The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai has won the Best Employee Wellbeing Programme award at the Future Workplace Awards 2026. The recognition honours its “Happiest Work Environment” initiative.
The award was presented at a ceremony in Dubai on 27 October. GDRFA Dubai competed against six other shortlisted initiatives in the category.
The initiative aims to improve employee wellbeing, job satisfaction and organisational belonging. It also encourages staff to contribute ideas and take an active role in workplace development.
GDRFA Dubai focuses on employee wellbeing and engagement
The “Happiest Work Environment” initiative aims to create a workplace where employees feel valued and motivated. It focuses on improving the quality of work life while supporting creativity and innovation.
According to GDRFA Dubai, the programme also promotes employee recognition and encourages staff to participate in improving the organisation’s working environment.
Major General Awadh Mohammed Al Awaim, Assistant Director-General for Human Resources and Finance at GDRFA Dubai, said the award reflects the importance of investing in people.
He said: “Winning this award for our ‘Happiest Work Environment’ initiative reflects our commitment to fostering an institutional culture where employee appreciation and recognition of their efforts and achievements are integral to the workplace.”
Al Awaim also linked employee wellbeing to government performance and long-term organisational success. He said a happy and motivating workplace is not separate from public-sector performance but forms one of its foundations.
Future Workplace Awards 2026 attracts more than 450 entries
The Future Workplace Awards recognise work in human resources management and workplace development across the Middle East. Established in 2012, the awards cover initiatives that improve workplace practices and employee experience.
The 2026 edition received more than 450 entries across 22 categories. A panel of more than 20 judges evaluated the submissions.
The Best Employee Wellbeing Programme category recognises initiatives that support employees’ physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. It also considers evidence of improvements in employee experience and satisfaction.
GDRFA Dubai’s recognition highlights its focus on workplace culture and employee engagement. More broadly, the award places employee wellbeing within the organisation’s approach to institutional development and performance.
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