UAE Labour Market Award boosts prize pool to Dh50 million for 98 winners
With entries up 134%, award showcases leading companies, workers, agencies and innovators
Under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratizations (MOHRE), will today (Thursday) host the closing ceremony of the third edition of the UAE Labour Market Award at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Dh50 million in prizes for 98 winners
This year’s ceremony will honor 98 winners, up from 84 in the previous edition. The award offers valuable prizes, including cash rewards for individuals and exclusive privileges for companies related to Ministry services — providing substantial financial benefits and enhanced service facilitation.
The total prize pool has been increased to Dh50 million, compared to Dh37 million in the previous edition. Winners were selected from more than 18,000 applications, marking a 134% increase from the 7,700 submissions received in the second edition.
Rigorous evaluation standards
Award recipients were selected by specialized evaluation committees based on transparent, merit-driven governance models. The selection process followed stringent criteria, including employment and empowerment, occupational health and safety, innovation and creativity, talent acquisition, labour relations and wages, and corporate social responsibility, among other comprehensive benchmarks tailored to each category.
The UAE Labour Market Award aims to solidify its status as a national benchmark for competitiveness in the labour market, attracting growing participation each year. The award highlights the UAE’s global leadership in fostering an innovative, fair, and sustainable business environment — reinforcing its reputation as one of the best places in the world to live, work, and invest.
It also promotes public-private collaboration as a cornerstone of social responsibility integration across the workplace, aligning with the UAE’s Vision 2031 by encouraging corporate excellence, sustainability, and workforce well-being.
Five main award categories
The award encompasses five primary categories:
Companies category
Comprising 40 winners, this category honors companies that demonstrate exemplary human capital practices across key criteria, such as employment and empowerment, talent acquisition, work environment and quality of life, innovation, and future readiness, while maintaining the highest standards of labour governance across all economic sectors.
Distinguished workforce category
This category recognizes 30 winners across three sub-categories:
- Skilled Workforce, evaluated based on achievement, continuous learning and development, and social responsibility.
- Other Professional Levels, assessed on performance and community engagement.
- Domestic Workers, nominated by employers, companies, or families for excellence and community contribution.
Labour Accommodation Category
Honoring 10 winners, this category rewards the best investments in labour housing that meet top-tier living standards. A new sub-category recognizes companies that implement sustainable initiatives and recreational programs that enhance worker well-being, belonging, and loyalty — reflecting the UAE’s values of unity and inclusion.
Business Service Partners Category
Comprising three winners, this category includes:
- Domestic Worker Recruitment Agencies – recognizing agencies that uphold best practices in worker-employer relations.
- Employment Agencies – honoring firms that excel in sourcing and promoting qualified talent for the UAE labour market.
- Business Service Centers – celebrating centers that empower their staff to deliver outstanding service to the business community.
Special Recognition Category
This includes two sub-categories:
- Elite Companies – 12 companies recognized for impactful practices that positively influence the labour market, such as supporting savings and unemployment insurance systems, health coverage, and training and employment initiatives in partnership with higher education institutions.
- Social Influencers – three honorees recognized for their contributions in promoting awareness of UAE labour laws, policies, and initiatives.
The UAE Labour Market Award continues to inspire excellence, innovation, and inclusivity across the nation’s workforce ecosystem — reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to setting global standards in labour market governance and competitiveness.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
