GDRFA Dubai Honoured for Pioneering Approach to Employee Wellbeing
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs has won recognition at the Future Workplace Awards for its 'Happiest Work Environment' initiative, reflecting a commitment to placing people at the heart of institutional excellence.
At a time when organisations across sectors are reassessing their relationship with the people who sustain them, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai has received formal recognition for an approach that places employee wellbeing not as an ancillary concern, but as fundamental to institutional success. The directorate won the Best Employee Wellbeing Programme award at the Future Workplace Awards 2026, held in Dubai this month, for its ‘Happiest Work Environment’ initiative.
The award acknowledges comprehensive and innovative programmes that advance employees’ physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing whilst demonstrating measurable improvements in employee experience and satisfaction. GDRFA Dubai emerged as the victor among seven shortlisted initiatives in a competitive process that drew more than 450 entries across 22 categories at the awards ceremony, with evaluation conducted by a panel of over 20 judges.
Major General Awadh Mohammed Al Awaim, Assistant Director-General for Human Resources and Finance at GDRFA Dubai, reflected on the significance of the recognition. He noted that the award reflects the UAE’s vision and Dubai’s commitment to investing in people as the cornerstone of development and institutional excellence. Creating a happy and motivating workplace, he emphasised, is not separate from government performance but rather foundational to its success and long term sustainability.
The ‘Happiest Work Environment’ initiative aims to improve employee wellbeing and job satisfaction whilst strengthening organisational belonging and encouraging creativity, innovation and active participation in workplace development. In recognition of their efforts and achievements, the programme places employee appreciation at the centre of workplace culture, fostering an institutional environment where people feel genuinely valued and invested in by their organisation.
Established in 2012, the Future Workplace Awards have long recognised excellence in human resources management and workplace development across the Middle East, serving as a benchmark for organisations seeking to elevate their approach to people management and institutional culture.
What it means for Abu Dhabi
This recognition underscores a broader commitment within the emirate’s government institutions to prioritise employee wellbeing as essential to delivering excellence in public service. By elevating the standard of workplace culture and employee experience, government organisations strengthen their capacity to serve the public with greater engagement, creativity and dedication.
The award reflects values that resonate across the UAE’s development agenda: the understanding that sustainable institutional achievement rests on investing in people, recognising their contributions and creating environments in which they can flourish professionally and personally.
Source: WAM