Domestic Worker and Farm Shepherd Win 100,000 Dirhams

In an achievement that showcases the appreciation of the Emirati community for the significant efforts of domestic workers, a domestic worker and a farm shepherd have won 100,000 dirhams as part of the UAE’s Labor Market Pioneer Award. This recognition reflects the importance of their roles in society and highlights the inspiring human experiences of these pioneers.

Maimouna Younan: A Story of 32 Years of Loyalty and Inclusion

Maimouna Younan, the first-place winner in the domestic worker category, expressed her heartfelt gratitude by repeatedly saying, “Thank you, UAE.” After 32 years of working as a domestic helper for an Emirati family, she shared how they embraced her and treated her as one of their own. In an interview with “Emirates Today,” she confirmed that she faced no issues during these years, having been a second mother to the family’s four children, who nominated her for the award worth 50,000 dirhams.

The Positive Impact of Working in the UAE

Younan explained that her job in the UAE allowed her to educate her children in the Philippines, as she visits them regularly, returning with gifts from her Emirati family. She noted that she does not consider returning to her home country, hoping that her children will come back after completing their studies to work in the UAE.

Mohammad Ilyas: His Journey with Agriculture and Shepherding

On the other hand, Mohammad Ilyas, the first-place winner in the home support category, expressed his gratitude to the UAE and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Ilyas has worked for 30 years on a farm owned by an Emirati in Dibba Al-Fujairah, where he learned everything about shepherding and agriculture. He announced that he would invest the prize in buying a new home for his family in Bangladesh, where his wife and children live.

Deep Gratitude for the UAE

Ilyas expressed his deep gratitude to the UAE and its people for giving him a job that enabled him to marry and start a family. He highlighted the significance of this award in improving his and his family’s future. His personal experience underscores how working in the UAE positively impacts the family and professional lives of these workers, reflecting the noble human values of Emirati society.

These stories show that workers in the UAE are not just employees; they are part of the fabric of society. The victory of a domestic worker and a farm shepherd, winning 100,000 dirhams, illustrates the value of hard work and loyalty. This award offers hope to many and affirms the care and inclusion they receive in their second homeland.