It will be no work and all play at five labour accommodations in the Capital as the second edition of Abu Dhabi Workforce Games starts on Friday, 10th March, 2017.

As many as 1,740 workers divided into 240 teams will take part in seven different fields.

Abu Dhabi Sports Council general secretary Arif Al Awani said that the initiative is meant for the people who have helped build the UAE.

“The labour force is an important component of society. This will help them have better friendship, increase knowledge of sports and improve lifestyle. This will help boost social bonding among workers. All the five labour accommodations have sports facilities and are in fantastic shape,” Al Awani said on Wednesday.

The event, running from 8th March to 28th April, is open to the public and Al Awani urged everyone to join and cheer the workers. “They will play football, basketball, cricket, volleyball, badminton, table tennis and tug of war every week till 28th April. Our doors are open to the private sector for participation.”

Awani was “surprised” with the enthusiasm with which everyone participated in the first edition.

The games will be held in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) and Abu Dhabi Media Company.

Competitions will take place at Al Saadiyat Workers Village, Mojumaat Complex, Al Jabber Worker City, Workers Village Mussafah and ICAD. As many as 48 teams will compete in football and badminton, 36 teams in volleyball, cricket, badminton table tennis and tug-of-war competitions. Prior to the competitions, all participants will undergo medical and fitness tests.

Director of guidance at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation Qassim Mohammed Jameel said the event reflects the pioneer role of the UAE to protect the workers’ rights in terms of sports and recreational activities.

ZonesCorp CEO Saeed Eissa Al Khyeli said: “Our sponsorship and support to this event comes within the social responsibilities of ZonesCorp.” The grand finale is set to be held at one of the stadiums in Abu Dhabi.