Here’s your ‘feel-good’ story of the week…

Dubai Municipality revealed on Wednesday that it sent 138 of its workers on an all-expenses paid visit to Saudi Arabia this week.

Departing on Tuesday for five days the men, who were singled out based on stellar performance in their roles, will visit Madinah before heading to Makkah to perform Umrah.

Unlike the Hajj which must be undertaken during specific dates in the Islamic calendar, Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year.

Flights, food and accommodation, as well as pocket money were covered by Dubai Municipality. An imam from a local mosque is also accompanying the workers to act as a guide during their visit.

This gesture by the city’s largest civic body is the sort of thing that makes Dubai Municipality stand out as one of the more compassionate entities in the UAE. Giving these workers – who may otherwise not have the means – a chance to undertake a pilgrimage to Makkah should be commended.

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