Donations open for construction workers

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DMC executive director Mohamed Almulla. (ITP Images)

Construction workers are the focus of a charity initiative by the Radisson SAS, Dubai Media City (DMC), charity organisation Helping Hands and developer Tecom Investments.

Called the Shoe Box Appeal, the initiative involves the collection of basic items that are used on a daily basis by construction workers, some of which include objects like razors, toothpaste, nail clippers and combs.

Speaking to Construction Week, DMC executive director Mohamed Almulla said: "This initiative is more a gesture to show our appreciation. We know that a shoebox with a few items in it won't alter the life of a construction worker but we want to let them know that we care and appreciate their efforts to help build this country."

A large number of workers in the UAE experience unfavourable lifestyle conditions including living away from their families for long periods of time, extreme weather conditions and the challenges of an expatriate life such as isolation, cultural and social pressures.

"Gestures like these go a long way to uplift the moral of these overworked labourers," said Radisson SAS DMC general manager Siegfried Nierhaus.

"They need to know that what they're doing is historical and that their efforts are changing the skylines and taking this country into the future."

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donations to construction workers
Posted by mrs barami, Ad, UAE on Tuesday 9 September 2008 at 14:05 UAE time

I believe these men do deserve a box of gifts/donation. The hours they work are long and hard,once home from a 12 hour shift and paying bills etc their salary isnt that much what so ever. For simple things like a razor costing 15 to 20 dhs for 5 disposable razors..its very costly. Giving a box of gifts is a beautiful idea.

Also i agree with Avin they need higher pay and better living conditions, with the amount of men dying in their over crowded homes something needs to be done soon.

Avin id like to say giving a gift to someone who may be in need of such basics is not condescending. i sure wouldnt be insulted in receiving a gift if i was a hard worker who had little or next to nothing. condescending would be talking down on them and verbally abusing them because of the jobs they hold.
I grew up around the construction industry in khaleej & most of these men are very grateful for the smallest thing given to them.

Donations - are these workers or destitutes/beggars?
Posted by Avinash, Dubai, UAE on Tuesday 9 September 2008 at 09:11 UAE time


I guess a lot of these workers work because they prefer earning their wages. The thought of donations is worthy, but I guess it is meant for people who are incapacitated or destitute.

Come on workers do not require donations - they require minimum wages, decent living conditions and protection of their rights.

Don't be condescending to these people who are building Dubai!!

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