The award was presented by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development, at a glittering ceremony in Abu Dhabi, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

AWR Group was acknowledged as one of the UAE's leading private sector employers for its pioneering efforts in driving labour market excellence and meaningful Emiratisation outcomes.

Accepting the award on behalf of AWR Group were Eman AlBastaki, Director of Emiratisation and Government Relations, and Nasser AlAhmed, Executive Director of Business Development, who represented the Group at the event.

Eman AlBastaki, Director of Emiratisation and Government Relations said, “This recognition reflects our deep commitment to empowering Emirati talent and supporting the nation's vision for economic growth. Through our comprehensive Wa’ed strategy that includes in-house training and mentorship programmes, we're creating very specific growth pathways for Emiratis to build rewarding careers in industries that are shaping the future. We're proud to invest in the next generation of leaders who will drive the UAE forward." 

AWR Group's Wa’ed strategy is dedicated to supporting Emirati talent, fostering future leaders while growing and retaining the number of nationals within the workforce. Wa’ed meaning promise drives Emirati talent development through structured learning and real-world experience. The strategy includes internships, a one-year graduate programme, continuous learning modules, educational partnerships, and recognition awards, among others.

AWR Group’s Graduate Programme leads to permanent roles after a year of rotations, with over 32 dedicated training modules for UAE nationals. 

Strategic educational partnerships with universities including Higher Colleges of Technology and Ajman University provide Emiratis direct access to career opportunities. Collaborations with government entities such as the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation and Nafis ensure initiatives are impactful and meet national Emiratisation goals.

Further strengthening these efforts, the AWR Automotive Academy at HCT Sharjah offers technical and vocational training. It has pioneered electric vehicle training for Grade 9 and 10 students, building a future-ready talent pipeline at the grassroots education level.

In October 2025, the Group launched its Sales Academy. This six-month programme blends classroom learning with practical experience. Partnering with the Emirates Institute of Finance and utilising the Nafis Programme, it covers sales training, product expertise, and cross-departmental exposure.

The Wa’ed Awards recognise top performers, presenting Individual Development Plans for fast-tracked career growth. A dedicated Wa’ed Committee drives further initiatives and deeper engagement.