Kerala expat wins UAE’s top skilled worker award, takes home Dh100K, gold, Apple Watch

Anas Kadiyarakam, a Kerala expat professional in the UAE’s healthcare sector, is quite literally over the moon. The longtime Abu Dhabi resident has just been named the top winner in the ‘Outstanding Workforce’ category at the Emirates Labour Market Awards – a milestone he calls the highlight of his 16-year career.

Anas, Human Resources Manager at LLH Hospital, clinched the honour in the ‘Management and Executives’ branch of the skilled workers subcategory, alongside co-winner Abdullah Albriki, Head of Cybersecurity at Emsteel.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the awards ceremony saw the winners honoured by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs.

In the Outstanding Workforce category, awarded to distinguished workers who have contributed to the UAE labour market and society, winners were honoured across three subcategories; Outstanding Workforce - Skilled workers, Outstanding Workforce - Workers at Other Professional Levels and Domestic Workers.

Junior staffer to national recognition

Anas arrived in Abu Dhabi in 2009 and began his career as an HR Executive at the LLH Day Care Center. His steady rise through the ranks saw him progress through multiple roles – Senior HR Executive, Assistant Manager, Musaffah Region Manager, and Regional HR Manager overseeing hospitals and strategic international projects for Burjeel Holdings.

His recognition comes with generous rewards: a trophy, Dh100,000, a gold coin, an Apple Watch, a Faza Platinum Card and other gifts. For Anas, a native of Kozhikode district who began his UAE journey in Abu Dhabi 16 years ago, the win marks a defining moment in his professional life.

Reflecting on the award, Anas said it felt as though the UAE had recognised his entire journey.

“It felt like the country was telling me we have seen your growth. The UAE’s private sector is the most dynamic place to learn, especially in healthcare. Every day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to help the workforce,” he told Gulf News.

“I got the chance to grow with my group. My special thanks to our Chairman Dr Shamsheer Vayalil and the management for the trust and responsibilities entrusted to me, which helped me grow.”

COVID-19: The defining chapter

Among the many responsibilities he handled, the most intense period was during the pandemic. Anas led HR operations at the Mafraq COVID-19 Hospital, a mission-critical facility managed by Burjeel Holdings. His role in supporting frontline staff earned him two of the UAE’s highest recognitions for healthcare workers.

The Frontline Hero Office awarded him the Heroes of the UAE Medal for his service, followed by a Golden Visa.

“COVID was a period that tested everyone. Supporting frontline teams day and night was not just a job, it was a commitment to the country,” he said.

A proud moment for family

As he received his award in Abu Dhabi, his family shared the joy with pride. His wife Kadeeja Jishni and children Hairine, Haaiz and Hyza celebrated what they called the biggest moment in his professional life.

“This award is for them too. Their support made every achievement possible,” he said.

For Anas, the recognition is not a finish line but a new responsibility.

“This motivates me to continue building healthier and more supportive workplaces where people feel valued and can grow. It is my way of contributing to the country that has given me so much,” he said.

While Anas won in the individual category, LLH Hospital Abu Dhabi, one of the hospitals under his HR responsibilities, secured recognition in the Healthcare Company sub-category under Establishments. This marks a hat-trick of wins for the hospital at the national awards. For Anas, who worked closely with the team on the nomination, the institutional win added to the celebration.

The winners were selected from more than 18,000 applications, reviewed by expert committees through detailed evaluations and interviews.