His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Grants Aldar Emiratization Award

In recognition of Aldar's commitment to attracting and developing UAE talent

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 18 September 2018: Aldar Properties ("Aldar") is pleased to announce that it won a prize in the small company category of the Emirates Emiratization Awards, an initiative of the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai presented the award to Talal Al Dhiyebi, Chief Executive Officer, Aldar Properties, in a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace, Abu Dhabi, on 16th September 2018. Aldar has an enviable track record in developing its cadre of UAE Nationals, who now amount to 30% of the overall workforce.

Of this, 45% of UAE Nationals employed by Aldar are women, recognising the strong career opportunities, and inclusive environment at the Company. The rate of Emiratization in Aldar has increased 23.5% since 2015. Since its inception, Aldar has provided scholarship opportunities for high potential candidates.

Such candidates have benefitted from attending elite universities abroad to study specialist degree programmes in real estate before returning to Aldar, where their career paths are clearly mapped out, their progress monitored, as well as being mentored. Aldar is committed to developing its cadre of UAE Nationals and continually identifies key individuals for particular roles, who are then coached to ensure that they are well placed to drive the Company forward. A key marker of Aldar's success in this regard is its retention of staff, with 34% of UAE Nationals having completed at least 5 years with the Company.  In recognition of the number of employees below the age of 30, in 2018 Aldar set up its own Youth Council, which is actively helping to shape and define Aldar's future direction, and engages with other Youth Council's across the country.

Commenting, Talal Al Dhiyebi, Chief Executive Officer, Aldar Properties, said: "I am extremely proud to collect this award, particularly as it is our debut year participating in this prestigious award ceremony amongst the highest level of esteemed institutions that collectively provide a globally enviable foundation for our local calibre.  As a result, I am extremely proud of our dynamic, motivated, and ambitious talent pool of UAE Nationals who have played a key role in Aldar's ongoing success.

This award is a reflection of their tireless optimism that makeS Aldar one of the UAE's top performing companies." Bayan Al Hosany, Director – People & Performance, Aldar Properties, said: "We thank the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization for this award, and for the rigorous approach that they took to confirm our efforts in the field of Emiratization. At Aldar we are dedicated to ensuring that our staff are motivated to achieve their goals, and fulfil their potential. This award is a badge of honour for all of those who contribute to our values and our success."