Dubai Launches Healthcare Emiratisation Excellence Award
Dubai Healthcare City Authority and the Emirati Human Resources Development Council have launched a first-of-its-kind award recognising employers that demonstrate strong practices in attracting, developing, progressing and retaining Emirati talent across Dubai Healthcare City.
Employers across Dubai Healthcare City will soon be recognised not simply for hiring Emirati talent, but for how effectively they develop and retain UAE nationals once they enter the workforce.
Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA) and the Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai (EHRDC) have formed a strategic partnership to launch the Al Ghaf - DHCA Emiratisation Excellence Award, described as the first award dedicated specifically to recognising Emiratisation efforts across the Dubai Healthcare City ecosystem.
The partnership was signed during Ru’ya Careers 2026 and brings together DHCA’s role in developing Emirati technical talent with EHRDC’s wider work to advance UAE national participation in the private sector.
Beyond Emiratisation Numbers
The award introduces an important distinction into the Emiratisation conversation.
Rather than concentrating only on recruitment numbers, it will recognise the efforts of DHCC business partners across attraction, development, career progression and retention of Emirati employees.
Developed with the support of Dubai Quality Group, the programme will also encourage sustainable workplace practices that create opportunities for UAE nationals to build and advance their careers.
H.E. Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Deputy Chairman of EHRDC, said the initiative is intended to recognise organisations using innovative approaches to developing and empowering UAE nationals while encouraging other employers to strengthen their own practices.
The wider objective is to support job stability and improve the competitiveness of Emirati professionals in the labour market.
Building Emirati Careers in Healthcare
The healthcare focus gives the initiative another dimension.
Issam Galadari, CEO of Dubai Healthcare City Authority, said building a sustainable healthcare sector requires investment in the people who will eventually shape it.
The partnership will therefore focus on creating career pathways, professional development opportunities and stronger Emiratisation practices among organisations operating within the DHCC ecosystem.
The award itself takes its name from the Ghaf tree, the UAE's national tree. DHCA describes its resilience, continuity and deep roots as reflecting the programme's emphasis on sustained investment in people and long-term career growth. Its historical use in traditional Emirati remedies also connects the name with the healthcare sector.
Applications Open in 2027
The first Al Ghaf - DHCA Emiratisation Excellence Award will open for submissions in Q1 2027.
Further information covering eligibility, evaluation criteria and the participation process will be announced later.
For employers, the initiative creates a new benchmark around how Emiratisation is approached within the healthcare ecosystem.
And for Emirati professionals, its emphasis on development and retention signals a broader workforce priority: creating careers with room to progress, rather than focusing solely on getting UAE nationals through the door.
Sources: Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA); Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai (EHRDC); Dubai Quality Group
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