CONNECTOR.AE 60 CONNECTOR.AE 61 LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE Community Spirit In Action: The Labour Sports Tournament One of the most moving initiatives Mujeeb has been involved in is the Dubai Labour Sports Tournament, a six-month-long programme of weekly sports events held from September to March. Organised by Dubai Sports Council and the GDRFA, the tournament is a chance for workers to engage in football, cricket, volleyball, chess, carroms, and many more events. “Labourers wait for Sundays to attend the competitions. It gives them something to look forward to, a reason to feel connected”, Mujeeb shares. As a volunteer, Mujeeb spends nearly every weekend with the labourers during the tournament season, asking after their wellbeing, listening to their stories, and offering support in any way he can. “Their happiness, their spirit... that’s what drives me,” Mujeeb says. Mujeeb recalls one moment in particular that moved him deeply. “Last season, many women who work as cleaning staff in malls took part in the sports events. Prior to that, these sports events and competitions weren’t available to women labourers. Even if many of them didn’t know how to play well, you could see the joy on their faces. They felt like part of something... a team, a community”. Working alongside respected figures like His Excellency Abdulla Lashkari, Secretary General of PCLA and a driving force within GDRFA, Mujeeb found inspiration. “Mr. Lashkari intervenes directly in many cases and helps labourers out of exploitation. He is someone they can rely on. Mr. Lashkari also introduced me to the world of structured volunteering within government bodies, showing me how individuals can amplify their impact through official channels”, Mujeeb says. Creating A Culture Of Care And Respect The work Mujeeb does is more than advocacy. It is about cultivating a sense of belonging and recognition for the city’s blue-collar workforce. A powerful example of this is his involvement with the Taqdeer Awards, a government-backed recognition given to blue-collar labourers and also to companies that provide outstanding care and support for their labourers. “This kind of incentive encourages companies to treat their workers better”, Mujeeb notes. “Some have even built sports grounds and community spaces, in premium locations in Dubai, for their staff. The award has become a point of pride for companies”. As Mujeeb sees it, such initiatives are about more than morale. They affirm the basic dignity and human rights of labourers, many of whom are far from their families and communities. “Their happiness, their spirit...that’s what drives me.” Mujeeb, this was not a moment of some moral validation, because his efforts were not driven by a need for praise. But Mujeeb felt deeply inspired by such a powerful signal from the government that community service matters. “It’s a great honour and it does inspire more people to engage in social services”, Mujeeb says. “UAE honours good deeds, and in doing so, it inspires more of them. That’s what makes this place so special”. The Power Of Recognition And The Path Forward Mujeeb’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2023, he was awarded a UAE Golden Visa in recognition of his contributions to society. To Even if many of them didn’t know how to play well, you could see the joy on their faces. They felt like part of something... a team, a community” “UAE honours good deeds, and in doing so, it inspires more of them. That’s what makes this place so special”.
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