DUBAI: The ‘Wajadto Nafsi’ initiative, part of the Labor Taqdeer Award under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Chairman of the Executive Council, has launched its own YouTube platform to document inspiring success stories of workers who began their professional lives in the UAE in simple positions and workplaces but have since become business owners, executives, and leaders in their respective companies. This transformation is attributed to the support and sponsorship of their organizations, their dedicated efforts, and their personal aspirations for career advancement, all while playing a role in shaping the future of their companies.
The launch of the ‘Wajadto Nafsi’ platform, now in its third cycle, aligns with the vision of the award’s patron, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to expand its scope into a global award. This aims to encourage millions of companies worldwide to make a difference in their workforce policies and environments, strengthening their relationships with employees while preserving the rights and duties of both parties towards each other.
The unveiling of the new ‘Wajadto Nafsi’ platform took place during a press conference held at Sustainable City in Dubai. The event was attended by HE Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Chairman of the Taqdeer Award, and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Labor Affairs in Dubai; and Engineer Faris Saeed, Chairman and CEO of SEE Holding, a sustainably focused holding group that operates under the three pillars of sustainability: social, environmental and economic, which sponsors the third cycle of ‘Wajadto Nafsi’ initiative; as well as heroes of inspirational stories from the first and second cycles of the ‘Wajadto Nafsi’ initiative and CEOs of the distinguished companies where these employees work.
Creating Change in Work Environments is a Necessity for a Positive Society
Regarding the background of launching inspirational stories on YouTube, HE Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor stated, “The release of ‘Wajadto Nafsi’ episodes on the global stage aligns with the directives of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the patron of the Taqdeer Award, and the remarkable success achieved by ‘Wajadto Nafsi’ in its first and second cycles, as well as the positive impact it left on both the local and regional communities.”
Major General Bin Suroor added, “With this step, we aim to transform inspirational work success stories from Dubai and the UAE and broadcast them globally, making them role models for those who seek to improve their quality of life, shape a better future for themselves and their families, promote global best practices in workforce care, and respect and appreciate the achievements of companies. We strive to establish a positive work environment that harnesses the hidden potential and creative contributions of individuals.”
During his speech at the press conference, Major General Obaid emphasized, “The stories of ‘Wajadto Nafsi’ have shown us that thanks to the vision of the founders of many companies and institutions in the UAE, as well as their outstanding executive managers, these companies have been able to change the lives of their employees for the better. Through their support during the darkest times in their employees’ social, professional, and health-related lives, and by nurturing their workforce, these companies have become role models in how to effect change in their work environment, enhance employee satisfaction and loyalty, and develop their capacities to benefit both parties.”
Major General Obaid urged everyone to follow the ‘Wajadto Nafsi’ stories to understand the importance of development in work environments and its positive impact on society and the economy of any city in the world. He expressed deep appreciation for institutions and companies that prioritize the happiness and development of their employees.
Committed to Sustainability
Engineer Faris Saeed stated, “We believe in the vision and noble goals of the Taqdeer Award and the ‘Wajadto Nafsi’ initiative and are proud to be empowering the inspiring stories of those who have worked hard to achieve their dreams. Furthermore, our support for this initiative aligns with the UAE government’s vision of caring for humanity regardless of religion, nationality, or ethnicity.
Saeed added, “Our support for the ‘Wajadto Nafsi’ initiative today stems from our strong belief in integrating social sustainability into the workplace and the wider community. At ‘SEE Holding,’ we are committed to achieving the necessary balance between environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Social sustainability encourages us to look beyond immediate profits and successes to consider the impact we leave upon our community, creating the right environment for future generations and valuing all individuals. It means investing in our employees’ growth and success and supporting initiatives that provide long-term benefits to society as a whole.”
Faris Saeed also emphasized that the inspirational episodes of ‘Wajadto Nafsi’ will be produced to the highest international standards in terms of production and cinematography, aligning with the inspirational human stories they convey.
26 Inspirational Stories
Regarding the third cycle of ‘Wajadto Nafsi,’ Colonel Khalid Ismail, Secretary-General of the Taqdeer Award and the ‘Wajadto Nafsi’ initiative, stated, “The third cycle of ‘Wajadto Nafsi’ includes 26 inspirational stories of outstanding workers who overcame their circumstances and demonstrated their worth through career advancement. These episodes will be broadcast on the ‘Wajadto Nafsi’ YouTube platform at a rate of two episodes per month.”
Khaled Ismail added, “The episodes will be filmed both within and outside the UAE by professional directors and technicians, ensuring that they capture the essence of these inspirational human stories.”
