10 December 2017
Ras Al Khaimah Environmental Protection and Development Authority achieved the first rank in the happiness index during 2017 at the level of government departments and authorities in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, within the requirements of participation in the fourth generation system of government excellence.
Dr. Saif Mohammed Al Ghais, Executive Director of the Authority, said that this achievement would not have been possible without the support of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, in providing opportunities for EPDA and its employees to achieve a global institutional reputation in creating a sustainable environment. During His Highness's support for the environmental initiatives and projects implemented by EPDA. As well as the follow-up and participation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah and Chairman of the Executive Council of a number of programs and activities of EPDA in order to develop institutional support capabilities and promote a culture of innovation and transparency, and the consolidation of the concept of environmental sustainability, and the sustainability of fish, animal and agricultural wealth, and reduce the environmental footprint in the Emirate.
Powers and transparency
The delegation of authority and transparency and enhancing the participation of employees in the decision-making process were the passwords in the Authority's leadership in the happiness index, where tasks were exceeded by the expectations of the staff of the Commission such as: membership of ministerial committees and participation in global conferences, and the participation of all members of the Commission in innovative community initiatives that Aims to protect the environment and the sustainability of its resources, and the participation of the members of the Commission in the provision of lectures and the launch of innovative competitions, literary and technical to develop environmental awareness, Within the framework of the project of protecting the student environment for 700 students in different educational levels in kindergartens and schools in the Emirate.
Al Ghais said that the pleasant atmosphere in which the employees work has earned them a great deal of excellence in the happiness index. Where they present their innovations in nature sessions within the framework of the «Innovate in an Environmental Session» initiative. EPDA has also succeeded in highlighting the identity of its employees through the uniform which reflects the identity of the Authority and the nature of the various tasks entrusted to it and its members feel happy as a result of the implementation of these works. Examples include sea turtle numbering, diving to cave-dwelling in coastal waters, distribution of low-water local tree seedlings under the One Million Tree Initiative, diversification of the activities of professional and industrial establishments supervised by environmental observers, as well as staff participation in social meetings organized by The Authority is out of working hours.
Direct communication
Mohamed Fahmy, an expert on organizational excellence, delegated EPDA to flatten the organizational structure of EPDA in terms of short distance between the level of the Executive Director and the rest of the organizational levels, he contributed significantly to this achievement by promoting an open door policy between the Executive Director and all EPDA staff. This has also contributed to the ease and effectiveness of the Authority's horizontal and vertical communication processes, as well as supporting institutional learning processes and enhancing opportunities for all staff to initiate, and innovate.