2022 Best Workplaces List; RAK Tourism Development Authority ranked 6th in UAE

RAKTDA
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By Arya M Nair, Official Reporter
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Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has been identified as an employer of choice with a top ten ranking on the Best Workplaces List of 2022 – Small & Medium Organizations.

Awarded by Great Place to Work, the global authority that recognizes high-trust, high-performing workplace cultures, RAKTDA is the category’s highest placed government entity at number six.

The latest in a series of accolades, the Authority was also named one of the Best Workplaces for Women and a Great Place to Work in 2021, the first and only organization in Ras Al Khaimah to be awarded this certification.

It was also recognized as the ‘Government Entity with the Happiest Work Environment’ in the Emirate and ‘Happiest Employees in Ras Al Khaimah’ by the Sheikh Saqr Program for Government Excellence (SSPGE).

The Authority recently announced a platform of initiatives aimed at enriching connectivity, community life, and facilities for tourism sector employees in the Emirate, as part of its ongoing employee-driven efforts to create a work environment that places employee health and wellbeing at the core of its operations.

Raki Phillips
Raki Phillips
CEO – RAKTDA

“This amazing recognition for our tourism board didn’t happen overnight or come following a one-off initiative. It was a sustained approach that began two years ago and touched almost every part of our employees’ lives in very meaningful ways. The pandemic took a huge toll not only on the industry but on everyone working in tourism and hospitality, and I believe our dedication to ensuring employee well-being, not only for our own colleagues but across the sector as a whole, has resulted in our successful recovery as a destination.”

The Authority has established a roadmap for the Emirate, working closely with government bodies, industry stakeholders, and hospitality partners, to enhance the Emirate’s value as a place to live, work, and be immersed in a broader community.

These initiatives include expanded public and inter-city transport across the Emirate, a thorough review of employment regulations and policies, community engagement programs, employee recognition schemes, a RAK FAM community card, providing travel and tourism employees with special discounts across retail, leisure and activities in the Emirate, and certification for travel and hospitality partners.

These initiatives build on the progressive policies put in place by the Authority, such as its ‘Lifestyle Benefits’ program which ensures employees are provided equally, regardless of age, gender, parental or marital status.

It was also one of the first government entities in the Emirate to introduce an Official Remote Working policy and extensive hardship assistance program. Additionally, its robust Emiratization program provides Emirati nationals with leadership training and development opportunities for placement within the Authority or in leading industries throughout Ras Al Khaimah.

Related: RAKBANK unveils UAE’s 1st Digital Onboarding Platform for SMEs