(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Mohammad Sojal Mentu was the big winner on December 2, taking home the grand prize – a brand new car during the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebration. The event organised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) was held across more than 30 locations in the UAE, bringing together over 250,000 workers for a day filled with fun, games, competitions, a talent show, raffle draws, and gift distributions.

Speaking to Khaleej Times over the phone through an interpreter, Mentu, 32, said he did not expect to win. "I was already having so much fun watching the show and enjoying games with my friends in Al Quoz. But when the final draw was made, and my name was called, I jumped for joy and screamed in happiness," he shared. Then, he realised the car in front of him would be his own.

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Mentu, who works as a carpenter in Jebel Ali, has no driving licence, but it was no issue. He wasn't planning to use the car; he would rather sell it.“It's a brand new sedan,” Mentu said in Bengali.“Maybe I can get between Dh45,000 and Dh50,000 for the vehicle. That's a good amount of money, which I can use as capital to put up a small grocery business.”

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He said he will not buy luxury items for his family with his winnings. Only a gold ring (under Dh500) for his wife and some toys for his two boys, aged 5 and 1.5.

"I will use the money wisely by investing it in a small business I know I can run. Hopefully, it will grow into a stable source of income for my family," added Mentu, who is from Jessore District in southwestern Bangladesh.

Mentue came to Dubai five years ago when his eldest son was only a few months old. "The UAE has been my second home. Because of my job here, I can provide well for my family back home," he said. He will visit his wife and kids early next year, bringing them "simple gifts" and some Dubai chocolate.

Workers' happiness

The celebratory activities for UAE workers, held under the slogan 'Our Workers' Happiness in Our Union's Celebration', were organised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior; Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP); General Headquarters of Abu Dhabi Police, Dubai Police, and Sharjah Police; as well as UAE municipalities; AD Ports Group; and the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai.

Other partners include the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority; General Command of Dubai Civil Defence; Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs in Dubai; Events Security Committee; Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); Sharjah Labour Standards Development Authority; National Ambulance; Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services; Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ); Beit Al Khair Society; Sharjah Charity International; Al Ihsan Charity Association; and Dar Al Ber Society. A number of private companies also joined in the celebrations.

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