In a new milestone added to the record of national achievements, the Department of Human Resources of RAK Government has won the prestigious SHRM STAR Gold Award under the Excellence in Equity, Inclusion and Diversity category, as part of the Sustainable and Transformational Achievement Recognition (STAR) Awards presented by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The award was announced during the SHRM MENA Annual Conference held at Madinat Jumeirah – Dubai. This award is among the highest honours in the field of human resources, recognizing achievements that go beyond traditional organizational practices, and reflecting ambitious strategies that emphasize innovation and sustainable organizational performance. Excellence in Building an Inclusive Environment and Developing National Talent The Department of Human Resources received this award in recognition of its pioneering efforts in learning and development. More than just an organizational initiative, this work represents a true commitment to nation building through the development of young national talent, fostering equity, empowering women, and promoting workforce diversity. The Department has designed and implemented multi-dimensional development programs that focus on empowering talent and creating an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and engaged. This has directly contributed to enhancing organizational performance and driving sustainable human capital practices across RAK Government entities. On this occasion, H.E. Shaikha Al Hebsi, Deputy Director General of the Department of Human Resources, said: “Winning the SHRM STAR Gold Award in the Excellence in Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity category is a culmination of our ongoing journey of commitment to a clear vision of empowering people. We believe that an inclusive and equitable workplace is the foundation of innovation and organizational excellence. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our team and our strategic partnerships that have supported our mission to empower national talent and build a resilient government system grounded in diversity and the empowerment of women and youth.” She added: “We dedicate this achievement to our wise leadership, the primary source of inspiration and support for all progress. We pledge to continue advancing human capital development and achieving higher levels of readiness and sustainability in government human resources.” Leadership Support and Strategic Vision On this occasion, the Department extends its heartfelt congratulations to the leadership of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah and all its employees, affirming that this achievement would not have been possible without their continuous support and strategic vision that places investment in people at the top of its priorities. The Department further reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to preparing a new generation of leaders and to building an inclusive and resilient workplace capable of meeting future challenges, through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships that strengthen Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a leading and progressive government hub.