Kerala HR manager in Abu Dhabi wins UAE’s top skilled worker award, Rs 24 lakh

Kerala HR manager honoured in UAE (Image: Burjeel Holdings/LinkedIn)

A Kerala born human resources professional in Abu Dhabi has been named one of the United Arab Emirates’ top workers, taking home prize money of around Rs 24 lakh along with a gold coin and other gifts. The recognition puts a spotlight on how long-term migrant workers are helping power the UAE’s private sector, especially in healthcare.

The award went to Anas Kadiyarakam, originally from Kozhikode in Kerala and now human resources manager at LLH Hospital, part of Burjeel Holdings in Abu Dhabi. He was declared winner in the Outstanding Workforce category at the Emirates Labour Market Awards, in the skilled workers branch for management and executives. The programme is described by UAE authorities as one of the country’s highest honours for employees.

Anas’s prize package reflects that status. According to reports, he received a trophy, 100,000 dirhams which is roughly Rs 24.1 lakh, a gold coin, an Apple Watch, a Fazaa Platinum Card and several other rewards. The awards ceremony was held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the honours were presented by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underscoring the political importance the UAE leadership attaches to celebrating private sector workers.

His journey in the Gulf has been a long one. Anas first moved to Abu Dhabi in 2009, starting as an HR executive at the LLH Day Care Centre. Over 16 years he rose through roles such as senior HR executive, assistant manager and regional HR manager, eventually overseeing HR for multiple hospitals and cross border projects within Burjeel Holdings. Colleagues and local media highlight his role during the Covid 19 pandemic, when he led workforce operations at Mafraq Covid 19 Hospital, a key facility in the UAE’s response, an effort that earlier earned him the Heroes of the UAE medal and a Golden Visa.

Speaking to Gulf based outlets after the ceremony, Anas described the honour as a milestone that felt like the country acknowledging his entire journey. He credited his family, his employer and the UAE’s leadership for the support and opportunities that allowed him to grow from a junior HR role to a nationally recognised manager. For many Indian expatriates, his story is being shared as an example of how sustained professional performance and crisis time service can translate into formal recognition, financial rewards and a sense of belonging in a country they now call home.