ABU DHABI// The contribution made by labourers in helping to build the UAE was praised yesterday by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, the Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development.
He was speaking to thousands of labourers at the Al Dar Camp 3 on Yas Island, as part of early celebrations to mark International Labour Day in the capital.
Sheikh Nahyan thanked them for their hard work over the years, which he said had played an important role in transforming the country.
“We are happy that we are celebrating you, the workers who are building the United Arab Emirates,” Sheikh Nahyan said.
“Our country is grateful that you have chosen to help us build this nation, our modern cities and their beautiful buildings would not have been constructed without you and those who came before you.
“It is the work of your hands and it has helped to build this city and this country.”
Sheikh Nahyan applauded the labourers, saying the UAE would not be where it is today, without their efforts. “It is work that you should be proud of and work well done,” he said.
The workers were at a special ceremony with entertainment and a UAE-themed quiz session.
The minister expressed his appreciation for the work over the years.
“The spirit of the UAE is made of unity, brotherhood, compassion, cooperation and understanding, this is the year of giving in the UAE and you have been wonderfully gracious givers,” Sheikh Nahyan said.
“I would like to thank you all of you for being here and thank you for having us as your guest this evening and hope that you think of the UAE as your second home because we consider you essential to the very life of this country and we salute you in this early celebration of International Labour Day.”
The labourers were entertained with a series of activities including an Indian folk dance by the students of Abu Dhabi Indian School and a performance by the K9 department of Abu Dhabi Police.
Bangladeshi Mamun Abu Taher, who has been working in the UAE for the past eight years, said he felt special that so many people have come together to appreciate their work.
“We have so many different nationalities here and it is great to see that they have made the effort to give us all a taste of back home through the entertainment today.
“I have many people from my home town living with me that it almost feels like home and the number of people who have come together today to celebrate our work makes me feel very special and happy,” he said.
Mohammed Junaid, a Pakistani worker who was one of the winners in the UAE theme quiz said he was very thankful for everything being done for labourers.
“Listening to the words of Sheikh Nahyan and him thanking us made me very happy. He came to our camp and was part of our celebration, which made my day. I need to thank him and the UAE for giving me the chance to come here, work and take care of my family back home,” he said.
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