Winners of the annual Emirates Labour Market Award spoke about how they plan to use the money to build their dream houses, start businesses
uae7 hours ago
Getting through a month of fasting is tough, more so if you have a physically strenuous outdoor job. Ask bicycle mechanic Najmul Hussain.
The Bangladeshi expat spends long hours in the sun, fixing punctured tyres, servicing bicycles, and replacing or repairing broken, worn-out parts outside his modest shop in Al Quoz.
“There’s hardly any space in the shop, which is stacked with bicycles and related equipment. As a result, I have to do all the repair work on the pavement outside our premises,” he says.
Working in the sweltering heat all day builds up a lot of sweat, causing Hussain to lose water - something he can ill afford while fasting.
However, the 34-year-old has no complaints.
“Ramadan is not an obstacle to what I do. Yes, my job is difficult, and I often end up feeling incredibly thirsty and drained out by late afternoon, but if you fast for eight to 10 hours, then you are motivated to endure a few more hours until sunset,” he adds.
Hussain says he avoids checking the time and distracts his mind from thoughts of food and water by focusing on his work.
“I have customers of all ages, including little children who are often impatient and want everything in a jiffy. They keep me on my toes. I attend to them with a smile and ensure they go back happy.”
Hussain says fasting has taught him patience and strengthened his willpower.
“The challenges I face during Ramadan help me tide over other my problems all year round,” he says.
ALSO READ:
Just before sunset, Hussain clears the clutter at his makeshift workplace, spreads out a plastic sheet on the ground and breaks his fast with his co-workers.
The Iftar comprises dates, fruits and snacks bought from a nearby cafeteria.
“I don’t have the luxury to have Iftar in my room as we have to immediately resume work and attend to customers visiting our shop post-Iftar,” he says.
- mazhar@khaleejtimes.com
Winners of the annual Emirates Labour Market Award spoke about how they plan to use the money to build their dream houses, start businesses
uae7 hours ago
10 lucky fans will have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet the eight-division world champion
uae attractions8 hours ago
ASAS 2024 brought together over 1,000 young talents from 50 nationalities under the theme 'Art and Innovation'
kt network8 hours ago
While President-elect Trump's administration originally filed the search case against Google during his first term, he indicated he might not break up the company
tech9 hours ago
The gathering explored the cutting edge of cinema, new media, PR and marketing, IT technologies, eSports, and game development
kt network9 hours ago
Passengers were currently being prevented from entering the building
world9 hours ago
Users will be able to select transcript language, too; here's how the new smart tool works
tech9 hours ago
With the new tariff, Yango Ride users can expect comfortable, modern limo vehicles starting from a minimum fare of Dh15.6
kt network10 hours ago