Excitement builds for 'HR Excellence Awards' as Dubai prepares for The Middle East HR Summit

Launched in 2005 to honour the brightest HR talents in the region and reward best practices, the award will see top HR professionals vying for the "HR Professional of the Year" and "Outstanding Contribution to HR" titles. The awards will be presented to the winners at a glittering ceremony held at The Fairmont Hotel, on September 18, 2006.

"The success of any HR professional is best measured by the contribution made towards the overall growth of their organisations and to the advancement of people management and development. Through this award, we seek to recognise those HR practitioners who have made a tangible and positive difference on both these counts, through the excellence of their HR strategies and initiatives,"

said Jackie Wilks, Summit Director, IIR Middle East.

"We believe it is important to provide the region's HR community a platform to come together and celebrate their achievements and successes, especially at a time when the concept of HR is transcending conventional definitions to become an integrated function. Moreover, credible public recognitions are known to inspire professionals to try and match the standards set by their peers, and the HR Excellence Awards, being the most prestigious in the regional HR calendar are certain to spark a competitive spirit that will benefit the region as a whole," added Wilks.

The 'HR Professional of the Year Award' will be presented to an individual who has significantly influenced and shown creativity in the development of strategies, policies and practices which have benefited the organisation. HR practitioners may also be nominated for the 'Outstanding Contribution to HR Award' which will recognize the professional who has influenced, initiated or inspired change. Entries for the awards are invited through online registration forms that can be accessed at www.hrsummitme.com. Applicants for both the awards are required to submit a written record of their achievements and positive outcomes to the judging panel.

The Middle East HR Summit is the largest and most comprehensive event of its kind in the region, providing a much-needed platform for HR professionals to acquaint themselves with the latest trends and developments related to international and regional HR practice. Organised by IIR Middle East, the summit's impressive speaker line-up will feature over 50 expert HR practitioners who will explore new approaches and ideas through talks, debate and practical case studies. The Middle East HR Summit will be held from September 17-20, 2006, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dubai.