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1,000 workers celebrate Christmas at Dubai labour camp

Dubai - The 'church' is a living room at the accommodation which was converted by the workers into a place of worship

You may have heard of grand Christmas parties being thrown across the country. But this group of 60 workers chose to celebrate the festival in a subtle way: With a prayer at their church at Al Ahmadiah labour accommodation in Al Quoz.
The 'church' is a living room at the accommodation which was converted by the workers into a place of worship.
Mohan Bandela, the camp-in-charge, said: "Today, we are gathering here to exchange greetings and wish each other a healthy and happy life ahead. On the Christmas Eve, we conducted a three-hour cultural programme for more than 1,000 people at the same place. The event included carols, gift exchanges and food distribution."
The spirit of oneness brings them close to each other on this special occasion. Despite coming from different countries and following different religions, they stand as a one for Christmas.
For Marla Agustine, a Filipina based in Dubai, every festival holds equal importance and she believes in honouring special days of each nationality. "I am enjoying the day totally as I am not working today and I wish everyone a very happy Christmas," she said.
"Of course, I am missing my family today as I used to decorate my house, prepare traditional food and spend good time with family back home. But here I spend the day with my friends of different nationalities. At home, my mum used to make Adobo (a meat dish in soy sauce) which I am missing the most today, apart from home-cooked cakes and cookies.
"Here I have to go out with friends to the restaurants to celebrate but back home all the family members gather at home and then we eat and drink together, crack jokes or give speeches," she added.
Bijimol C., a 40-year-old support staff in a school, is originally from Kerala and is living in Dubai for last four years. She was overjoyed while wishing "a very happy... happy. happy Christmas" to everyone.
"I am too excited as we all are heading towards the New Year and I pray for everyone's happiness. We went for the mass prayer last evening and since morning we are busy exchanging gifts and eating cakes. It's the most wonderful day in my life."
In the hustle and bustle of the city and amid the huge celebrations, Manohar Pedapati, a driver, is missing his children back home in India. "My kids are with their grandparents in India, I am living here with my wife. We participated in the cultural programme and I was working for the church till midnight. My wife has also prepared sweets and biryani for the festival. But we miss our family, especially the children," Manohar got emotional.
Another driver, Rapaka Suresh, said: "We are having good time together; my friends are with me to celebrate the festival. The only thing I miss out here is decorating the Christmas tree with my family. Also, a family dinner and friends coming over the place."
ankita@khaleejtimes.com