Company in Sharjah rewards best workers with holiday in Georgia

A construction company in Sharjah has treated its top-performing workers to an all-expenses-paid holiday as a reward for their hard work.

World Star Holding sent 10 members of staff on a fourday trip to mark International Workers’ Day this month.

The group flew from Abu Dhabi to Georgia’s capital Tbilisi on April 28.

They visited tourist attractions including the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, Bridge of Peace and the ancient Narikala Fortress.

Dinesh Gaud, 53, from the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, was among those who travelled to the city.

“I have only seen snow in my dreams. I could not believe I was in Europe, where only rich people get to go on holiday,” he told The National.

Mr Gaud has worked in the construction sector in the Gulf for the past 20 years.

“I am glad my company recognises my hard work and gave me the reward, the memories of which will last a lifetime,” he said.

Some of the employees, who earn a monthly salary of between Dh1,000 and Dh1,500 ($270 to $400), said they had not yet gone sightseeing in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

One of the group, Dahari Singh, 50, said most of his salary was used to help support his family in Uttar Pradesh.

“I have seen Europe in pictures, but when I saw it with my own eyes my jaw dropped,” he said.

“Because of this trip, I have been able to see the world.”

The employees were unaware of the plans for the trip when they were called to the office.

Gaddam Sattanna, from the southern Indian state of Telangana, initially thought the group was to going to be told they were losing their jobs.

“I thought it was a prank when our chairman said we were going for a holiday in Georgia,” he told The National.

The company covered all expenses, as well as paying for winter clothing and suitcases.

The employees’ salaries were also paid for the four days they were abroad.

Haseena Nishad, managing director of World Star Holding, said the aim was to provide their best blue-collar employees with a “surprise gift”.

“There is a stereotype that blue-collar workers are exploited in the construction industry,” she said.

“We wanted to change that and do something that prioritises their welfare.”

The company’s commitment to staff well-being and an appreciation for their work stems from its beginnings in 2008, she said.

Ms Nishad and her husband, Nishad Hussein, started the business with 10 employees.

It has since grown to have more than 150 staff, overseeing the work of 7,000 contractors.

World Star Holding previously organised a two-day stay in a five-star hotel for some workers, along with visits to Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, Ms Nishad said.

“We owe our success to our employees and want to give back. I hope others in this industry follow suit,” she said.

The company covered all expenses for the fourday holiday, as well as paying for winter clothing and suitcases