Four Emirati entities involved in horse racing have received the ‘Great Place to Work’ certification for the very first time this year.
The entities are Emirates Racing Authority (ERA), the body governing flat-racing in the UAE, Dubai Racing Club, Dubai Equestrian Club, and Zabeel Feed.
Following a survey of staff, the ERA was awarded the certification, making it one of the few equestrian organizations, alongside Dubai Racing Club and Dubai Equestrian Club, dual winners of the prestigious certification, having been certified in 2022 as well, to receive the award.
The ERA administers all aspects of the sport, including the implementation and application of the UAE Rules of Racing through its Stewarding and Veterinary Departments. This includes the licensing of all trainers, jockeys, officials, and stable personnel.
Furthermore, the ERA Registry Office manages and processes the registration of horses for racing, and all entries and declarations for all race meetings in the UAE. The ERA also administers the internationally-approved Emirates Thoroughbred Stud Book.
Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, the General Manager of Emirates Racing Authority, said the achievement is significant as it bears testimony to the constant efforts and investments being put in by the management to ensure staff welfare is at the forefront of the agendas of the organizations.
“We have been awarded the Great Place to Work certificate and I think it’s a great testimony to the hard work and the great work the team has been doing,”
Al Shehhi said.
“I am a small part of the team and I truly appreciate every single member of the team. It is a very diverse team and everyone brings in a different range of experience.
“We have a lot of young Emiratis who are up and coming and a lot of people who are leaders in their field and we have created a great atmosphere and environment that is built upon teamwork, trust and serving the industry.
“We look at ourselves not as an authority, but as a service provider who enjoys servicing the racing industry and the equestrian community.
“I would like to thank the Human Resources department at Dubai Racing Club for their continuous support and all the support functions they have given us and for giving us a great place to work, which has helped us achieve this certification.”
Meanwhile, Dubai Racing Club has also received the ‘Great Place to Work’ certification, becoming the first horse racing organization to receive the accolade for a second consecutive year.
Following a survey of staff, Dubai Racing Club was awarded for the first time last August, becoming the first equine-related entity to receive the certification. In 2022, the award was also awarded to Dubai Equestrian Club and Zabeel Feed, which fall under the same administrative umbrella, and this year is no different with all three organizations receiving the award yet again.
Major General Dr. Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, the Executive Director of Dubai Racing Club and Dubai Equestrian Club, said the achievement is significant as it bears testimony to the constant efforts and investment being put in by the management to ensure staff welfare is at the forefront of the agendas of the organisations.
“We at Dubai Racing Club and Dubai Equestrian Club are happy to have been issued with the ‘Great Place to Work’ certification for the second straight year. We believe team members are our greatest asset and therefore we are always looking to develop these assets and invest in people with the best knowledge, experience and way of working and I think the certificate is testimony to the fact that we believe in developing human resources and will continue to go down this path,”
Dr Al Adhab said.
“The achievement is credited to the directives of DRC and DEC Chairman Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum. Our senior management has always been keen to make our facilities a great workplace, where people of all backgrounds feel welcomed and valued, especially as clubs are characterised by a mixed, yet harmonious work environment involving different nationalities.”
“I take this opportunity to thank you for your feedback which has helped our organisations to be certified as a great place to work. We value your confidence in our organisations and shall work towards a better future with a focus on improving the employee experience, always one of our top priorities. We embarked on this journey together and will work towards achieving a greater future.”
Nishad Khan, Head of Human Resources for Dubai Racing Club, said,
"Great Place to Work certification for the second year marks a significant milestone for all of us at the Dubai Racing Club, Dubai Equestrian Club and Zabeel Feedmill as we celebrate not just our accomplishments on the track, but also a remarkable achievement off the track.
“This award is not just a testament to the speed of our horses but a reflection of the strength of our team. It underscores the dedication, passion, and collaborative spirit that each and every one of us brings to our organisation.
“Being a Great Place to Work certified organisation we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and continuous improvement. Our success in achieving this accolade is a reflection of the exceptional people who make up the Dubai Racing Club family.”
News Source: Emirates News Agency
