Kerala Expat Honoured with UAE’s Premier Skilled Worker Award

Anas Kadiyarakam, a healthcare professional originally from Kerala, has been awarded the top accolade in the 'Outstanding Workforce' category at the Emirates Labour Market Awards, a highly regarded recognition for workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The ceremony, which took place under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, celebrated Anas’s significant contributions over his 16-year career in the UAE.

Anas serves as the Human Resources Manager at LLH Hospital, part of Burjeel Holdings, and was awarded in the 'Management and Executives' branch of the skilled workers subcategory. He shared the honour with Abdullah Albriki, who is the Head of Cybersecurity at Emsteel. The awards aim to recognise individuals who have made substantial impacts on the UAE labour market and society.

The Outstanding Workforce category features several subcategories, including Outstanding Workforce - Skilled Workers, Outstanding Workforce - Workers at Other Professional Levels, and Domestic Workers. Anas’s achievement is particularly noteworthy, marking a pivotal moment in his professional journey.

Starting as an HR Executive at the LLH Day Care Centre in 2009, Anas has progressively advanced through various roles, culminating in his current position where he oversees human resources for hospitals and significant international projects. His efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic have been particularly commendable, as he led HR operations at the Mafraq COVID-19 Hospital, a key facility during the crisis. His leadership in supporting frontline healthcare workers earned him two prestigious recognitions, including the Heroes of the UAE Medal and a Golden Visa.

The award comes with a substantial prize package, including a trophy, Dh100,000 (approximately £22,000), a gold coin, an Apple Watch, and a Faza Platinum Card, among other gifts. Anas expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, "It felt as though 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. Every day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to help the workforce."

He also acknowledged the support from his family, including his wife Kadeeja Jishni and their three children, who he said played an integral role in his success. "This award is for them too. Their support made every achievement possible," he added.

For Anas, this recognition is not just a personal milestone but a motivation to continue enhancing workplace environments in the UAE. He noted, "This motivates me to continue building healthier and more supportive workplaces where people feel valued and can grow. It is my way of contributing to the country that has given me so much."

Additionally, LLH Hospital Abu Dhabi, for which Anas is responsible, was recognised in the Healthcare Company sub-category, marking a significant achievement for the institution. The winners of the awards were selected from over 18,000 applications, evaluated by expert committees through rigorous assessments and interviews.