A salute to Dubai's labourers

DUBAI // Festivities began yesterday at Al Muhaisnah labour camp to celebrate International Workers Day.

Hundreds of labourers were honoured at the event, with 580 Dubai Municipality workers each given prizes of Dh300 in appreciation of their efforts.

Thousands more will participate in events over the next few weeks including sports activities and free health checks. The initiative is designed to honour the labourers without whose work, Dubai would "come to a standstill".

"This shows our growing interest in highlighting the importance of human rights in general and the issues of workers' rights, in particular," said Mohammed Julfar, assistant director general for corporate support services at the municipality.

"Without the hard work of this group, the city would come to a standstill," said Abdul Majeed Saifaie, the waste management department director, who has more than 2,700 workers in his department. "Even just saying thank you or a handshake, so they know that you acknowledge their hard work.

"Many of us take certain daily services for granted," he said.

As part of the celebrations, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum, wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has donated 100 fully paid trips to Mecca so the workers can perform Umrah. The festivities will last until May 26.