EMAL celebrate workers at ceremony in support of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid’s ‘Thank You’ initiative

On 7 January Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) celebrated the ‘Thank You’ initiative of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, by holding a special ceremony for employees, construction workers and contractors. 10,000 workers gathered at the Al Taweelah-based smelter to be thanked for their hard work and dedication in contributing to the prosperity of the nation. Sheikh Mohammed’s initiative is supported by HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, along with the rulers of all the Emirates.

Sheikh Mohammed’s ‘Thank You’ campaign was launched to coincide with his Accession Day, with the focus in celebrating all the people who work in the UAE. He said: “We want to thank all the workers and let them know their services are valued and respected: they make our lives in the UAE better. Their efforts ensure that the UAE remains a haven and peaceful oasis where people can thrive and prosper.”

The ceremony was presided over by Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei, President and CEO of EMAL and Yusuf Abdullah Bastaki, Vice President Projects, along with all senior EMAL executives. Mr Al Mazrooei, addressing the crowd, which consisted of many cultures, nationalities and ages, acknowledged the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in making EMAL and the UAE such a success. “EMAL, as we saw at this celebration, is a large family and it is only by working together have we been able to turn a bare patch of desert into one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters. Our family extends its gratitude to the leaders of the country who provide us with the vision and guidance in all we do, and to the local community around Al Taweelah for their support.

During the ceremony the three best performing contractors in health and safety received award. At the end of the ceremony gifts were distributed to all workers by the CEO and the senior management team and then the whole crowd was invited for a healthy breakfast. Bastaki commented: “EMAL holds regular gatherings of it staff, but on this occasion it was specifically dedicated to convey the thanks of Sheikh Mohammed.  The workers have the appreciation of all of us.”