DUBAI: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has launched the fourth edition of the Emirates Labour Market Award, offering cash prizes of up to Dh100,000 and ministry fee discounts while setting out clear eligibility criteria and a straightforward online application process through the Riyada platform at riyada.mohre.gov.ae.
The award, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, recognises outstanding companies, workers and family-friendly workplaces that contribute to the competitiveness and quality of the UAE labour market.
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Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation Launches Fourth Emirates Labour Market Award
The new edition builds on the success of previous cycles that received thousands of applications from the private sector. It continues to honour excellence in labour practices and provides tangible incentives to winners across multiple categories.
Applications are now open via the official platform at riyada.mohre.gov.ae and will close on 31 August 2026, with winners announced and honoured in November.
Dh100,000 Prizes and Fee Discounts Offered to Winners
Individual workforce winners can receive cash prizes of Dh100,000 for first place, Dh75,000 for second place and Dh50,000 for third place, with 10 recipients in each tier. Winning establishments benefit from classification in the ministry’s top tier and fee discounts, with first-place winners eligible for savings of up to Dh1.5 million.
All winning companies receive Diamond Tier status, which includes priority processing of transactions, priority resolution of technical issues and access to premium phone support.
Eligibility Criteria for Workforce and Establishment Categories
Workers applying in the Outstanding Workforce category must have completed at least one year with their current establishment from the date they started work, must not have committed any violations and must not have had a labour complaint or absence from work filed against them in the past year.
Establishments must be registered with the ministry’s database, must not be government-owned and must not have been subject to judicial rulings or penalties. Companies and workers who have previously won remain eligible to participate again.
Criteria for Labour Accommodation and Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices
Labour accommodation applicants are evaluated on sustainability initiatives, labour welfare initiatives, additional services and facilities, with each element carrying equal weight in the assessment.
Domestic worker recruitment offices are assessed on domestic workers’ support and family support, each accounting for 50 per cent of the evaluation.
Leading Establishments Evaluated on Employment and Wellbeing
Leading establishments are judged on employment, empowerment and attracting skilled labour, which carries 40 per cent weight, work environment and workforce wellbeing, also weighted at 40 per cent, and innovation and futureproofing, which accounts for the remaining 20 per cent.
Special Recognition categories cover elite companies demonstrating exceptional practices across 10 sub-areas, including support for the Unemployment Insurance Scheme, Health Insurance System, Wage Protection System and training programmes in partnership with higher education institutions, as well as social influencers who raise awareness of labour laws and policies.
Step-by-Step Application Process via Riyada Platform
Applicants begin by visiting the official Riyada website at riyada.mohre.gov.ae and registering or logging into an account. They then select the relevant category, such as workforce, establishment or labour accommodation, and enter the required facility or personal details.
Supporting documents may be uploaded if applicants wish to strengthen their submission, although attachments are optional and not mandatory. The completed application is submitted electronically through the system before the deadline.
Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide to apply for the Emirates Labour Market Award (https://riyada.mohre.gov.ae/):
Award Continues to Strengthen UAE Labour Market Competitiveness
The Emirates Labour Market Award forms part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote best practices and raise standards across the private sector. Inquiries can be directed through the award’s official website or by calling the ministry contact centre on 600590000.
The fourth edition maintains the focus on recognising contributions that enhance the overall labour market environment in the UAE.
