The Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) have launched an award recognising labour welfare.

The award, titled Re’ayah, is an initiative aimed at honouring companies for protecting worker rights and offering a secure and fair work environment. The move is part of DAFZA and DSOA’s collaborative efforts aimed at safeguarding the wellbeing of workers at companies hosted at the freezones, which manage a total of 33,000 employees – 17,000 of whom are labourers.

“Re’ayah represents a significant addition to efforts aimed at consolidating Dubai’s and the UAE’s regional and international leadership in protecting labour rights in line with international laws,” said Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, director general of DAFZA and vice chairman and CEO of DSOA.

“Safeguarding labour rights is among our top strategic priorities and an ethical, civilized and humanitarian commitment.”

The award aims to benefit workers and companies by raising awareness on labour rights, duties and responsibilities, while helping reduce complaints, grievances, absenteeism and conflicts. The award will also enable workers to express opinions and suggestions to higher management at DAFZA and DSOA-based companies.

Companies nominated for the Re’ayah award are subject to professional assessment based on International Labour Organization standards.

The criteria are classified into three main categories. The first category – Essential Fundamentals – includes labour policies, facilities and infrastructure, health and safety, labour security, as well as recruitment and wages. The second is Culture & Work, which takes into account labour relations and communication and feedback, among others. The third category is Labour Results.

Winners will be awarded under the large, medium and small enterprises categories. Results will be announced in May 2016, according to a company statement.