For Adavally Gangana Adavally, receiving the Emirates Labour Market Award recently became a life-changing moment. At 53, he has spent 24 years working as a construction worker at Darwish Engineering Emirates.
“I came to the UAE 24 years ago and started my journey as a construction worker,” shared Adavally, originally from Telangana State, India.
When his manager informed him about his win in the construction sector category, Adavally initially thought it was just a routine chat. “It felt like a normal conversation. But a few days later, I found out that the winners would receive Dh100,000 for their contributions to the country. I was truly surprised,” he said.
The awards, held annually by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), celebrate outstanding contributions to the UAE’s workforce and aim to improve the well-being and quality of life for private-sector employees. They also encourage greater competitiveness and productivity in the labour market.
Adavally shared how this award will help him plan for retirement. “As I approach retirement, this money will be crucial. I plan to continue working for as long as possible and then settle in my hometown,” said Adavally, a father of two daughters. “Working in the UAE has allowed me to build a home and arrange my daughters’ weddings. I’ll spend the rest of my life with my family using this money,” he added.
A New Chapter
Toti Khan Akhtar Khan, 47, has worked at Mazrui & Hawi Painting Company for the past 30 years, spending the last 20 years as a painting and blasting technician. Originally from Pakistan, Khan has built a secure life for his family with his earnings in the UAE.
“With my income here, I’ve been able to build a house in Pakistan, buy a car, and keep my family happy,” said Khan, a father of four. “I’m thrilled to have received this money. I plan to set up a business and bring my son to the UAE to manage it while I continue working for as long as I can.”
Turning Dreams into Reality
For Ismail Noor Hammad, a Bangladeshi national, the award marks a major milestone in his journey. Hammad has worked in the UAE for 25 years, starting as a cleaner at Cad Cam Dental Lab when he was just 13 years old. Over time, he climbed the ladder to become a technician.
Now 38, Hammad shared how the award will help him fulfill a lifelong dream. “We’ve been living in a rented house, but now I can finally build a home of our own,” he said. A father of two, Hammad feels relief and gratitude for the recognition. “I’m overjoyed to receive this award—it will solve many of my problems,” he added.
Hammad has also taken responsibility for his late brother’s children and plans to use part of his winnings for charity. “It’s important to me to give back to the community,” he said.
