The immigration authority’s ‘Happiest Work Environment’ framework stood out from seven shortlisted regional initiatives for its focus on physical, mental, and financial staff support.
DUBAI — The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai has won the ‘Best Employee Wellbeing Programme’ title at the Future Workplace Awards 2026 for its internal workplace initiative, ‘Happiest Work Environment’.
The award, presented as part of the regional HR Summit & Expo platform, placed GDRFA Dubai ahead of six other shortlisted finalists from diverse sectors. This year’s competition drew more than 450 entries across 22 categories, assessed by an independent panel of over 20 workplace and human capital specialists.
Assessments in the wellbeing category examined initiatives targeting physical health, mental resilience, emotional support, and financial wellness, alongside measurable increases in job satisfaction and institutional loyalty.
Major General Awadh Mohammed Al Awaim, Assistant Director-General for Human Resources and Finance at GDRFA Dubai, described the win as an endorsement of Dubai’s broader policy of investing in human capital.
“Creating a motivating and supportive workplace is not isolated from public sector efficiency; it serves as a foundation for sustainable operational excellence,” Al Awaim said. He noted that staff members who feel secure and recognized deliver higher standards of public service at customer counters and border control checkpoints.
The directorate’s framework combines flexible internal support structures, continuous professional development, and wellness tracking aimed at retaining specialized talent while keeping staff engagement aligned with Dubai’s digital government performance goals.
