A Kerala professional in the UAE has won top honours at the Emirates Labour Market Awards, earning one of the country’s highest recognitions for skilled workers — along with a prize package worth nearly ₹24 lakh and several premium gifts.
Anas Kadiyarakam, originally from Kozhikode, was named the winner in the Outstanding Workforce – Skilled Workers (Management and Executives) category. The award includes one lakh dhirhams (around ₹24.14 lakh), a gold coin, an Apple Watch, a Fazaa Platinum Card, and multiple other rewards.
The Emirates Labour Market Awards are considered one of the UAE’s most prestigious programmes honouring exceptional contributions to the country’s workforce.
The awards were presented by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs.
Anas began his career in Abu Dhabi in 2009 as an HR executive at LLH Day Care Centre. Over the years, he steadily climbed the ladder to become the regional HR manager overseeing hospitals and strategic international projects for Burjeel Holdings.
His leadership during the Covid crisis proved pivotal. As the head of HR operations at Mafraq Hospital, he played a crucial role in managing frontline teams during the peak of the pandemic. His contributions earned him the Heroes of the UAE Medal and a Golden Visa.
Anas said the recognition was a deeply emotional moment in his 16-year journey in the UAE. “It felt like the country was telling me, we have seen your growth. The UAE’s private sector is the most dynamic place to learn, especially in healthcare,” he told Gulf News.
He dedicated the award to his family and thanked Burjeel Holdings for its support.
The honour adds to the long list of Malayali professionals who have risen to senior roles across the Gulf’s healthcare, hospitality, and tech sectors. For Anas, the award is both a personal milestone and a recognition of the contributions of India’s expatriate workforce.
(By arrangement with livemint.com)
