Umrah4LaborWorkers, an initiative to send labor workers on free Umrah trips, is planning to extend this opportunity to female UAE Workers, once enough applicants are gathered. The initiative began when Sophia Sarah Addas asked Khadija, a cleaning lady at her fitness club, what she would do if she had all the money in the world. Khadija’s heartfelt response was, “I would go for Umrah.”
Moved by her words, Sophia, a Saudi expat, and her family decided to turn Khadija’s dream into reality, surprising her with an all-expenses-paid Umrah trip. The profound impact of this experience inspired Sophia to launch the ‘U4LW’ initiative in April 2023. Since April 2024, the initiative has sent six buses, each carrying 49 laborers, to perform Umrah. As of now, 211 blue-collar UAE Workers have embarked on this spiritual journey through Sophia’s program.
Sophia, the founder of Umrah4LaborWorkers and Director of Deloitte Middle East, recognized the financial barriers preventing many labor workers from fulfilling this important religious obligation. She believes that offering them the chance to perform Umrah can deeply influence their lives and faith.
The initiative quickly gained momentum, with workers from various backgrounds expressing their immense gratitude and excitement. Muhammad Rafique, a machine operator, said, “Thanks to Allah for this blessed and wonderful experience of my whole life… to go to Makkah and perform Umrah.”
Muhammad Faizan, an electrician, shared, “The time we spent in Makkah and Madinah, we will remember for the rest of our lives.” Anwar Jubair, a Careem driver, added, “I am very happy you have fulfilled the greatest desire of my heart.”
The Umrah pilgrimage, lasting eight days with two nights in Madinah and three nights in Makkah, is a life-changing experience for the UAE Workers. The 24-hour bus journey allows workers to bond and prepare spiritually for their pilgrimage.
The initiative not only fulfills the spiritual dreams of blue-collar workers but also transforms their lives. “The reaction is ecstatic. For only Dh1,500, their dream comes true,” Sophia told Khaleej Times. “They guide and encourage other workers during the process, and the amount of duas (prayers) they send to our team is unmeasurable.”
Despite her full-time job, Sophia constantly seeks ways to improve her initiative. “I want to expand and make more people’s dreams come true,” she said. The buses depart on Saturdays—Sophia’s day off—so she can personally ensure the operation runs smoothly.
The program targets those who have never performed the pilgrimage and earn a salary between Dh2,000 and Dh2,500. From April 14 to May 15, 2024, the program sent 163 labor workers on Umrah. Sophia’s ultimate goal is to send 1 million blue-collar workers on the pilgrimage.
The Dh1,500 package covers visa processing, medical insurance, transportation, accommodation, meals, Ihram clothing, and guidance from experienced Umrah guides. The initiative also plans to send a bus for female workers once there are enough applicants.
