Migrant Workers: Building Dubai from the Ground Up

Source: Sara Hamza

Dubai has one of the most breathtaking skylines in the world. Whether it can be attributed to the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), or the Burj Al Arab (the only seven star hotel in the world), or because of the unique Islamic architecture, the combination of buildings creates a distinct silhouette that is distinctly Dubai.

Burj Al Arab

Dubai is also known for the Palm Islands, which are man-made islands located off the coast of Dubai in the Persian Gulf. The islands are home to many luxury resorts, hotels, homes, and shopping centers. They have become a distinct feature of the ariel view of the United Arab Emirates.

During the first few weeks of my stay, I was awe struck with the luxury and the innovation in architecture and development in Dubai. It wasn't until after a month or two that I began to question the abnormally rapid construction taking place at all hours of the day. The Emirates is a melting pot, but I noticed that the cities were populated mostly by Indians and other Asians minorities. I knew that the development of Dubai came from vast amounts of oil wealth, but I couldn't picture an Emirati trading in his chic kandora and alligator skin sandals...... 

........for steel-toed boots and a hard hat.

These Asian expatriates were admitted into the country for a very narrow purpose, to build the infrastructure of the country. The laborers of the Emirates represent the diversity of the region and serve as a stark contrast to the wealthy Emirati nationals. 

Source: Sara Hamza

While oil wealth has build Dubai, the city was physically built by the hands of migrant workers. These migrant workers serve as the backbone of society, and their physical labor oftentimes falls into the shadow of the glory of the buildings that they themselves built.

When I mention that I studied abroad in the United Arab Emirates, most people ask about Ferraris, cheetahs, or if I went to the top of the Burj Khalifa. On the surface, these things are glamorous and illustrious, but there are sub-realities of the country that not many people are aware of. 

I came away from the experience most shocked by the treatment of migrant workers, who likely entered the country on a work visa bound to a contract. Their passports are then taken away since they cannot leave as stipulated by the contract, and they are piled in labor camps with their co-workers. They are oftentimes abused, and they are paid a pitiful sum of money, which often gets sent back to their families. While this situation sounds like it couldn't get any worse, it is often better than they could ever do in their own countries, so they tough it out. I find that the system utilizes manipulation and abuse to create a contemporary form of slavery, similar to the indentured servants in the American colonies. 

Labour Camp, Ras al Khaimah, UAE
Source: Sara Hamza

In the last few weeks, treatment of migrant workers in the Arabian Gulf has gained some international attention. With the World Cup set to take place in Qatar in 2022, the country is rapidly constructing infrastructure to support the event. The international community has been extremely critical of how those working to prepare for the World Cup are being treated. 

While I was awestruck by Dubai in all its glory, I was more struck by the lives of the workers that have physically built this country. I hope that one day they will receive recognition for all of their hard labor and will be treated in more humane ways. They are an integral part of society in the Gulf and must not go unseen.