ABB, a pioneering technology leader, announced it won second place in the first UAE Emiratiszation Awards under the category of medium enterprise.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, honoured the winners during a ceremony that took place in Abu Dhabi, said a statement from the company.

Notably, ABB was the only multinational corporation at the awards ceremony. ABB’s managing Director Mostafa AlGuezeri received the award from the Prime Minister of Dubai, it said.

AlGuezeri said: “Diversity and training local talent is a prime focus for us. We are happy that our initiative to employ Emiratis and also train them to becoming high performing employees is being recognised by the government.”

“We will continue investing in a diversified and empowered workforce,” he added.

The ceremony was attended by Lt General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior and Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Sheikh Mohammed congratulated the winners of the first edition of the award that seeks to enhance the role of private sector in hiring Emiratis, and provide a conducive environment to attract locals. He said: “Citizens are key players in the nation's economic development, and our objective is to harness all efforts to hire talented Emiratis and empowering them to be in line with the journey of development and progress. We ensure to provide all what it takes to support local talents and offer them opportunities for innovation in public and private sector.”

Sheikh Mohammed also directed the launch of two new award categories including the best local employer in the private sector, and the government entity that support Emiratization.

Currently, the award is composed of four categories that are specified based on the number of employees in establishments, and these include large-sized enterprises (1000+ employees), medium-sized enterprises (500-999 employees), small-sized enterprises (up to 499 employees) and advanced technology companies which is a new category added to the award, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service