Second edition of Emirates Labour Market Award to continue receiving nominations until 31 August

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) continues receiving applications from private sector companies and individuals for the second edition of the Emirates Labour Market Award via the website Riyada.mohre.gov.ae until 31 August 2024.

The award is the first of its kind to honour outstanding private sector companies and workers across the country, highlighting successful labour market practices across all economic sectors. In its new edition, the award will honour 90 winners, up from 66 in the first edition.

His Excellency Ahmad Al Nasser, Assistant Undersecretary of National Human Resources Development and Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Policy and Strategy at MoHRE, said: “The exceptional results that the Emirates Labour Market Award achieved in its first edition, which were made possible by the generous and continuous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, have significantly enhanced its status and the impact of its inspiring results, which were built upon in the second edition, creating an additional incentive for companies and individuals to submit their applications to take part in the award across its various categories.”

“We look forward to receiving high-quality and more distinguished submissions for the award, in light of the competitiveness seen in the private sector and in businesses across the UAE. Participating in the award provides an opportunity to promote knowledge, enhance expertise, and highlight best practices in the labour market, which, in turn, allows for elevating business standards and boosting the competitiveness of companies and individuals,” He added.

The Emirates Labour Market Award is sponsored by leading UAE-based companies, reflecting the elevated level of social responsibility in the country’s business sector.

His Excellency Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Group, Diamond Sponsor of the award, said: “We are proud to sponsor the Emirates Labour Market Award, which enjoys notable support from His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. The award enhances the wise leadership’s vision to raise labour market competitiveness and provide all means of support to companies operating in the UAE.”

“The great success the award achieved in its first edition has left a positive impact on various companies, contributing towards raising their efficiency and enhancing the services they provide,” Sajwani continued. “Its importance lies in the role it plays in encouraging innovation and excellence in the labour market, enhancing competitiveness among companies, and driving sustainable economic development in the UAE, which reflects positively on all sectors and supports our aspirations for a more prosperous future.”

Meanwhile, Abdul Latif Abu Qura, Chairman of Insurance Pool, Platinum Sponsor of the award, said: “The Emirates Labour Market Award directly contributes towards establishing a flexible and attractive labour market, capable of meeting the needs of various business sectors and empowering national talent to contribute towards the UAE’s comprehensive development. It encourages companies to invest in developing their employees’ skills and creating a positive work environment that stimulates creativity and innovation. We believe that improving working conditions and fostering innovation are key to the prosperity of the national economy.”

Also commenting on the Award, Engineer Muhammad Binghatti, Chairman of Binghatti Developers, another Platinum Sponsor, noted: “The real estate sector has always worked hard to support the strategies and initiatives of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to build a strong labour market that enhances professional development opportunities for UAE citizens and attracts global talent. At Binghatti Developers, we are proud of our ongoing partnership with the Ministry in this vital area and reaffirm our commitment to supporting initiatives that promote Emiratisation and enhance the UAE’s status.”

For her part, Bayan Al Hosani, Chief People & Communications Officer at Aldar Properties, Platinum Sponsor of the award, said: “At Aldar, we are honoured to support the second edition of the Emirates Labour Market Award, which embodies our wise leadership’s ambitions and aspirations to establish a competitive work environment capable of attracting and retaining global talents. In light of the significant growth that the country has achieved as a preferred global destination for work and living, Aldar has managed to build a positive and productive work culture that supports the growth agenda pursued by the group. Through our support for this exceptional national initiative, we look forward to contributing to enriching the labour market, fostering more innovation and growth, increasing individual productivity, and enhancing the well-being and quality of life of the workforce.”

On a similar note, Eman Abdulrazzaq, Chief Operating Officer of Emirates NBD Group, also a Platinum Sponsor of the Award, said: “The Emirates Labour Market Award embodies the UAE’s vision to support innovation and sustainable development. As a leading banking group, Emirates NBD strives to support innovation efforts in the UAE by adopting the latest technologies, supporting Emiratisation initiatives, and enhancing skills among national talents. We congratulate all the winners and participants in this exceptional award, which reflects our shared vision for a prosperous and innovative future in the UAE labour market.”

His Excellency Engineer Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, Director General of Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat), another Gold Sponsor of the award, said: “We are committed to actively participating in initiatives aimed at enhancing the UAE labour market and boosting the competitiveness of vital economic sectors in the country. With that in mind, Emarat sought to sponsor the second edition of the Emirates Labour Market Award, which recorded a commendable success in its first cycle, highlighting the private sector’s excellence on various fronts and its ability to supply the labour market with expertise, talent, and innovation. We are proud to be participating in this year’s edition as a gold sponsor, seeing as the award’s mission aligns with our objectives to be a key partner for local companies and individuals in their growth and development journey, which, in turn, contributes to the excellence of the national economy.”

Ravi Menon, Co-chairman of Sobha Group said: “We are honoured to support the Emirates Labour Market Award, as it reflects Sobha Realty’s commitment to fostering innovation, excellence, and a competitive labour market in the UAE. The award not only recognises the outstanding contributions of industry pioneers but also inspires professionals and organisations in the private sector to strive for excellence. At Sobha Realty, we remain dedicated to nurturing an environment that promotes talent, and drives productivity, enhancing the quality of UAE’s talented workforce. By supporting this exemplary initiative, we hope to advance the country’s vision for a sustainable and prosperous future.”

Ahmed Burhaima, Head of Government Relations at du, Gold Sponsor of the Emirates Labour Market Award, said: “We recognise the importance of maintaining continuity in our partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation in order to implement our wise leadership’s directives, enhance the UAE business sector’s competitiveness, and support the labour market. The award is a clear embodiment of the UAE’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, offering a genuine opportunity to enhance knowledge and expertise for both companies and individuals alike.”

As another Gold Sponsor of the Award, Eman Al Bastaki, HRBP Emiratisation and Governme Relation at AW Rostamani Group noted: “The award strives to enhance labour market competitiveness , highlight outstanding practices, and honour productive workers and employees . This serves to elevate the well being and quality of life for workers in the private sector”

Silver Sponsors of the Emirates Labour Market Award include Dubai Duty Free, NMDC Group, and ADNEC, while Bronze Sponsors include Al Habtoor Group.

First place winners in the company category receive the following benefits: classification in the first category in MoHRE’s classification system, discounts on services from the Ministry, and financial savings of up to AED1.5 million. Meanwhile, second-place winners receive the same benefits, however with financial savings of up to AED1 million, and third-place winners receive benefits with savings of up to AED500,000.

All winning companies will be awarded MoHRE’s Diamond classification, which includes benefits such as priority in processing transactions, addressing technical challenges, and premium call centre service.

Awards for individuals include a cash prize of AED100,000 for the first-place winner, AED75,000 for the second-place winner, and AED50,000 for third place.