Dubai Municipality has been awarded United Arab Emirates Country Winner title at the 2025 International Safety Awards, hosted by the British Safety Council.
Widely regarded as one of the highest global honours in occupational health and safety, the award recognises outstanding organisations that prioritise safe, healthy, and sustainable work environments.
Selected from hundreds of entries worldwide (including institutions across the UK, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East) Dubai Municipality stands among just 10 organisations globally to receive the coveted Country Winner designation this year. The recognition cements its status as a regional leader in health and safety excellence.
The award reflects Dubai Municipality’s comprehensive and proactive approach to managing occupational health and safety risks. The organisation was praised for its implementation of internationally recognised management systems, progressive workplace policies, and sustained efforts to protect employee wellbeing. Judges highlighted its strategic focus on minimising risks and continuously improving safety outcomes across its diverse operations.
Training and other programmes
Key to the Municipality’s success was its integration of safety into all levels of decision-making. Its approach includes a strong emphasis on innovation, with investments in smart technologies that monitor and manage workplace hazards in real time. This includes predictive analytics for risk prevention, digital tools for inspection and reporting, and continuous employee engagement through interactive safety platforms.
In addition to reducing incidents and injuries, the Municipality has worked to foster a strong safety culture throughout its workforce. Education and training programmes, supported by leadership at all levels, have played a central role in embedding a mindset of shared responsibility. The Council also recognised the organisation’s initiatives to promote mental health and wellbeing, making it a holistic model for occupational safety management.
This latest recognition aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to set global benchmarks in urban excellence. As the city continues to invest in sustainable growth and high-performance public services, the safety and wellbeing of its workforce remains a top priority. Dubai Municipality’s achievement offers a clear example of how forward-thinking governance, strategic investment, and technology can combine to create world-class standards in health and safety.
Dr Naseem Mohammed Rafee, CEO of the Environment, Health, and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, said, “This achievement reflects Dubai Municipality’s unwavering commitment to fostering a sustainable preventive culture and managing risk in line with international best practices. It supports our vision of making Dubai a global benchmark for liveability, with a world-class health and food safety ecosystem. The award affirms our ongoing efforts to apply occupational safety models that reflect the highest global standards.”
