Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, stressed that the world now witness the progression achieved by the wise leadership and strategy of the United Arab Emirates in labor rights. The progress in labor rights witnessed on both the Arab and international levels, is a result to the atmosphere of familiarity, understanding, peace, prosperity and happiness that the UAE is keen to achieve for all citizens and residents on its land, which has led to economic growth and renaissance on all levels, accompanied by social and political stability and increased opportunities. Sheikh Nahyan thanked His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. Sheikh Zayed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses Rulers of the UAE, for their continuous efforts to protect workers’ rights and provide them with the right work environment, thus promote values of culture, knowledge, coexistence and tolerance. A journey which was started long ago by our founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This came during a ceremony organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development on Friday 28th of April in Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This ceremony came as part of the Ministry’s events for the Year of Giving under the slogan “Zayed’s UAE brings us together” to celebrate the International Labor Day. The ceremony was also attended by Her Excellency Afra Al Sabri, Assistant Under Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and a number of Ambassadors to the UAE, Diplomats, Business men, Heads of Federal and Local Bodies and more than 8000 workers from different nationalities. His Excellency added that the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development was keen on celebrating the International Labor Day to reflect the importance of the role played by laborers and their huge impact on the cultural, knowledge, economic and social development journey. The Ministry also aims to support laborers and workers by achieving communication and cooperation with all private and public sectors in the country . This is an opportunity to express our firm belief in the values of work as the basis for achieving comprehensive development and progress of our country among the cultural diversity with the existence of more than two hundred nationalities living on the land of the United Arab Emirates. His excellency added that labor rights are natural rights implemented by the Emirati law and called for by all religions especially Islam. His Excellency thanked and congratulated all laborers across the country and appreciated theirs efforts in doing their role and being part of the country’s renaissance and serving the journey of cultural, economic and social development. The ceremony which continued until 10 pm included a number of Indian dance shows, cultural competitions and songs in different languages. The ceremony started with a word by Angelo Valles, Operations Manager at Yas Island Labor Village, in which he thanked the UAE leadership and Government for their outstanding role in caring for workers and safeguarding their rights.