When the elders celebrated Valentine's Day with workers in Dubai

Dubai - Nagesh, a 46-year-old cleaner, said he was missing his wife a lot.

Dozens of blue-collar workers attended a Valentine's Day surprise lunch organised by a senior citizen group here on Tuesday. More than 250 cleaners, gardeners and other service providers working at Greens - Emaar's residential community in Dubai - were invited by Gold Age Group, a senior citizen community to celebrate Valentine's Day away from home.
Besides serving lunch to workers, the community children also distributed candies and chocolates to the workers. "Today you are our Valentine. Don't feel sad that today you are away from home. You are our family and will always be. Let's spread happiness and love everywhere," said Naseem Durrani, founder of Golden Age Group.
Durrani said though he has never been fond of Valentine's Day celebrations, today he is very happy. "At 75, I am celebrating Valentine's day. I am very happy that I am celebrating with these boys who are alone and far away from home to earn money for their loved one. It is the best thing. I will never forget this."
Durrani said a such gesture can only happen in the UAE. "I have never heard of such a thing anywhere. The UAE has a heart of gold. It has given a new meaning to Valentine's Day."
Nagesh, a 46-year-old cleaner, said he was missing his wife a lot. "I was very sad today. I was missing my family a lot. I called my wife. I wanted to send her a gift, but I had no money. But this party has changed everything. I felt like my whole family is here. It's a like a festival for me."
Saifullah from Pakistan has never heard of Valentine's Day. "I don't know what Valentine's Day means. But I love the way we have been given respect and love. If Valentine's Day means to spread love and respect, then we should celebrate this day everyday. I will call my parents and tell them about the party. This is my first ever party in Dubai," said the plumber who has been working in Dubai for over six years.
Mahesh Kumar Bhatia, a resident in the Greens, said he couldn't control his tears when he saw the gesture. "We spend thousands buying flowers, gifts and valentine dinners for our loved ones and we never thought about these lonely souls who are working hard for their families back home.
"What other better way to celebrate the day. For me this is the best gesture."
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai