Dubai: Construction companies can now submit their applications online for an award that recognises excellence in labour welfare practices.
Taqdeer Award, the world’s first of its kind points-based award, now has a website, developed using the latest web technology, which enables construction companies interested in applying for the award to submit their documents easily.
Maj Gen Obaid Muhair Bin Surour, deputy director-general of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai and chairman of Taqdeer Award, officially launched the website (www.taqdeeraward.ae) for Taqdeer Award on Monday.
Maj Gen Bin Surour said the website will facilitate a speedy, easy, transparent and efficient process of submitting applications by the companies. The website will also be a source of information to international parties interested in taking similar initiatives.
“We are pleased to announce the launch of the Taqdeer website, which not only gives all information related to the Award but also allows companies to submit their documents online. It is the first ever time in Dubai that the complete application process can be done online,” he said.
The mobile-friendly website allows participating companies to have dedicated accounts online, while, at the same time, retaining their confidentiality.
Participation in the award helps companies identify areas where they can take extra measures, as well as give recognition to those who are already implementing the best practices.
In its first cycle the award focuses on companies in the construction sector in Dubai.
There are over 282 companies in the construction sector, providing employment to more than 500,000 workers. To participate in the award, the companies are required to meet certain eligibility criteria.
During the soft launch, the website had over 8,500 visitors from all over the world, including the UAE, Gulf countries, US, China, Canada, Australia, France, UK and others.
Maj Gen Bin Surour said: “We have received strong interest from construction companies in the first cycle of the award itself. The award will set benchmarks and, in the coming years as we add more sectors, we expect the numbers to go up significantly.”
He added: “The award is also generating interest on an international level, as it is the first of its kind in the world, and has set criteria that can be measured and results will be comparable for years to come.”
In the first year, the award has been launched for companies in the construction sector that employ manual workers and the future editions will include factories in free zones. The companies can participate in the award by submitting a comprehensive submission document, which will be thoroughly evaluated by a judging committee. The companies will be awarded ratings from one star to five stars.
The winners of five- and four-star ratings will receive a certificate, enjoy priority in government projects and will be honoured at an award ceremony. These top ratings will give companies a competitive advantage in bidding for international contracts.
