Aldar Properties, a leading developer in Abu Dhabi, has announced that it had won a prize in the small company category of the Emirates Emiratisation Awards, an initiative of the UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai presented the award to Aldar CEO Talal Al Dhiyebi at a recent ceremony held in the Presidential Palace, Abu Dhabi.

Aldar said it has an enviable track record in developing its cadre of UAE nationals, who now amount to 30 per cent of the overall workforce and of these Emiratis, 45 per cent are women.

The rate of Emiratization in Aldar has increased 23.5 per cent since 2015, said the company in a statement.

Since its inception, the Abu Dhabi developer had provided scholarship opportunities for high potential candidates.

Such candidates have benefitted from attending elite universities abroad to study specialist degree programmes in real estate before returning to Aldar, where their career paths are clearly mapped out, their progress monitored, as well as being mentored.

After getting the award, CEO Al Dhiyebi said: "I am extremely proud to collect this award, particularly as it is our debut year participating in this prestigious award ceremony amongst the highest level of esteemed institutions that collectively provide a globally enviable foundation for our local calibre."

"As a result, I am extremely proud of our dynamic, motivated, and ambitious talent pool of UAE nationals who have played a key role in Aldar’s ongoing success. This award is a reflection of their tireless optimism that makes Aldar one of the UAE’s top performing companies," he added.

Aldar said it was committed to developing its cadre of UAE nationals and continually identifies key individuals for particular roles, who are then coached to ensure that they are well placed to drive the company forward.

A key marker of Aldar’s success in this regard is its retention of staff, with 34 per cent of Emiratis having completed at least five years with the company.

In recognition of the number of employees below the age of 30, Aldar had this year set up its own youth council, which is actively helping to shape and define the Abu Dhabi developer’s future direction. It also engages with other youth councils across the country.

Bayan Al Hosany, the director (people and performance) at Aldar Properties, said: "We thank the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization for this award, and for the rigorous approach that they took to confirm our efforts in the field of Emiratization."

"At Aldar we are dedicated to ensuring that our staff are motivated to achieve their goals, and fulfil their potential. This award is a badge of honour for all of those who contribute to our values and our success," he added.-TradeArabia News Service