A new app developed by an Indian expatriate is making waves in Dubai as it is helping the workers to get acquainted with technology, get themselves familiarised with the country, remain happy and advance their careers.
The ‘Smart Labour’ app provides a number of features that its designers say benefit labourers, such as simple-to-use Arabic and English language courses, videos offering tips and advice on money management, and information on proper code-of-conduct and basic company policies that are prevalent in the UAE.
For helping the Indian workforce in United Arab Emirates, the app comes in a variety of languages that are common among them, such as Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Urdu and Bengali, as well as English and Arabic.
The app is the brainchild of Indian expat Abu Muadh, a self-professed "technical evangelist".
Muadh said that language comprehension is vital for the workers to make themselves understood by their employers and the greater population of the UAE.
He said, “It makes such a difference, being able to communicate. It helps them feel confident and explain themselves. Many of them want to learn and progress. Having the basics will help them both personally and professionally.”
"If even 10 per cent of 2.2 million people are happier, that's a big difference. That's what we hope for," Muadh said.
Talking about future plans, Muadh said he hopes to reach a wider segment of the UAE's blue-collar population and plans to collect data about workers to help companies understand their workforces.