Emirates Labour Market Award 2025 Sees Huge Surge with 18,000 Applications – 134% Growth

Emirates Labour Market Award 2025 Sees Huge Surge with 18,000 Applications – 134% Growth. The Emirates Labour Market Award 2025 has recorded an unprecedented surge in applications, with over 18,000 participants registering for the prestigious competition. This represents a remarkable 134% increase compared to the previous edition, which welcomed around 7,700 applications. Such growth underscores the award’s rising importance in the UAE’s labour ecosystem and highlights the increasing emphasis companies place on excellence, compliance, and employee well-being.

In this article, we provide an expert analysis of the Emirates Labour Market Award 2025, its expanded categories, benefits for winners, evaluation process, and the award’s pivotal role in driving competitiveness in the UAE labour market.

What is the Emirates Labour Market Award?

The Emirates Labour Market Award is the first award of its kind in the UAE dedicated to recognising excellence in labour market practices. It honours both private-sector companies and exceptional individual workers, promoting innovative, compliant, and socially responsible business operations.

Since its inception, the award has been held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. This royal backing adds credibility and prestige, making it a benchmark for companies striving to excel in HR, workforce management, and operational efficiency.

Key Objectives of the Award

• Encourage business compliance with UAE labour laws
• Reward outstanding workforce practices and innovation
• Promote employee well-being and engagement
• Recognise companies adopting sustainable and socially responsible initiatives
• Enhance the UAE’s position as a competitive and attractive business hub

Surge in Applications: 18,000 Participants in 2025

The third edition of the award has witnessed a substantial increase in applications, reflecting the programme’s growing trustworthiness and recognition among private-sector companies and professionals.

This exponential growth indicates that companies and individuals increasingly value recognition for excellence, and are eager to align their operations with best practices and the UAE Vision 2031 objectives.

Expanded Award Categories in 2025

The Emirates Labour Market Award 2025 introduced key updates to its award categories, enhancing inclusivity and engagement across all labour market sectors.

1. Establishments

This category recognises companies that implement exemplary business strategies, ensure compliance, and foster a healthy, productive work environment.

2. Workforce

Outstanding employees and HR teams are celebrated under this category for dedication, innovation, and high performance, motivating the workforce nationwide.

3. Labour Accommodations

A new subcategory this year focuses on sustainable recreational activities for employees, particularly during national occasions and holidays. Initiatives under this category encourage:

• Enhanced employee productivity
• Promotion of community values
• Strengthening employee sense of belonging

4. Business Services Partners

Recognises external partners providing exceptional services to support companies’ operational efficiency.

5. Special Recognition

Highlights unique contributions that significantly impact the labour market, from innovative HR practices to social responsibility initiatives.

Benefits of Winning the Award

Winners of the Emirates Labour Market Award enjoy a variety of tangible and intangible benefits, creating value for both companies and individuals.

For Companies:

• Classification in the Ministry’s establishment system
• Discounts on MoHRE services
• Priority processing of transactions
• Recognition as a benchmark for excellence in HR and labour management

For Individuals:

• Financial prizes
• In-kind rewards
• Career recognition and opportunities for professional growth

These rewards not only incentivise compliance and innovation but also strengthen the UAE’s workforce ecosystem, ensuring high standards across industries.

Evaluation Process: Technical and On-site Assessments

The award’s specialised committees conduct thorough evaluations of participants using advanced governance models.

Key Features of the Evaluation:

• Technical reviews based on clear and transparent criteria
• On-site assessments of employee accommodation, services, and operational practices
• Focus on integrity, fairness, and consistency
• Preparation for the official announcement of winners in November 2025

The evaluation phase ensures that winners truly exemplify UAE’s standards of labour excellence and comply with regulatory frameworks.

Significance of the Award for UAE Labour Market

According to Dalal Al Shehhi, Director of Strategy and Future Department at MoHRE:

“The Emirates Labour Market Award continues to cement its position as a model for competitiveness, motivating companies and the workforce, and reinforcing the UAE as the best place to live, work, and invest.”

The award’s impact extends beyond recognition. It fosters:

• Integration between private and public sectors
• Embedding social responsibility into workplace practices
• Strengthening long-term business sustainability
• Promotion of employee engagement and welfare

In short, the award supports the UAE’s vision of a thriving, competitive, and socially responsible labour market aligned with Vision 2031.

How Companies Can Participate

Participation in the Emirates Labour Market Award requires adherence to specific eligibility criteria:

1. Registration on the MoHRE portal before the deadline (31 August 2025)
2. Submission of required documentation reflecting company practices and employee programs
3. Compliance with labour law regulations and ethical business standards
4. Alignment with award categories (Establishments, Workforce, Labour Accommodations, etc.)

Early registration improves evaluation readiness and demonstrates proactive engagement with the award’s objectives.

Impact on Private Sector and Workforce

The Emirates Labour Market Award influences business practices and workforce culture across the UAE:

• Encourages adoption of sustainable and employee-friendly policies
• Enhances corporate social responsibility initiatives
• Strengthens competitive advantage for companies in regional markets
• Boosts employee morale, productivity, and retention

This comprehensive approach reinforces the UAE’s position as a leading hub for business innovation and employee welfare.

FAQs About Emirates Labour Market Award 2025

Q1: Who can apply for the Emirates Labour Market Award 2025?

Ans: Private-sector companies and individual workers demonstrating excellence, compliance, and innovative HR practices are eligible.

Q2: What is the deadline for submitting applications?

Ans: Nominations close on 31 August 2025. Applications must be submitted through the official MoHRE portal.

Q3: How are winners evaluated?

Ans: Winners undergo technical and on-site assessments, evaluated on transparent governance criteria and integrity.

Q4: What benefits do winners receive?

Ans: Companies receive classification, service discounts, and priority processing, while individuals receive financial and in-kind rewards.

Q5: What new initiatives were introduced in 2025?

Ans: A sub-category under Labour Accommodations encourages sustainable recreational activities for employees during national occasions and holidays.

Conclusion

The Emirates Labour Market Award 2025 is a milestone initiative fostering excellence, compliance, and innovation in the UAE labour sector. With a 134% surge in applications, it reflects growing engagement from companies and workers, as well as the increasing importance of employee welfare and sustainable practices.