In recent years, there has been much controversy surrounding the construction of Dubai’s impressive skyline. Specifically, there have been allegations that the city was built by slaves. But is this really true?
What is a slave?
Before we delve into the topic at hand, it’s important to define what we mean by “slave.” According to the International Labour Organization, a person is considered a modern-day slave if they are:
- Forced to work through mental or physical threats
- Owned or controlled by an employer
- Treated as property rather than as a human being with rights
- Not free to leave their place of work or employment
With this definition in mind, let’s examine the allegations against Dubai.
The allegations against Dubai
Dubai’s rapid growth and development over the past few decades has been nothing short of remarkable. From the world’s tallest building to man-made islands shaped like palm trees, there seems to be no limit to what can be accomplished in this desert oasis.
However, with this growth has come accusations that much of it was built on the backs of exploited workers. In particular, organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have raised concerns about the treatment of migrant workers in Dubai.
According to these groups, many workers who come to Dubai from countries like India and Bangladesh are lured by promises of high-paying jobs and a better life. However, once they arrive in Dubai, many find themselves working in conditions that are far from ideal.
These conditions include:
- Long hours – some workers report working up to 12 hours per day, six days per week
- Poor pay – some workers earn as little as $6 per day for their labor
- Inadequate housing – some workers are forced to live in crowded and unsanitary conditions
- Passport confiscation – some employers reportedly confiscate workers’ passports, making it difficult or impossible for them to leave their jobs
These are just a few examples of the mistreatment that has been reported in Dubai. However, it’s important to note that not all workers in Dubai experience these conditions.
What does the government say?
The government of Dubai has acknowledged that there have been issues with worker treatment in the past. However, they have also taken steps to address these issues.
For example, in 2016 the government introduced a new labor law that aimed to improve working conditions for migrant workers. Among other things, the law established a minimum wage for certain types of jobs and required employers to provide health insurance for their workers.
Additionally, the government has taken steps to crack down on employers who violate labor laws. In 2018, for example, more than 1,000 companies were fined for failing to pay their workers on time.
So, was Dubai built by slaves?
Based on the definition we provided earlier, it’s clear that not all workers in Dubai can be classified as “slaves.” While there have been instances of worker mistreatment and exploitation in the city, many workers are able to work and live in decent conditions.
That being said, there is no denying that some workers in Dubai have been treated unfairly. For this reason, it’s important that organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International continue to monitor the situation and advocate for improvements in worker treatment.
The Bottom Line
Dubai’s impressive skyline may be a testament to human ingenuity and engineering prowess, but it’s important not to overlook the human cost of this development. While not all workers in Dubai can be classified as “slaves,” there have been instances of mistreatment and exploitation that cannot be ignored. It’s up to all of us to ensure that workers are treated with dignity and respect, no matter where they are in the world.