In line with its goal to foster a more inclusive society, the Department of Community Development (DCD) organised an iftar for workers and visited their accommodation in Abu Dhabi, The Ramadan initiative, in association with the KEZAD Group, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to promoting cooperation and communication between workers and officials, while also showing appreciation for the workers’ contributions to society.
H.E Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of the Community Engagement and Sports Sector at DCD said: “Abu Dhabi considers workers as an important part of development and growth. The DCD is aware of the importance of taking care of them and supporting their needs by creating bridges of love, respect and appreciation for their efforts, and by regularly meeting them in line with our vision to achieve a good quality of life for all members of society.”
The DCD delegation’s visit also included an inspection tour of the workers' village, which follows the highest standards required for labour accommodation, and a visit to the dining hall to learn about the diversity of food items served based on the various cultures and nationalities that live there. They also toured the games and entertainment hall, which features several sports and recreational activities.
Al Balooshi added: “The workers’ iftar is one of the DCD’s annual initiatives to establish and enhance social cohesion and brotherhood, with the goal of strengthening community spirit. The DCD is keen to take care of workers through a set of programmes and initiatives created for their benefit.”
One of the initiatives has been the launch of surveys to measure workers’ quality of life, identify their needs and aspirations, and provide them with better services. Additionally, several lectures will be organised in various languages to help them achieve a balance between work and their personal life.
The DCD has also launched specialised programmes, such as 2020’s ‘You Matter’ campaign to support workers’ mental health, which included the launch of a psychological support hotline. The hotline received 800 calls from workers, and more than 500,000 workers in residential complexes in Abu Dhabi benefited from the campaign.