A total of 42 construction companies and workers walked away with the Taqdeer Award, the world’s first points-based award programme for recognising excellence in labour welfare practices, at a special ceremony held in Dubai, UAE.

The ceremony was attended by decision-makers and leaders from local and international government bodies, labour organisations and private companies, said a statement from the organisers.

The award was launched under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and chairman of Dubai Executive Council.

Furthermore, the winners were honoured by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, it said.

Hussein Nasser Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality and president of the judging committee, said: “The committee has worked diligently to achieve the desired goals of this award. Within a short time of about 10 months only, the award has helped companies achieve a lot and created an everlasting impact and this is just the beginning.”

Major General Obaid Muhair Bin Suroor, deputy director general of general directorate of residency and foreigners affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai and chairman of Taqdeer Award, said: “It is a moment of great pleasure for us that the award has encouraged and led construction companies in Dubai to set exemplary standards in labour welfare.”

“The construction sector is vital to Dubai’s economy and employs over 500,000 workers, each of whom play an important role in Dubai’s journey to excellence. This award will go a long way in enhancing relationship between employers and employees, in line with the vision of our leadership to ensure happiness and welfare of all and realising Dubai’s vision of becoming one of the world’s best places to work and live,” he said.

“The award has received global appreciation and I would like to congratulate the winning companies for setting international benchmarks in labour welfare practices and the workers who have given their best and shown excellence at workplace, which sets an example for others to follow,” he stated.

Bin Suroor said the committee expects at least 100 companies for the next edition of the Taqdeer Awards.

“Our goal is to encourage companies across all sectors to set such benchmarks as Dubai, guided by its visionary leadership, is continuously working toward attaining excellence,” he stated.

In its first phase, the award targeted construction sector and will eventually be extended to other sectors.- TradeArabia News Service