JEDDAH: Winners of Okaz Annual Saudi Labor Award were honored Tuesday at Okaz Organization for Press and Publication headquarters in Jeddah, in the presence of Adel Fakeih, Minister of Labor. The program, in its second year, recognized 10 companies for providing excellent working environment, 10 ideal employees, the Employee of the Year and the Establishment of the Year. Waleed J. Kattan, Director General of Okaz Organization, said the program motivates private sector workers and employers and boosts the positive image of Saudi workers. Winners played key roles in the success of their establishments and deserved to be honored on the Okaz stage, Kattan said. “The award has received the support of the late Minister of Labor, Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, and now the support is continued by his successor, Minister Adel Fakeih,” he said. Mohammad Sadiq, general secretary of the prize, said the awards are proof that the private sector is playing a social role and providing excellent job opportunities for Saudis in all fields. Minister Fakeih said: “The event shows that Okaz is committed to being a socially responsible company and I hope this award motivates the rest of the private sector employees to work harder.” He said he hopes the awards also encourage private companies to provide better environment for their employees so that they can produce their best. He said the Ministry of Labor is organizing two annual awards for private sector companies that have active roles in training and employing Saudi workers, the King Abdullah Award for Training and the Prince Naif Award for Saudiazation, which will be given to the company achieving highest Saudiaztion percentage. Companies that won Okaz awards are: Al-Aeyn Opticals; Arab National Bank; Yousef Kano; Al-Elm for Information Security; Al-Fatah Private School; Keteket Fast Food Company; Abdulateef Jameel for Retail; Al-Rajhi for Steel Industries; International Medical Center; and Taibah Holding.
