UAE pays tribute to workers on Labour Day

Abu Dhabi - 10, 000 attend International Workers' Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi

Boosting the status of thousands of workers, the UAE held several programmes as part of the the Labour Day on Saturday, pledging support to the unsung heroes of the society.
Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, paid rich tribute to the workers, citing their loyalty and dedication towards building the UAE.
Shaikh Nahyan said that the ministry's celebration of the International Workers' Day, which falls on May 1, is a recognition of the role that labourers played in the comprehensive development of the UAE.
He said: "We meet today as a mark of love for Emirates of philanthropic Zayed, which brings us together in the framework of unity, fraternity, solidarity and co-existence."
He also expressed his satisfaction at the workers who had come from different countries "to stay among us in the UAE. We are proud of their contribution to the nation building and progress."
He added that the Labour Day events further shed light on the workers' rights, which are being protected by the government.
Sheikh Nahyan's remarks came as the ministry organised Labour Day activities at seven different locations in Abu Dhabi under the theme: "Emirates of Zayed Gathers Us."
The sessions were attended by over 10,000 workers.
Shaikh Nahyan said that the theme evokes the legacy of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, who had during his lifetime supported the labourers.
He added that the UAE and its leadership are still on the track chalked out by Shaikh Zayed to promote the communal cohesion advocated by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The workers expressed their satisfaction at participating in the events attended by four ministers and other dignitaries. .
Shaikh Nahyan unveiled a memorial plaque presented to him by the workers at the function.
Cultural contests, health education programmes and screening of a film highlighting the UAE's development phases was included as part of the programmes. Gifts were distributed to workers at their headquarters on Yas Island and seven locations in the industrial zones.
For his part, Mohan Jashanmal, chairman of the Indian Professional Business Group, said the UAE passed through different stages, characterised by several kinds of success until it reached the knowledge economy stage, thanks to the vision of the late Shaikh Zayed and follow up by the President Shaikh Khalifa.
Shaikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance; Saqr bin Ghubash Saeed Ghubash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation; Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development; Afra Al Saberi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, several Arab and foreign ambassadors, senior local and federal officials and representatives of expatriate residents were present.- Wam