Pioneering Awards

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Development Project won the 2024 Gold Award, as the project aims to enhance ecosystems and biodiversity. In addition, to establishing service and entertainment facilities that enhance the close connection between the environment and people within the emirate's system of entertainment and tourism areas, the project also aims to attract and develop tourism and the environment in a manner consistent with the municipality's vision and objectives.

This award highlights outstanding business performance, honors notable achievements in various fields, whether information technology, marketing, or innovation, and encourages healthy competition among participating institutions. Dubai Municipality, represented by the Food Safety Department, won in the Annual Report of the Year category. This award is for exceptional performance, innovation, and leadership. The annual report initiative of the Food Studies and Policies Section of the Food Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, won. The initiative aims to highlight the size and number of pioneering achievements of the Food Safety Department at Dubai Municipality over the past years, including obtaining local and international awards, registering intellectual property, publishing studies in scientific journals, and conducting a number of laboratory tests, surveys, and annual studies in the field of food safety.

The initiative, "Leading the Way in Public Procurement Excellence," won. The initiative aims to keep pace with government trends in implementing the best technical solutions in the field of purchasing and contracting, and to facilitate work procedures in accordance with the national agenda and the strategic objectives of the municipality to provide qualitative and innovative solutions for contracting and purchasing services by making optimal use of modern technology and innovation.

This award is granted by the council to institutions that apply the highest standards of occupational health and safety to ensure the sustainability of a healthy and safe work environment, preserving the health and safety of employees, contractors, and visitors, including people of determination, in addition to protecting property. The municipality won the first place in the award, in recognition of its efforts in managing the occupational health and safety system, after demonstrating a commitment to developing and applying global standards in activities and operations within its work sites, in addition to its efforts in maintaining the sustainability of a positive safety culture by enhancing compliance with laws and regulations. Dubai Municipality also won second place in the same award for its project "Corporate Health and Safety Management in Dubai Municipality," which demonstrates the flexibility and positive impact of the health, safety, and environment system implemented in the municipality.

The Excellence and Knowledge Department and the Geographic Information Systems Center at Dubai Municipality have won two prestigious awards at the 2024 International Best Practices Award (IBA) and Wide Innovation Award. The Excellence and Knowledge Management Department won first place globally in the Corporate Innovation category with a 6-star rating, which is the highest rating in this prestigious award of the International Competition (IBPC), which is being held in its tenth session. Meanwhile, the Geographic Information Systems Center won the Best Practices Award for using modern technologies to manage emergency and crisis reports. This award is part of the Command and Control Center initiative, which aims to enhance centralized response to emergencies and crises and support other government agencies to ensure the security of Dubai around the clock.

Their initiative, "Digital transformation in procurement process," secured first place in the Middle East and second globally, just 1.6 points behind the first-place winner. The awards included participation from over 350 entities across 42 countries. The project aims to align with governmental directives by implementing best technological solutions in procurement and contracting, facilitating business processes according to national agendas and departmental strategic objectives.

They were honored for their initiative "Recycling Collection Center - Disability Friendly," which aims to encourage all segments of society, including people of determination, to recycle twelve types of waste. The center operates 24/7, accommodating users without requiring them to leave their vehicles, thanks to specially designed access points. The municipality repurposed old and unused cargo containers, each with a capacity of 40 cubic meters, ensuring they meet the highest environmental standards through redesign and manufacturing.

The award was given for the initiative to retrofit Dubai Municipality buildings, which aims to reduce energy consumption in line with the directives of the Dubai government. The initiative involved retrofitting 330 buildings, resulting in an annual saving of 16,730,266 kilowatt-hours of energy, amounting to a 32% reduction in energy consumption

The Edison Award recognized the "My Food Initiative," a project launched by Dubai Municipality as part of its efforts to promote digital transformation in its food safety systems and services, automating them to keep up with technological advancements in this field. This initiative also aims to save time and effort for customers and ensure the provision of food safety management services according to the highest and best global standards. The initiative aims to digitize and automate several key processes in the food safety system, which were previously managed through millions of records and documents involving more than 26,000 food establishments in the Emirate of Dubai. The initiative targets enhancing the satisfaction of Food Safety Department customers by providing integrated services in collaboration with relevant service-providing entities.

The initiative (Allowing the use of recycled materials in the construction materials industries to be certified by the Dubai Central Laboratory and used in projects in the Emirate of Dubai) won. The initiative aims to: (Reducing carbon emissions, protecting the environment from pollution, preserving natural resources, protecting ecosystems and wildlife, reducing demand for raw materials, saving energy, and reducing the costs of waste collection and disposal) In line with the long-term Dubai Urban Plan 2040 to guide future urban development in accordance with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to make the Emirate of Dubai “the best city to live in,” which includes the structural plan for the Emirate of Dubai for the next twenty years, in addition to strategies, The development principles, guiding policies, and initiatives required to guide urban development in the emirate. The award aims to present innovative and sustainable projects to a broad global audience, as many excellent and implemented solutions exist to most of our environmental problems. The Global Energy Prize raises awareness of the importance of these projects, creating a multiplier effect. All projects that offer solutions to our environmental problems, particularly those related to reducing emissions and pollution, can be recognized.

This honor is a testament to the innovative spirit and technical proficiency Mohammed Shabana has consistently demonstrated in the field of engineering, particularly in the management of city beautification and public projects.The Excellence and Creative Engineering Award aligns with the UAE Vision 2071, which focuses on innovation and a diversified knowledge economy. Organized by the Society of Engineers - UAE, the award recognizes the transformative role of innovative projects and exceptional contributions of engineering professionals. The Distinguished Engineer Award recognizes the country's most outstanding engineer, whether a UAE citizen or resident, for at least ten years.The award criteria include a documented history of notable achievements in the local engineering landscape, the use of innovative methods and smart technologies in their projects, and evidence that their work has impacted significant positive change in the engineering sector.

Dubai Municipality's win of this valuable award stems from its distinguished efforts in attracting the best human talent, developing and qualifying them in municipal work, behavioral competencies, and foresight. It also stems from its provision of a happy and positive work environment and its initiatives to achieve job well-being, enhance quality of life, and improve employee experience from the start of employment until retirement.

Naseem Mohammed Rafi, Executive Director of the Environment, Health, and Safety Foundation, won for her exceptional and outstanding achievements and capabilities in leading the health and safety system across the Emirate of Dubai. Dr. Hessa Jafar Al Jowei, Head of the Studies and Systems Section in the Health and Safety Department, won the award in the Rising Leaders category for her achievements during her pioneering career, which included leading and inspiring teams in the Health and Safety Department to achieve the department's goals of contributing to the highest levels of health and safety and supporting the business sector. Engineer Maitha Al Nuaimi, Director of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Center, won the Global 200 Women Power Leaders award in the Powerful Women Leaders category for her "Leadership in GIS and Digital Transformation with Data" initiative. This initiative aims to showcase leadership achievements in GIS and data digital transformation, including the completion of the first phase of the digital twin roadmap for the Emirate of Dubai. Additionally, Aisha Al Hammadi, Director of the Human Resources Department, received the award for several specialized initiatives in human resources, including the Dubai Municipality Academy, Our Pioneers and Cadres are Our Pride, and Change Management. These initiatives directly aim to increase Emiratization rates and develop competencies within the department. Fatima Ibrahim Al Otaibi, Head of the Veterinary Services Section, won in the Rising Leaders category for her outstanding contributions, expertise, and leadership in the veterinary field. She played a pivotal leadership role in developing veterinary services in the Emirate of Dubai, enhancing the role and contributions of veterinary services in protecting animal health and the safety of their products in the Emirate of Dubai. Aida Isa won for her achievements and excellence in the field of scientific studies specializing in food safety, aiming to provide safe and healthy food for the community. The "Afaaq Dubai" project, which focuses on planning routes and locations for airports and drone helipads in line with Dubai's future plans in the field of aerial mobility, also won. This project aims to support Dubai's future plans in aerial mobility and provide new services in the fields of shipping, delivery, aerial photography, and more, based on population and economic needs studies according to planning standards. The project contributes to maintaining the security and safety of air navigation in the emirate.

The award was given to the Energy Demand Side Management initiative in Al Tawar, Al Kafaf, and Al Manara buildings, which aims to use smart energy demand management systems to reduce electricity consumption by 25%.

They were honored for their initiative "Night Beaches," which excelled in managing beach operations and facilities by ensuring the highest standards of safety, service quality, and environmental preservation. The award aims to recognize achievements of governmental bodies or operating entities in facility management and service provision across all operational aspects throughout the year, adhering to the highest standards of service quality for the public.

This award recognizes Dubai Municipality's pioneering efforts in developing and implementing innovative and effective strategies to enhance the city's quality of life. The municipality's win reflects its strong commitment to excellence and innovation in strategic planning, continually striving for sustainable development and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Through its strategies, Dubai Municipality focuses on achieving a balanced integration of urban development while preserving the environment, and enhancing community well-being and happiness.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates | October 2024: Dubai Municipality won four categories at the Brandon Hall HCM Excellence Awards 2024, organized by the Brandon Hall Group. Winning these prestigious awards underscores the Municipality's commitment to adhering to the best international practices in human resource management, implementing advanced strategies for human capital development, and focusing on innovation, enhancing job skills, and continuous learning. In addition to launching several pioneering initiatives to develop and qualify its employees, which contribute to improving their quality of life, in line with the "National Strategy for Quality of Life 2031" and the corporate values it adopts.

The project to convert biogas into energy won. The project aims to convert biogas produced from the fermentation process of sludge resulting from the wastewater treatment process at the Warsan Station into energy used to operate the station.With the aim of using clean energy and reducing fossil fuel consumption, thus reducing the carbon footprint and supporting the circular economy by utilizing sludge. The project produces 60% of the energy used to operate the plant and rationalizes costs by up to 36%. The award aims to honor entities and institutions that apply sustainability in their operations and encourage the adoption of a more responsible approach to business by highlighting the winners as role models to stimulate positive change towards a sustainable future.

The initiative, "Leading the Way in Public Procurement Excellence," won the award. The initiative aims to strategically design the digital transformation of the procurement process to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and overall satisfaction. Central to this initiative was the reengineering of core procurement, a process aimed at improving service outcomes, quality, and cost reduction through digital solutions and benchmarking best practices using a trade methodology. The project had far-reaching impacts, impacting eight procurement streams, 15 contracting officers, 11,500 suppliers (local and global), 34 beneficiary departments, and 97 students across 320 processes and 18 procurement models.The approach included benchmarking against international standards and conducting comprehensive cost analyses along with non-financial benefit assessments.

They were recognized for their initiative in implementing leading practices in internal audit, aiming to align internal audit activities, plans, and programs with sustainability and governance objectives. This ensures the assessment and audit of environmental, social, and governance risks and opportunities, utilizing technology to enhance the efficiency and scope of internal audit practices. The award aims to honor the pioneering entity that applies best practices in internal audit activities.

With Engineer Saeed Abdul Rahim Safar, Director of Waste Operations Department, winning first place “Golden Shield” in the “Personality of the Year in the Field of Waste Management” category in recognition of his efforts in promoting the axes of sustainable development and sustainable waste management in the Emirate of Dubai.This is done through direct follow-up and supervision of the implementation of (projects to develop operational and technical processes in the field of sustainable waste management, projects to reduce waste and divert it from landfill, and projects to outsource waste collection and transportation services in residential areas).The social responsibility initiatives and the results they achieved in this regard were represented by the participation of more than 20,000 volunteers who contributed significantly to reducing the diversion of waste to public landfills, thus diverting a large portion of this waste to the recycling stream in cooperation with the private sector.The award aims to promote sustainable development and focus on environmental management issues in the Middle East. It aims to encourage institutions and individuals to take action to contribute to environmental protection and improve waste management in the region. This award is given to outstanding recycling projects and initiatives that contribute to environmental sustainability.

The Montaji initiative aims to provide an integrated smart platform to ensure the safety of consumer products traded in the emirate by offering comprehensive services to the business sector to ensure their compliance with approved regulations and standards before being marketed locally. Additionally, it monitors shipments at ports and releases compliant products imported from more than 180 countries. Approximately 90% of the total consumer products imported into the country come through the emirate's ports.

They were recognized for their initiative, the "Smart Sanitization and Odor Control Device," which aims to manufacture a smart device to eliminate odors and suppress dust at Dubai's landfills. The award honors outstanding achievements in risk management and promotes effective practices to sustain business sustainability, encouraging innovation in risk assessment and analysis.

A new achievement that reflects Dubai Municipality's unwavering commitment to strengthening its global standing in the field of occupational health and safety. These awards commend Dubai Municipality's exceptional efforts in adopting and implementing the highest international health and safety standards across its various departments, consolidating its pioneering role in providing a safe and sustainable work environment at a global level.

The initiative involves constructing a waste recycling center friendly to people of determination from old and unused shipping containers, reshaping, manufacturing, and recycling them 100% according to the best approved environmental standards. This center is considered one of the smart and environmentally sustainable centers, aiming to reduce waste production in the Emirate of Dubai, promote the culture of waste separation, and increase recycling rates, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life. This project aligns with Dubai Municipality's social responsibility towards all community segments and strengthens its efforts in implementing sustainable projects in waste separation from the source and diverting it from landfills. Additionally, the center relies on solar energy to meet its clean electricity requirements

In the category “Community Partnership in the Municipal Work System” organized by the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. The “Community Centers for Waste Sorting and Collection” initiative won second place, in recognition of the municipality’s efforts to enhance community participation in waste sorting and collection processes. These vital centers serve a large segment of society and contribute significantly to preserving natural resources, enhancing the culture of sorting waste produced from its sources, raising the percentage of recycled materials, and reducing operational costs in waste disposal facilities and sites.

This award is given to individuals, teams, projects, and organizations that have had a positive impact on the environment, promoting sustainability and preserving natural resources. This award serves as a motivator for excellence in efforts that achieve effective environmental management worldwide.

The project aims to convert biogas produced from the fermentation process of sludge resulting from the wastewater treatment process at Warsan Station into energy used to operate the station. The goal is to use clean energy and reduce fossil fuel consumption, thus reducing the carbon footprint and supporting the circular economy by utilizing sludge.The project produces 60% of the energy used to operate the plant (6 MWH out of the plant’s 10 MWH requirement). The award aims to honor entities and institutions that apply sustainability in their operations and encourage the adoption of a more responsible approach to business by highlighting the winners as role models to stimulate positive change towards a sustainable future.Adel Al Jasmi, Director of the Wastewater Treatment Plants Department at Dubai Municipality, said, "At the Wastewater Treatment Plants Department at Dubai Municipality, we are always keen to anticipate the future and implement proactive solutions that ensure the sustainability of our operations. The biogas-to-energy project at the Warsan plant reflects our commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting the use of clean energy."This supports Dubai Municipality's efforts to achieve environmental goals and reduce its carbon footprint, in accordance with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. This award represents our ongoing efforts to achieve leadership in the sustainability of treatment plants and provide an exemplary model in the field of the circular economy.

Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafi, Director of the Health and Safety Department, won the “Inspiring Woman in Safety” category as the best inspirational leader for her distinguished and innovative achievements in managing the health and safety system in the Emirate of Dubai. Dr. Naseem distinguished herself in her leadership role by activating the principles of leadership and inspiration, guiding others, and encouraging them to contribute positively to supporting action plans, initiatives, and projects related to occupational and public health and safety. The department also won first place in the Environmental Sustainability category for its efforts in providing innovative solutions to preserve water quality and sustainability.