Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday told Indian workers in Dubai that he wants to listen to their problems instead of voicing his 'mann ki baat'.

Rahul, who is in the UAE on his maiden visit, lauded the Indian workers there for making the country proud through their hard work.

He said his party was aware of the difficulties faced by the labourers and wanted to help them. 'I realise you face several hardships. You work all day, send money to your family back home. We want to talk to you,' he said.

'Main yahan apne mann ki baat kahne nahi aaya hun… main yayan aapke mann ki baat sunane aaya hun (I have not come here to speak my mind, I have come to listen to your heart),' he said in his address at the Jabel Ali labour colony.

Rahul was referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat where he addresses the nation on various issues.

'All these massive developments you see here — tall buildings, large airports and metro — would not have been built without your contribution,' he said. 'You have given your sweat, blood and time for the development of this city and you have made Indians of all backgrounds proud.'

Rahul, who was accompanied by Kerala Congress leader Oommen Chandy and Indian Overseas Congress chairman Sam Pitroda, told the workers: 'You have illuminated the names of every religion, every state and every caste.'

The Congress chief said he is a common man like them and would always stand by them. 'The battle has begun... and we are going to win,' he said, hinting at the upcoming general elections in India.

Earlier, Rahul met business leaders in the country.

A construction worker from Jebel Ali labour colony said he wants to see Rahul leading India with compassion and care for all Indians. The Congress president is also set to meet some UAE ministers during his two-day visit to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.