Dubai church, Malawi brothers serve food to 800 workers

Dubai - While Emirates Airlines sponsored the breakfast, an Indian restaurant offered dinner (meals) to the workers.

Over 800 workers relished lip-smacking biryani, and a variety of delicious dishes as they were served sumptuous food during an event that also united dignitaries and residents from across emirates.
Dubai-based St Mary's Catholic Church teamed up with two Malawi entrepreneurs and government entities to organize the event  'Muthahidoon' to celebrate the Year of Zayed and spread the message of peace and tolerance of the late UAE founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The church joined hands with the Malawi entrepreneurs of 'Happy Happy' initiative after Khaleej Times reported how their campaign helped feed up to 3,000 workers a day.
As part of the event, brothers Mohammed and Imran Karim helped serve meals to over 800 workers who gathered from across the UAE. They were also offered laban, karak tea and 1,000 pieces of cakes and biscuits.
Imran said it was an opportunity for us to spread our initiative to the community and get across the message that "we are here no matter what race or colour while providing the best for our guests".
The brothers head to various construction sites near Jumeirah's Kite Beach every day to distribute snacks, refreshments and hot food to workers and janitors as they wrap up their day. They end their two-hour journey at a mosque in Umm Suqeim as part of their initiative that distributes over 100,000 meals a month.
Rev Father Lennie, Parish Priest, said celebrating 'Muthahidoon' is to highlight the unparalleled legacy of Sheikh Zayed who made this country a place of hope for all migrant workers. He said through the gifts and celebrations, volunteers helped spread joy, love, tolerance and peace.
"Sheikh Zayed wholeheartedly welcomed all migrant workers into this country and sowed seeds of hope in their hearts. The recent declaration of amnesty by the present rulers, I believe, is an attempt to take forward the legacy bequeathed on this nation by the great Sheikh Zayed."
 He added, "The gesture of giving goes a long way in brightening the lives of these men, who sacrifice a lot and try to bring joy into the lives of their families in their home countries."
While Emirates Airlines sponsored the breakfast, an Indian restaurant offered dinner (meals) to the workers.
Susan Jose from the Samaritans Ministry, St Mary's Catholic Church, said the event gathered workers, residents and dignitaries from Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Culture among other entities to celebrate the message of tolerance, love and generosity.
"The workers were filled with a sense of gratitude. Through the event, we gave them breakfast, lunch and dinner so they didn't have to cook anything; they just got home to sleep and get ready for work the next day," said Jose.
She noted that the smiles of workers - who didn't know each other at first and mingled during the meals - is a reminder of peaceful living and harmony UAE has achieved.
'Mutahidoon' brought communities together to thank UAE for the peace and tolerance it continues to grant to over 200 nationalities.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai