Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Dubai, 11 April 2015: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai will announce the winners of the Business Excellence Awards 2014, which includes the Dubai Quality Award (DQA), Dubai Human Development Award (DHDA) and the Dubai Business Excellence Scheme (DSES) on the 20th of April 2015. The Awards will be announced at a special ceremony to be held in the Sheikh Rashid Hall of the Dubai World Trade Centre. 

Currently in its 21st year, the Business Excellence Awards are part of DED's efforts to establish quality and excellence as a catalyst for stronger business growth and further consolidate Dubai's status as a preferred destination for foreign investment.

His Excellency Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of DED, said: "We thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his patronage and care for initiatives aimed at achieving the aspirations of the Government of Dubai to promote quality and excellence as well as the application of best practices in the UAE. It's his patronage that encourages us to celebrate the achievements of public and private institutions in quality and excellence."

Al Qamzi added: "There is no doubt that commitment to the application of international quality and standards of excellence are essential to advancing the achievements of the emirate of Dubai in all spheres. We are working continuously to develop the Business Excellence Awards criteria to promote competition among the participants and highlight best practices in various vital sectors. The next phase will see such qualitative development and additions that will increase the importance of participating in the Awards and winning."

 Mohammed Bushanain, Executive Director of Business Excellence Centre at DED commented that the Business Excellence Awards brings many benefits to businesses, including providing an opportunity to develop quality standards in line with international benchmarks, and have them evaluated by experts.  "Participants also stand to benefit from the co-operation and team work involved in the Awards process, right from the preparation of documents. Every participant receives a separate report on the strengths of the institution and the areas that need to be strengthened and developed. Thus, the results of the Awards are an ongoing process, not limited to assessment and data collection or winning," stated Bushanain.  Shaikha Ahmad Al Bishri, Director, Business Excellence Department at DED, said: "All operating institutions in the UAE are eligible to apply for the Business Excellence Awards regardless of the industry sector, including public sector institutions. We constantly seek to encourage and motivate companies and institutions to adopt a policy of excellence and provide the best of their services, in line with the directives of our leadership and the efforts of the Government of Dubai to promote and sustain quality as a strategic advantages of doing business in the emirate." 

Since its launch in 1994, the DQA has enjoyed the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has been instrumental in driving the quality movement across the private and public sectors in the emirate. The DQA is the single most valuable framework for companies to implement a quality strategy that improve efficiencies by involving all employees in pursuing business goals and optimum customer satisfaction.

The Dubai Quality Award winners are honoured in three categories - the Dubai Quality Gold Award (DQGA), Dubai Quality Award (DQA), and the Dubai Quality Appreciation Award (DQAA). The awards cover key sectors - manufacturing, finance, professional, tourism, services, trade, construction, education, healthcare, real estate, retail and government, free zones, transportation and logistics.

DHDA recognises the long-term commitment of organisations to employee development and HR initiatives. The award is given in three categories - the Dubai Human Development Gold Award (DHDGA), Dubai Human Development Award (DHDA) and the Dubai Human Development Appreciation Award (DHDAA). Trade, retail, manufacturing, construction, real estate, professional services, tourism, healthcare, education, free zones, transportation, logistics, financial services and government sectors are covered by the award.

The Dubai Service Excellence Scheme (DSES) is a one-of-a-kind initiative that aims to gain customer confidence and to make shopping in Dubai a pleasure. The scheme encourages, recognises and rewards businesses that keep Dubai at the cutting edge of customer service. DSES comprises two categories - best service performing outlets and brands.

-Ends-

About Department of Economic Development (DED):
The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the government body entrusted to set and drive the economic agenda of the emirate of Dubai, UAE. DED supports the structural transformation of Dubai into a diversified, innovative service-based economy that aims to improve the business environment and accelerate productivity growth.

DED and its agencies develop economic plans and policies, identify and support the growth of strategic sectors, and provide services to domestic and international investors and businesses.

For further information, please contact:
Faisal Shamsudheen                                                                                                               
Government Communication Division,
Department of Economic Development                             
Tel: (971 4) 361 3070
Email: faisal.pathiasseri@dubaided.gov.ae

© Press Release 2015