over the region and we look forward to our next return.