Indian maid wins 50 gm gold in Dubai

Dubai: A 54-year-old Indian maid has won a 50-gram gold coin for travelling in the Dubai Metro as part of a campaign by local authorities to encourage people to use public transport system.

Shanti Rabin, who won the gold coin, has been working as a caretaker for an Arab family in Dubai for the past 22 years.

"I got this for travelling in the Metro. This is truly a blessing from God. I am very excited and happy about this victory," said Rabin, who hails from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu.

After finishing work at her sponsor's house, Rabin often travels to different places in the city to meet her friends. She would use the Dubai Metro, buses and other modes of public transportation to reach her destination.

"In the process of travelling in and around the city, I collected several points on my No1 card. I am very grateful to my sponsors who gave me the freedom to travel across the city once I finished my work. I can proudly say that I know the Dubai Metro inside out," she was quoted as saying in the local media.

As part of the Public Transportation Day celebrations, the Roads and Transportation Authority (RTA) of Dubai began a campaign two weeks back, enticing residents to use public transportation more frequently.

Regular users of public transportation have been awarded prizes, including cash, gold coins, smart watches, headphones, and laptops.