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Workers from one of the winning companies gather at the 2022 award cycle of Taqdeer Award. Picture usef for illustrative purposes only. Image Credit: Supplied
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Dubai: Imagine working hard and being appreciated for it – not just with words, but with real benefits that make your life better. That's the reality for over 210,000 workers in Dubai thanks to the Blue Card that is given to them as part of the Taqdeer Award programme.

What is the Blue Card?

Major-General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Chairman of the Permanent Committee of Labour Affairs in Dubai, and Chairman of the Taqdeer Award, spoke about the Blue Card, which is the first-of-its-kind reward programme designed to recognise and give back to the people who contribute to Dubai's economy: its blue-collar workforce.

“The primary objective behind the introduction of the Blue Card by the Taqdeer Award was to provide a range of benefits and privileges to blue-collar workers in Dubai. The card is a first-of-its-kind aimed to recognise and appreciate the contributions of these workers to the country's economy and society by offering them access to discounts, services, and facilities across various sectors such as healthcare, retail, entertainment, and transportation. It was part of efforts to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for blue-collar workers in the UAE, especially in Dubai,” he said.

WHAT IS THE TAQDEER AWARD?
Taqdeer is a competitive award designed for companies geared towards the well-being and welfare of their workforce and seeking to improve their quality of life. This Award was launched for the first time in Dubai in 2016 and is organised every two years to give companies a chance to meet the eligibility criteria and requirements necessary for nomination. The award scope was extended from local to regional and global and it has the unlimited support and backing of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council. There are seven company categories in total, starting from the one-star category up to the newly added seven-star category. This Award also incorporates the highest international standards in the field of labour welfare such as appointments, wages, quality of facilities, infrastructure, healthcare and safety as well as transparency, justice, innovation, creativity, and workers’ impressions of their work environment. Taqdeer Award has been successful in motivating companies, particularly the major ones, towards making tangible improvements that have now become part of their adopted employment policies in line with the Award criteria.

How does it work?

According to Major-General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, companies that are recognised through Taqdeer Award for prioritising worker well-being and receiving a four-star rating or above are eligible for the Blue Card.

“With the Award now expanded to the global stage, companies rated between four and sevem stars will qualify for these cards,” he added.

With the Award now expanded to the global stage, companies rated between four and sevem stars will qualify for these cards.

- Major-General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Chairman of the Permanent Committee of Labour Affairs in Dubai, and Chairman of the Taqdeer Award

What are the benefits of the Blue Card?

The Blue Card unlocks a treasure trove of savings for workers. Cardholders enjoy substantial annual discounts estimated in the millions of dirhams across over 165 partner establishments. From hypermarkets and supermarkets, to exchange houses, malls, department stores, hospitals and clinics, telecom companies and transportation, the Blue Card helps enhance workers’ lives in the UAE.

But the Blue Card is not just about discounts; it is about boosting the morale, motivation, and job satisfaction of workers in Dubai, making it the best city for everyone to live and work in.

“Employees of companies consistently receiving high ratings in the Taqdeer Award programme have positively responded to the Blue Card initiative. They appreciate the recognition, which boosts morale and motivation, and improves their quality of life through discounts and privileges. This fosters loyalty, engagement, and a positive workplace culture, contributing to higher job satisfaction and happiness among employees,” Major-General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor said.

Is your company eligible?

If your company prioritises worker well-being, you can apply for the Taqdeer Award. Once you submit your application, it will be evaluated by international assessors, and the results will be announced at the end of the current Award cycle. If you are keen to participate, click here for a step-by-step guide to the application process.