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Over 4,000 workers thank UAE for keeping them safe

Dubai - Prizes given away were free air tickets and a two-month paid leave for mothers who have kids under the age of 10 in their home country.

Thanking the UAE’s leaders for taking care of them in the time of Covid-19, more than 4,000 workers came together for a virtual carnival that got them singing and dancing, among other activities.

As part of the e-carnival — organised by Dubai-based EFS Facilities Services — a heart touching video titled Project Shukran that featured workers and their families of over 30 nationalities. Together, they expressed their appreciation of the UAE’s initiatives that not only kept them safe but also helped them provide for their loved ones amid the pandemic.

Wearing their uniforms, workers from different backgrounds — including technicians and housekeeping and security personnel — were seen saying “thanking you” in their mother tongue.

With a host of activities lined up, from talent shows to sports fest, wellbeing sessions and some awarding, workers enjoyed eight fun zones set up in their accommodations. Their participation in different activities was pre-recorded and played online on the day of the carnival.

The event also hosted a special segment called the “compassionate awards” where some workers were rewarded with cash prizes of up to Dh10,000.

Among the categories were: the Frontline Heroes Award, which recognised staff who have demonstrated exemplary commitment during Covid-19; Time to Give Back Award, for a worker with elderly parents who are 70 years old and above; Super Spouse Award, for workers’ husbands or wives who have supported their partners’ dreams.

Some prizes given away were free air tickets and a two-month paid leave for mothers who have kids under the age of 10 in their home country.

Housekeeping attendant Jospeh Samuel from Nigeria was awarded Dh10,000 under another category called the ‘rightful and deserving award’, which aimed to recognise genuine cases of workers in dire need of assistance for an ailing family member. An emotional Jospeh said he would use the money for the surgery of his brother who had a bike accident. “This reward has taken a huge stress off my head. It wll help get my brother back to work and take care of my ailing parents.”

saman@khaleejtimes.com