Under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratizations (MOHRE) hosted the third edition of the UAE Labour Market Award at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The ceremony celebrates excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in the UAE workforce, highlighting the nation’s commitment to creating a fair and competitive labour market.
Record Participation and Increased Prize Pool
This year, the award recognized 98 winners, up from 84 in the previous edition. The total prize pool reached Dh50 million, compared to Dh37 million in the prior year. Winners were selected from over 18,000 applications, marking a 134% increase from the 7,700 submissions received in the second edition.
The award offers significant rewards, including cash prizes for individuals and special privileges for companies. These incentives not only provide financial benefits but also enhance access to Ministry services, supporting companies in streamlining operations and fostering workforce development. The expansion of participation and prizes reflects the growing importance of the award as a benchmark for labour market excellence in the UAE.
Rigorous Evaluation and Transparent Selection
Winners were chosen by specialized committees through a merit-driven process, guided by transparency and fairness. Evaluation criteria were comprehensive, covering areas such as employment and empowerment, occupational health and safety, innovation, talent acquisition, labour relations, wages, and corporate social responsibility. Each category had tailored benchmarks to ensure a fair and thorough assessment.
The rigorous evaluation process ensures that the award remains a credible national benchmark, encouraging organizations to adopt best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in the UAE workforce.
Promoting Innovation, Collaboration, and Sustainability
The UAE Labour Market Award aligns with the country’s Vision 2031, which focuses on corporate excellence, sustainability, and workforce well-being. By promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors, the award encourages the integration of social responsibility into business practices. It also reinforces the UAE’s reputation as a global leader in creating innovative, inclusive, and sustainable workplaces.
The award highlights the importance of creating a work environment where employees feel valued, safe, and empowered, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to being one of the best countries in the world to live, work, and invest.
Key Award Categories
Companies Category
The Companies Category recognized 40 winners for their outstanding human capital practices. Assessment focused on employment and empowerment, talent acquisition, work environment, innovation, and future readiness. The selected companies demonstrated high standards of labour governance across all economic sectors, setting benchmarks for corporate excellence in the UAE.
Distinguished Workforce Category
This category honored 30 winners across three subcategories:
- Skilled Workforce: Recognized for achievement, continuous learning, and social responsibility.
- Other Professional Levels: Awarded for outstanding performance and community engagement.
- Domestic Workers: Nominated by employers or families for exceptional service and contribution to the community.
The Distinguished Workforce Category emphasizes the UAE’s commitment to recognizing talent at all levels, promoting professional growth, and acknowledging the contributions of workers who play a vital role in society.
Labour Accommodation Category
Ten winners were recognized for their investments in high-quality labour housing that meets the highest living standards. A new subcategory highlights companies implementing sustainable initiatives and recreational programs that enhance worker well-being, sense of belonging, and loyalty. This reflects the UAE’s values of inclusion, unity, and human-centered development.
Business Service Partners Category
Three winners were honored in this category for their role in supporting labour and employment services:
- Domestic Worker Recruitment Agencies: Recognized for upholding best practices in worker-employer relations.
- Employment Agencies: Celebrated for excellence in sourcing and promoting qualified talent.
- Business Service Centers: Awarded for empowering staff to deliver exceptional services to the business community.
This category underlines the importance of service providers in building a strong and effective labour ecosystem.
Special Recognition Category
The Special Recognition Category included two subcategories:
- Elite Companies: Twelve organizations were recognized for initiatives such as supporting savings and unemployment insurance, providing health coverage, and collaborating with higher education institutions to enhance training and employment.
- Social Influencers: Three individuals were honored for raising awareness about UAE labour laws, policies, and initiatives, contributing to knowledge-sharing and workforce engagement.
Inspiring Workforce Excellence
The UAE Labour Market Award continues to inspire innovation, inclusivity, and excellence across the nation’s workforce. By showcasing top-performing companies, skilled workers, recruitment agencies, and social influencers, the award strengthens the UAE’s position as a global leader in labour market governance.
The award not only celebrates achievements but also encourages organizations to adopt best practices that promote fair treatment, talent development, and sustainability. It demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to creating a work environment that values employees, fosters innovation, and drives long-term economic growth.
Through recognition and reward, the UAE Labour Market Award motivates businesses and workers to strive for excellence, ensuring that the nation remains at the forefront of global labour market standards. It serves as an example for other countries on the importance of investing in workforce development, workplace safety, and corporate responsibility.
The success of this edition, with record participation and an increased prize pool, reflects the UAE’s ongoing dedication to nurturing a competitive, innovative, and inclusive labour market. By honoring excellence and promoting sustainable practices, the award contributes to a thriving work environment where employees and organizations can achieve their full potential.
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