The latest edition recognises outstanding companies, employees, and workplaces that promote family-friendly practices.
Dubai: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the fourth edition of the Emirates Labour Market Award, expanding its scope to recognise businesses and individuals contributing to the development of the UAE’s labour market.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the award has been updated to reflect the country’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and people-centred development.
According to the ministry, the latest edition also aligns with the UAE’s long-term economic vision and the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Family”, and aims to honour outstanding companies, employees, and workplaces that promote family-friendly practices.
This year’s award features an updated framework with four main categories and several specialised honours that reflect evolving priorities in the labour market.
The categories highlight achievements by Emirati entrepreneurs, multinational companies operating in the UAE, organisations driving digital transformation, and businesses with strong workforce protection initiatives.
Additional awards will recognise companies that create family-friendly work environments, invest in talent development, and prioritise employee wellbeing. The initiative also highlights organisations adopting innovative and sustainable practices that help strengthen the UAE’s labour market.
Alongside businesses, the award places strong emphasis on individuals contributing to economic and social development. It recognises a broad range of professionals, including leaders, technical specialists, support staff, frontline workers, and family caregivers. The Ministry said the aim is to acknowledge their role in supporting the economy and building stronger communities.
MoHRE described the Emirates Labour Market Award as the first initiative of its kind in the country dedicated to recognising both outstanding private sector establishments and exceptional workers across all economic sectors.
Supporting the future economy
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, who also serves as Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chairman of the award’s Supervisory Committee, said the initiative has become a key platform for promoting excellence and competitiveness in the labour market.
He added that the continued patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has supported the award’s evolution into a national benchmark for innovation and leadership.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar said the latest updates build on the success of previous editions and are designed to encourage more companies and workers to showcase achievements, exchange ideas, and adopt innovative approaches that strengthen the labour market.
He added that the award also supports the UAE’s efforts to improve ease of doing business while encouraging the private sector to play a stronger role in developing the country’s broader economic ecosystem.
The minister also expressed appreciation to sponsors and partners involved in previous editions, noting that their support reflects a strong commitment to social responsibility and the continued growth of the UAE labour market.
Cash prizes and business incentives
The fourth edition of the award will also include a range of benefits for winners, including financial rewards and business-related incentives aimed at recognising and encouraging excellence in the private sector.
Companies that achieve first place will be placed in the highest tier of MoHRE’s classification system and will receive discounts on selected ministry services.
Winning organisations will also gain access to the ministry’s Diamond-tier customer service, which includes priority processing, technical support, and premium call support.
For individual categories, first-place winners will receive Dh100,000, while second and third place winners will receive Dh75,000 and Dh50,000 respectively.
Applications for the award are currently open through the official portal and will remain open until August 31, 2026. Entries will be evaluated by specialised committees based on governance and performance standards established by the ministry.
