Layan Damanhouri

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — For the sixth year in a row, Okaz Organization for Press and Publication, which publishes Saudi Gazette, Okaz, Ain Alyoum and Al-Nadi, will honor a number of Saudi employees considered successful in their field, it was announced at a press conference here on Monday night.



The annual Okaz Award for Excellence will be held on Sept. 9.



The press conference held at the Okaz headquarters was attended by members of the award committee, who included Deputy Director General of Okaz Organization Abdulaziz Al-Sehli, Ain Alyoum Editor-in-Chief Mohammed Tariq Sadiq, Rania Al-Sulaimani, Maram Kurdi, Dr. Nada Fida, Dina Alnahdi, Khalid Aburashid, Haitham Madani, Abdullah Baagagah and Fahad Al-Amoudi.



Employees in the private sector as well as freelancers are eligible for the award. Individual employees, in addition to companies, can apply directly for consideration for the award, instead of being nominated by third parties.



A panel of judges will choose the finalists who have exceptional records in their field based on several criteria, namely discipline, experience, a successful employment profile with acquired skills from workshops and courses, participation in activities and conferences and outstanding performance.



Other criteria include an organization or firm’s role in promoting the Saudi workforce and its role in social responsibility, among others.



Winners from the finalists will then be chosen through a voting process. The annual award is sponsored by the minister of labor to encourage and appreciate successful Saudi citizens in different career fields, motivate the Saudi workforce and improve the overall work atmosphere in the Kingdom. Winners will be awarded cash prizes and certificates.



The award committee said the award would benefit companies and employers all over the Kingdom by encouraging healthy competition among employees. It will also reflect positively on companies and establishments employing the winners.