When Mujeeb Rahman first arrived in Dubai from India in 2005, he carried with him more than just hopes for a better future. Mujeeb brought along a deep-seated desire to make a difference. Two decades later, that impulse has become a guiding force in his life. Today, while serving as the Deputy General Manager of Operations at Hotpack Global, Mujeeb continues to dedicate his free time and energy to community service and humanitarian work, a commitment that earned him the prestigious UAE Golden Visa in 2023.
But Mujeeb's story goes far beyond recognition and titles. It is a testament to how individual compassion can ripple through the lives of thousands.
A Journey Rooted In Service
Even before moving to the UAE, Mujeeb had been involved with charitable and social service organisations back in Kerala, India. So, it was only natural that once he settled in Dubai, he sought out opportunities to continue that work.
“I used to work with charity organisations back home, and when I came to Dubai and saw that many working people face different sorts of challenges in their daily lives, I could not help sit back comfortably and watch”, Mujeeb shares. “With the limited time I get, I tried to be involved with different sorts of charity and volunteering organisations”.
Among those was the Red Crescent, of which he has been a long-standing member. But it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that his connection with social services and charity within governmental realm truly began. Mujeeb got inspired by the works of Dubai’s Permanent Committee of Labour Affairs (PCLA) under the GDRFA, and decided to connect with them.
Empowering Labourers Through Awareness
Through his work with the PCLA, Mujeeb has witnessed first-hand the systemic challenges many blue-collar workers face in the city, from lack of knowledge about their rights to vulnerability in the face of exploitation.
“Many labourers are unaware of their own rights, including appropriate duration of their working hours or what constitutes illegal practices. A lot of them suffer in silence”, Mujeeb explains. The committee, along with different volunteers working with them, plays a vital role in bridging that knowledge gap. “We make sure they are informed about their own rights and are not trapped in unfair practices”.
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.
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”.
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 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”.
For those who want to get involved in volunteering activities, Mujeeb says the opportunities are everywhere. “There’s an app called 'Day for Dubai' where people can register to find volunteer opportunities. Or they can join government-recognised organisations like Red Crescent or Positive Spirit by Dubai Police".
Even one day a week, Mujeeb says, can make a difference. “Start with your neighbourhood. Lend your time. It’s about being present for people who need support”.
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Humanity At The Core
Mujeeb’s story is a reminder that meaningful change often begins with the simplest of intentions. Mujeeb's vision is clear. "To care is to be a truly free human being. Labourers are people with dreams, families, dignity and feelings. They deserve happiness, belonging, and trust in our community".
In a city known for its skyscrapers and ambition, people like Mujeeb Rahman are building something even more important: A culture of empathy, community, and care. We look forward to seeing the flourishing of such social movements of compassion and service.