Dar Al Ber gifts Umrah trip to workers

Dubai - As many as 1,627 low-income people and workers have benefited from the programme so far

January 30 will remain an unforgettable day in the lives of Nasir Khan, Muhammad Ali, Shareef and over 90 other workers. It was a day most of them had only dreamed about and never thought could be realised so soon.
But thanks to the Dar Al Ber Society (Dabs), 100 low-income workers were gifted a complimentary trip to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to perform Umrah. An emotional Nasir Khan, in his 50s, was at a loss of words as he was handed over the Ihram outfit (which consist of two white un-hemmed sheets) by Dabs. "I have worked as a driver in the UAE for 20 years and had always nestled this dream deep in my heart, that one day, maybe I will get a chance to go on this pilgrimage. But I never knew how, because I hardly get to save anything on my income. Allah knew my heart and He has fulfilled this cherished dream of mine. I have four brothers and only one of them has got the chance of performing Umrah and now I am the second one. I hope Allah accepts my pilgrimage."
Hisham Ahmed Al Zahrani, deputy director Social Sector at Dabs, said: "All praise and thanks to Allah that today these workers have been chosen to offer Umrah, for the first time in their lives. These workers have been picked after communicating with government bodies and private companies, who then provided us with names of workers and employees who earn meagre salaries. The two important conditions followed while selecting the workers for this trip was that they fall in a certain low-income category, which is below Dh2,500; and that this would be their maiden Umrah trip."
Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, executive director of Dabs, told Khaleej Times: "The pilgrims are each provided with Ihram attire, 10L of holy water Zamzam, free meals, and accommodation at four-star hotels close to the two holy mosques. The trip itinerary includes visits to the holy lands, including Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifa in Makkah. Visits to the Qubaa mosque and Al Baqeea Cemetery in Madinah are also organised."
Nigerian expat Oyetunde Yusuwf Teyo, who has been in the UAE for two years now, said he felt his prayers were answered. "There were many people from my company Coca-Cola who were eligible for this trip, but only five had to be selected. This is when they did a draw of lots and my name came up. This chance is given to me by Allah as He knew how desperate I was to perform Umrah. Just last month, I went to travel agents to check for the price of Umrah and I was turned away as I couldn't afford the cost of the package. Just a month later, my company called me and asked if I was interested in performing Umrah and then my name came up in the draw."
The workers gathered at the Dabs office on Sheikh Zayed Road on Tuesday morning with their luggage. Dabs officials briefed them about the rules to be followed while travelling to Saudi Arabia and performing Umrah. Just after the afternoon prayers, the workers boarded two coaches and departed for the holy pilgrimage.
As many as 1,627 low-income people and workers have benefited from the programme so far. Each trip lasts for nine days; four days in Makkah, three in Madinah and two on the road to each destination by modern, convenient and highly equipped coaches.
saman@khaleejtimes.com

• Medinah