A Bangladeshi carpenter working in the UAE received an indelible surprise during the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, when his name was publicized as the winner of a brand-new car. The event, organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), brought joy and excitement to hundreds of thousands of workers across the Emirates—but for Mohammad Sojal Mentu, 32, it was nothing short of life-changing.
Mentu, who has lived and worked in Jebel Ali for several years, was among the thousands of workers participating in the celebrations. The nationwide event, held across 30+ locations, gathered more than 250,000 workers for a full day of festivities. Activities included cultural performances, sports competitions, team games, lucky draws, raffles, food stalls, and live entertainment—all aimed at recognising the UAE’s diverse workforce and their contributions to the nation’s growth.
The atmosphere was already electric, but the excitement reached its peak when the grand raffle draw began. Mentu stood among his colleagues, cheering and enjoying the event, never contemplating that his name would be called for the top prize: a brand-new car.
“I was already having so much fun… But when they called my name, I jumped with joy,” Mentu said, still overwhelmed by the unexpected win.
The emotional moment drew applause from fellow workers, many of whom captured the scene on their phones. Event organizers congratulated Mentu on stage, making him one of this year’s most memorable winners.
A Festival of Unity and Appreciation
The Eid Al Etihad celebrations have become a major annual initiative by MoHRE, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to supporting its workforce and promoting multicultural harmony. The event provides workers from various nationalities the chance to enjoy a festive day filled with amusement, competition, and reward.
This year’s turnout—more than 250,000 workers—highlights the strong relationship between authorities and the labor community. Many workers expressed appreciation for the opportunity to celebrate together and enjoy moments of fun outside their daily routines.
A Life-Changing Prize
While the car is a dream prize for many, Mentu revealed he does not have a driver’s license. Instead, he plans to make the most of his win in a different way.
He shared that he intends to sell the car and use the earnings as capital to start a small grocery business, a longstanding dream he has hoped to pursue for years. The winning moment, he said, has opened a door to a more secure and independent future.
“This prize means a lot to me. It will help me support my family and hopefully start something of my own,” he added.
Events that reinforce community ties
The MoHRE-led initiative once again demonstrated the UAE’s ongoing efforts to create an inclusive environment for its diverse workforce. With entertainment, cultural showcases, food, and interactive activities, the celebration helped bring together people from various backgrounds and nationalities, fostering unity and mutual respect.
For many workers, the event was a day filled with happiness and togetherness. For Mentu, it became an unforgettable turning point—a reminder that luck sometimes strikes at the most unexpected moments.
