This year, the property prices are likely to see a jump of up to 15%
A handshake and a few words were beyond their expectations when they heard Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet them as part of his maiden visit to the UAE.
However, Narendra Modi, the first Indian prime minister to visit the UAE in 34 years, surprised them further - He mingled with the workers, inquired about their work, well-being and even posed for group photographs.
During his brief visit, Modi found time to visit a labour accommodation in the industrial city of Abu Dhabi, in a humanitarian gesture to acknowledge the blue-collared Indian community, an integral part of millions of Indians serving the UAE economy.
The meeting was arranged at an indoor basketball court for over 500 workers who were living in one of the biggest labour accommodations in the capital, which has a total population of 28,000 workers from different nationalities.
Amid cheers from the workers, Saqar Gobash, Minister of Labour, undersecretary and other top officials welcomed the distinguished guest, upon his arrival at the workers' place.
The workers were visibly excited when he approached to them to shake hand and offered help to tackle their problems. He allowed photographers to take group pictures with them.
A visibly moved worker, Arshad Khan, 43 from Bihar who works for Al Dhafra Waste Management Company, said: "We have no issues," adding that it was one of the most pleasant moments of his life, as his prime minister asked him about the problems the workers are facing.
Ratan Lal, 56, another worker from Bihar said this is the first time such a leader has visited them.
"I am very happy to see him," he said.
Pawan Kumar Saini, from Rajhastan who works as a chef with Lulu Hypermarket in capital Mall said, it was a nice gesture to visit us.
Uttam Mandal his colleague from Calcutta said he wanted to capture the moment on his mobile phone but couldn't, due to protocol restrictions.
However, "We had a group photograph."
Though, Modi did not give a speech, his interaction with workers was a strong message to them, as they dominate the 2.6 million Indian diaspora in the UAE, a worker said.
This year, the property prices are likely to see a jump of up to 15%
The authorities also denied rumours about water contamination in the emirate due to the rains
He was joined by the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah as well as other worshippers
In the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed stressed on peace based on 'two-state solution' for Israel and Palestine
The prices had slipped below $2,300 per ounce on Wednesday evening but recovered later in the day
Travellers advised to take extra travel time, keep checking updates
While some devised makeshift rain defences, others who were travelling set out extra early to the airport to catch their flights
Leaver’s breakfast, special assembly, signing T-shirts; all plans are now altered for senior students