Emiratis show appreciation to workers’ ‘ongoing efforts’

Sheikh Khalifa bin Sultan bin Khalifa, the grandson of President Sheikh Khalifa, was among those who turned up to the labour camp to support the cause of Giveback Abu Dhabi.

To celebrate Ramadan, a time of giving, a group of Emiratis gather outside a labour camp in Mussaffah to hand out iftar to workers. Among them is Hader Al Dhaheri, pictured handing out juice boxes to Show more

ABU DHABI // As the end of Ramadan draws near, a group of young Emirati volunteers including the grandson of the President, Sheikh Khalifa, met workers at their camps in Mussaffah to distribute iftar meals on Wednesday.

More than 1,000 iftar meal packets containing chicken biryani, samosas, dates, water, juice and laban were distributed among workers of a cleaning company in Mussaffah who were joined by other labourers from the nearby workers’ accommodations.

Giveback Abu Dhabi, a non-profit social club, has been formed by a group of young Emiratis from the emirate to support workers and needy people. The club consists of 22 Emirati volunteers including 10 females.

“This was the first initiative of the group working among workers and cleaners to recognise their hard work who constantly contribute to the cleanliness and development of the emirate,” Jassim Al Nowais, the founder of the club, said.

“This is a small token of appreciation to their hard work for our nation.

“The idea behind establishing such a club came from the sense of volunteerism among a group of Emiratis who wanted to devote their services to the community’s needy and less fortunate people.”

The group has created an Instagram account under the name of @giveback_ad as a platform to communicate with other volunteers and donors.

Mr Al Nowais said any one can be a part of the non-profit programme for the community.

“The main purpose of this social club is to give back to the needy people in the community. To the labour workers who work and sweat in the heat, to the disabled children who are awaiting a visit that can draw a smile on their faces, to the elderly that have been forgotten and to many others who are in need,” said Mr Al Nowais.

“Since we’re still in Ramadan, we thought of launching our first initiative.

“We have a long list of initiatives that we’re planning to do in the future such as visits to disabled children, elderly care centres, and many other organisations with people who need support and care.”

Sheikh Khalifa bin Sultan bin Khalifa, the grandson of Sheikh Khalifa, also turned up to the labour camp to support the cause.

“This is a great initiative by young Emiratis to appreciate the hard work of the labourers that contribute to the development of the country,” he said.

“In fact, we need more organisations such as this in Abu Dhabi to encourage young Emiratis to give back to the community. “

Another volunteer, Hadir Al Dhaheri, a student at the University of California, Irvine, said: “Workers play a major role in maintaining the cleanliness and development of the city. We just wanted to appreciate their ongoing efforts.”

Those views were echoed by another Emirati woman, Munira Al Sayegh. “I have done charitable works before but this is the first time I am doing something for workers,” she said.

The workers looked delighted to receive food packets with thousands surrounding the volunteers to receive their meals.

“Our salaries are very less and such caring programmes for us really encourage us,” said Hassan Ali, 19, a cleaner from Bangladesh.

“I earn Dh650 a month, in which half I spend here and save rest to send back home to support my parents, brothers and sisters.

“Nobody is there to earn except me and I am the eldest among them.” Mr Ali came to the Emirates when he was only 15.

Volunteers who want to be part of the committee can follow on @giveback_ad on Instagram for future activities.