Abdullah Munawar Al-Jamili
I have read about two acts of humanitarian kindness in two sisterly countries: the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. We should learn from these two incidents and try to do something similar in our country.
The first one was in relation to the recent celebration of Labor Day. A money exchange company in the United Arab Emirates celebrated the event in an innovative way. To show its appreciation for the painstaking efforts of all of its drivers, cleaners and canteen staff, it reserved dinner tables for them at a five-star hotel and paid for a fancy dinner.
The workers were transported to the hotel in Hummer vehicles and were received at the restaurant door by members of the Board of Directors. They were also taken on a tour around the hotel. After having dinner, they were given a ride back home.
There is no doubt they were brimming with joy and happiness and above all hope and appreciation because their jobs and efforts were appreciated. I hope employers in the Kingdom will do the same.
This is the best time for such gestures because the holy month of Ramadan is right around the corner. After all, workers in the Kingdom deserve it.
The second incident took place in Alexandria, Egypt where the Smart Car Project was launched. For this occasion, a group of young men were given small solar-powered cars, each costing around SR2,300, which they can pay for in installments. The Smart Car Project aims to replace random food stalls on the beach in Alexandria with these brand new cars. The government is working on regulating street vending on the beach. The project generates good income for young men and their families.
We can implement a similar project at our beaches and parks. Many young Saudi men have not completed their high school education and would be willing to have small mobile businesses like these.
