Mushrif Mall car washers fear effects of chemicals on their skin

ABU DHABI // While some washers worry about the summer heat, of greater concern to workers at Mushrif Mall is the effect chemicals they use have on their health.

“I don’t have gloves, so I have to do it all bare-handed,” said Muhammad Waqas Jamshaid, who has been in the job for a month but already has visible signs of deterioration on his hands.

Continually washing cars using chemicals with bare hands has led to the skin on the Pakistani’s hands to peel.

“Under such severe weather conditions, working 12 hours a day is a challenging task but I do this to save some money for my family,” said the 21-year-old, who earns a Dh1,000 a month.

“This month’s heat is bearable but the most testing phase is from next month when temperatures soar to 50˚C.”

In addition to health concerns, Muhammad has realised that meeting his monthly target is tough. “I have to earn Dh5,500 a month [in takings from customers] by hook or by crook to pay to the owner to claim a full month’s salary, otherwise the company would cut my monthly pay.”

At Mushrif Mall, washers charge Dh20 for saloon cars and Dh25 for 4x4s, meaning he has to wash about 220 vehicle a month.

The workers are poorly equipped, with just a bucket of water, cloths and cleaning fluids. In comparison, Al Wahda Mall washers have mobile washing tools.

Muhammad said he paid 235,000 Pakistani rupees (Dh8,500) to an agent at home to get him a UAE visa.

On weekdays, he said he washed five to six cars, increasing to up to 12 on weekends.

The 40 or so washers at Mushrif Mall work for Esteem Middle East Car Wash. The company has a system of washing cars in turn so that everyone gets equal work.

“We don’t get any commission. We just have tough targets to achieve, otherwise we face salary deductions,” said one washer.

Muhammad said tips were important but the amounts he received varied, from up to Dh30 a day on weekends to nothing.

Bangladeshi washer Habibullah Mojibul Hork said: “Generally we complete our targets. The company doesn’t deduct the salary if only Dh200 to Dh300 is less from total monthly target.”

anwar@thenational.ae

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For more on the UAE’s car washers:

The National speaks to the unsung heroes who wash the nation’s cars at malls up and down the country.

■ Special report: Stories from the UAE's car washers

■ Helping family at home gives Abu Dhabi Mall car washers drive to earn more

■ Finding customers is biggest concern among Ibn Battuta Mall car washers

■ Heat and humidity means task takes double the time, UAE car washers say

German intelligence warnings

2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

At this rate, Lebanon may not survive to see its 100th birthday

if you go

The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.

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Know before you go

Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.