The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai recognized in Hewitt's "Best Employers in the Middle East" 2009 study

The 138-room resort nailed the prestigious title for having consistently ranked the highest across all categories in the study.

Organised by Hewitt Associates in conjunction with Dubai Knowledge Village, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, the Tamkeen Labour Fund in Bahrain and the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, the Middle East study honoured a total of 12 outstanding companies. Since last October 2008, the study polled over 150,000 employees from 250 companies across the GCC and Levant region.

The three survey components each participating company completed included a CEO questionnaire, the People Practices Inventory and an Employee Opinion Survey. For The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, Hewitt auditors met with 15 employees and completed a "heart-of-house" tour of the hotel.

Delighted with the award, General Manager Andrew Nasskau said:

"It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at the resort that we are presented with this wonderful accolade especially during these challenging times. To have distinguished ourselves as the best makes me extremely proud that our Ladies and Gentlemen have selected us as the employer of choice."

In this year's inaugural survey, the four major areas unique to the best employers were: the creation of a positive work environment through People/HR policies and practices, the fulfillment of employees' career aspirations, provision of future career opportunities to all employees and the delivery of the company's employee brand promise.

"The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai actively pursues training, development and recognition throughout the year." added Director of Human Resources Corinna Saffhill. "From daily "line-ups" to monthly and quarterly training, the resort ensures that the ladies and gentlemen's critical skills are maintained and new skills are continuously developed."

Other companies in the top 10 list include Deloitte & Touche Middle East, First Gulf Bank, Jones Lang LaSalle Middle East & North Africa, Proctor & Gamble - East Beirut Office, Marriott International-UAE, BankMuscat, SAOG Fine Hygenic Paper, Microsoft Gulf and Alghanim Industries.

Twice recognized by Conde Nast Traveller for having the best service in the Middle East, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai is located along the famed Jumeirah beach, with its 138 seafront rooms and suites having a view of the Persian Gulf. Services and facilities include restaurants and a lounge serving Italian, Arabic, seafood and international favourites; an extensive recreational facility includes a spa and fitness centre, and a beautifully landscaped garden with two swimming pools.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. currently operates 72 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe with future openings including Dubai International Financial Centre, United Arab Emirates; Dove Mountain, Arizona; and Lake Tahoe, California. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service.