Dubai: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, launched Taqdeer, the world’s first points-based award programme for recognising excellence in labour welfare practices.
The new initiative acknowledges the labour force’s significant contribution to the UAE’s development. Named after the Arabic word for appreciation, the Taqdeer Award seeks to promote international best practices in labour welfare in the emirate.
Focused on the construction sector in its first year, the programme has invited companies to participate in the award by submitting a comprehensive document, which will be thoroughly evaluated by a Judging Committee. Participating companies are awarded a rating ranging from one to five stars, based on the number of points they receive in the evaluation. The programme is open to Dubai-based companies in the construction sector that employ manual workers.
“Taqdeer is the latest addition to Dubai Government’s recognition programmes that celebrate excellence, innovation and creativity,” Shaikh Hamdan said.
“The Award programme reflects the importance Dubai places on ensuring progressive labour practices in line with global standards,” he added.
The Five Stars rating
Companies applying for the rating will be evaluated against three main sets of criteria – Essential Fundamentals; Culture and Work Environment; and Results, said Major General Obaid Mohair Bin Surour, Chairman of the Permanent Committee of Labour Affairs in Dubai and Deputy Director of the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
Factors considered for the ratings include labour policies, facilities and infrastructure, health and safety, labour security, recruitment and wages, justice and transparency, labour relations, communication and feedback, creativity and innovation, administration, labour perceptions and key performance indicators.
Major General Bin Surour further said that the Award programme is based on a comprehensive points system. Companies are given a score out of 1,000. The total points are distributed equally between Enabling Factors and Results, with a maximum of 500 points for each.
The highest rating of 5–stars is awarded to companies that obtain 700 points or more. Companies that obtain over 550 points receive a 4-star rating while companies with over 450 points get a 3-star rating. A 2-star rating is awarded to companies with over 300 points while the lowest rating of 1-star is awarded to companies with less than 200 points.
Winners of 5 and 4-star ratings will receive a certificate, enjoy priority in government projects, and will be honoured at an award ceremony to be held next year. Additionally, these top ratings will give companies a competitive advantage in bidding for international contracts.
