Dubai Municipality Named UAE Winner in 2025 International Safety Awards

In a remarkable achievement, Dubai Municipality has been honored as the United Arab Emirates Country Winner at the 2025 International Safety Awards by the British Safety Council, a globally respected accolade celebrating excellence in occupational health and safety. This prestigious recognition highlights Dubai Municipality’s unwavering commitment to fostering safe workplaces, promoting employee wellbeing, and advancing sustainability across its operations. Selected from hundreds of entries spanning the UK, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, Dubai Municipality stands among only 10 global organizations to receive the coveted Country Winner title this year, solidifying its position as a regional leader in workplace safety.

Dubai Municipality’s Commitment to Safety Excellence

The 2025 International Safety Awards by the British Safety Council recognize organizations that demonstrate exceptional dedication to creating safe, healthy, and sustainable workplaces. Dubai Municipality’s recognition as the UAE Country Winner underscores its leadership in embedding a preventive safety culture and implementing risk management strategies that meet international best practices. This accolade is a testament to the Municipality’s strategic efforts to prioritize employee safety, reduce workplace incidents, and enhance urban excellence in Dubai.

Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafee, CEO of the Environment, Health, and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “This award reflects our relentless commitment to fostering a sustainable safety culture and managing risks in line with global standards. It supports our vision of positioning Dubai as a global benchmark for liveability, underpinned by a world-class health and safety ecosystem.” This statement highlights Dubai Municipality’s alignment with the UAE’s broader goals of innovation, sustainability, and global leadership.

A Competitive Global Stage

The International Safety Awards are highly competitive, drawing entries from organizations across diverse regions, including the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. From hundreds of submissions, Dubai Municipality emerged as one of only 10 organizations worldwide to secure the Country Winner title in 2025. This recognition not only elevates Dubai’s global standing but also reinforces its reputation as a regional pioneer in occupational health and safety. The rigorous selection process evaluates organizations based on their ability to implement effective safety systems, reduce workplace risks, and promote employee wellbeing, making Dubai Municipality’s achievement a significant milestone.

Driving Dubai’s Vision for Global Excellence

Dubai Municipality’s win aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s ambition to establish Dubai as a global leader in urban management and liveability. The organization’s proactive safety strategies and commitment to international standards reflect its dedication to creating a city that prioritizes the health and safety of its workforce and residents. By integrating smart technologies, adopting internationally recognized safety systems, and investing in continuous training, Dubai Municipality is setting a new standard for workplace safety in the region.

Dr. Rafee further noted, “This achievement underscores our ongoing efforts to apply occupational safety models that reflect the highest global standards. It supports our mission to make Dubai a world-class city for health, safety, and sustainability.” This focus on innovation and excellence positions Dubai Municipality as a role model for other cities in the Middle East and beyond, demonstrating how safety culture can drive urban development.

Pioneering Safety Through Innovation

Dubai Municipality’s award-winning approach is rooted in its innovative strategies for health and safety management. Key initiatives that contributed to its recognition include:

• Adoption of International Standards: The Municipality has implemented ISO 45001 and other globally recognized occupational health and safety systems to ensure compliance with international best practices.
• Proactive Risk Reduction: Forward-thinking safety policies have been designed to minimize workplace risks, protecting employees, contractors, and visitors, including People of Determination.
• Smart Technology Integration: The use of smart technologies enables real-time monitoring and management of safety risks, enhancing employee wellbeing and operational efficiency.
• Safety Education and Training: Continuous training programs and awareness workshops foster a robust safety culture, reducing incidents and promoting a proactive approach to workplace safety.
• Emergency Preparedness: Comprehensive risk assessments, emergency plans, and accident investigation protocols ensure preparedness and learning from past incidents.

These initiatives have significantly reduced workplace incidents, improved employee mental health, and created a sustainable working environment that aligns with Dubai’s vision for urban excellence. By embedding safety education and leveraging technology, Dubai Municipality has cultivated a culture that prioritizes the wellbeing of its workforce while setting a benchmark for regional safety standards.

A Broader Strategy for Urban Excellence

The 2025 International Safety Award is part of Dubai Municipality’s broader strategy to enhance urban management and liveability in Dubai. The organization’s efforts extend beyond workplace safety to encompass public health, environmental sustainability, and community wellbeing. By aligning its operations with global standards, Dubai Municipality contributes to the UAE’s reputation as a hub for innovation and excellence.

For instance, the Municipality’s Corporate Health and Safety Management project, which secured a second-place recognition in the same awards, exemplifies its ability to adapt and modernize health and safety systems. This project focuses on establishing a comprehensive framework for occupational health across various job categories, ensuring clarity in safety guidelines and compliance with international regulations.

Additionally, Dubai Municipality’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its efforts to create a healthy ecosystem that supports both employees and the wider community. By prioritizing mental health, inclusivity for People of Determination, and contractor safety, the Municipality ensures that its safety culture extends to all stakeholders, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global city.

Regional and Global Impact

Dubai Municipality’s recognition as the UAE Country Winner has far-reaching implications for the Middle East and beyond. As a regional leader, the Municipality sets a precedent for other organizations aiming to achieve global safety standards. Its success highlights the importance of proactive safety management, employee wellbeing, and technological innovation in creating sustainable workplaces.

The award also reinforces Dubai’s position as a model city for urban excellence. By integrating smart technologies and international safety systems, Dubai Municipality demonstrates how cities can balance economic growth with social responsibility. This achievement inspires other municipalities in the Gulf region to adopt similar strategies, fostering a culture of safety and sustainability across the region.

A Legacy of Safety Achievements

This is not the first time Dubai Municipality has been recognized for its safety initiatives. In 2023, the organization won multiple awards from the British Safety Council and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) for its excellence in occupational health and safety. These included accolades for its 132/11kV Substation Project and Waste Operations and Management Fleet Safety initiative, which emphasized fleet safety and waste management processes.

In addition, Dubai Municipality secured awards in the Research and Innovation category from the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, recognizing its Smart Monitoring Project for vehicle fleets and its innovative use of glass waste in road paving. These achievements highlight the Municipality’s consistent commitment to innovation, sustainability, and safety across its operations.

Looking Ahead: A Safer, Healthier Dubai

As Dubai Municipality prepares to celebrate its success at the International Safety Awards Gala Dinner 2026, the organization remains focused on advancing its safety agenda. Future initiatives include expanding smart technology applications, enhancing emergency preparedness, and continuing to invest in employee training to maintain its leadership in occupational health and safety.

By setting new benchmarks in workplace safety, Dubai Municipality is not only improving the quality of life for its employees but also contributing to Dubai’s vision of becoming a global benchmark for liveability. The organization’s proactive approach to risk management, sustainability, and innovation ensures that Dubai remains a city where people can live, work, and thrive in a safe environment.