Dubai - MENA Herald: Taqdeer Award, launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, honoured 42 construction companies and workers at a special honouring ceremony held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The ceremony was attended by decision-makers and leaders from local and international government bodies, labour organisations and private companies.
Taqdeer Award is the world’s first points-based award programme aimed at setting international benchmarks in labour welfare and honouring excellence.
The winners were honoured by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation.
Hussein Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality and President of the Judging Committee, said: “On behalf of the award Judging committee, I would like to thank His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, for his strong support and guidance for this award, which has encouraged companies to set exemplary international standards in labour practices.
The judging committee has worked diligently to achieve the desired goals of this award. Within a short time of about 10 months only, Taqdeer Award has helped companies achieve a lot and created an everlasting impact and this is just the beginning.”
Major General Obaid Muhair Bin Suroor, Deputy Director General of General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai and Chairman of Taqdeer Award, said: “It is a moment of great pleasure for us that Taqdeer Award has encouraged and led construction companies in Dubai to set exemplary standards in labour welfare. Construction sector is vital to Dubai’s economy and employs over 500,000 workers, each of whom play an important role in Dubai’s journey to excellence. This award will go a long way in enhancing relationship between employers and employees, in line with the vision of our leadership to ensure happiness and welfare of all and realising Dubai’s vision of becoming one of the world’s best places to work and live. The award has received global appreciation and I would like to congratulate the winning companies for setting international benchmarks in labour welfare practices and the workers who have given their best and shown excellence at workplace, which sets an example for others to follow. I would also like to thank the team of Taqdeer Award, the Judging Committee members, assessors and others who have worked hard at every stage of this award to make it a success. We believe this award has set an example for other countries to follow.”
Obaid added: “We are now ready to launch the next phase of the award in which we expect to have participation from atleast 100 companies. Our goal is to encourage companies across all sectors to set such benchmarks as Dubai, guided by its visionary leadership, is continuously working toward attaining excellence.”
Taqdeer Award reflects Dubai’s serious efforts toward enhancing employer-employee relationship and aims to enhance awareness among labourers about their rights and duties, encouraging workers to contribute their best, while setting international benchmarks in labour welfare practices.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General, Dubai Airport Freezone Authority DAFZA, said: “Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General, Dubai Airport Freezone Authority – DAFZA and Vice President and CEO of Dubai Silicon Oasis, said: “The Taqdeer Award sends out a clear message that Dubai does not just encourage excellence in labour welfare practices but amply rewards it as well. We thank H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum for championing this honorable initiative and for assuring responsible organizations that their concern for their employees will always have a fair return. Appreciating, recognising and supporting the workforce is integral to the fulfillment of Dubai’s ambitions; this award will serve as a constant reminder that freezones' workforce are important partners for growth as we all strive for a better and brighter future.”
The ceremony was led by renowned media personality George Kordahi.
The companies that received 5 and 4-star ratings will enjoy priority in government projects and the top ratings will give companies a competitive advantage in bidding for international contracts.
In its first phase, the award targeted construction sector and will eventually be extended to other sectors. There are around 282 companies in this sector in Dubai, providing jobs for more than 500,000 workers.