The Dark Side Of Dubai

In today's video, we will explore the hidden side of Dubai. Known for its opulent lifestyle, world-class shopping, iconic skyscrapers, and vast oil reserves, Dubai appears to be a haven of luxury. Emiratis enjoy privileges such as driving Ferraris and having household maids. Moreover, Dubai attracts Arab nationals seeking refuge from authoritarian regimes in their own countries. However, beneath the dazzling exterior lies a grim reality that often goes unnoticed by the rest of the world.

Thousands of skyscrapers in Dubai have been constructed by migrant workers, a fact that became evident during the Christmas holiday of 2014. An interesting incident occurred when Etihad Airways offered a glitch fare of $230 for a round trip from the United States to Abu Dhabi. News of this deal spread like wildfire, resulting in a mass exodus of Americans heading to the United Arab Emirates. Many of them opted to take the complimentary luxury shuttle to Dubai, where they were greeted by towering modern skyscrapers, a bustling highway filled with luxury cars, and a city adorned with twinkling lights. The visual spectacle of Dubai is instantly captivating, from its hotels and restaurants to its renowned shopping scene. It is a luxurious modern oasis in the midst of the desert, making it hard not to fall in love with its allure.

However, behind the impeccable service and awe-inspiring architecture, there is a darker side of Dubai that is absent from any brochure. Among various documentaries highlighting the less glamorous aspects of Dubai, BBC's Ben Anderson spent months infiltrating the community of expatriate workers who built the city. What he discovered was that the gem of the Arab world is largely built on imported slave labor. Expatriates from Bangladesh and India are lured to Dubai with promises of a better quality of life, higher incomes, and endless opportunities. However, they find themselves working grueling 12-hour days, six days a week, for minimal pay. Many of them have to pay exorbitant visa fees and are then stripped of their passports. Their living conditions are abysmal, with overcrowded accommodations on the outskirts of the city, lacking basic amenities and proper sanitation. The water supply in these camps is often unpurified, leading to frequent illnesses. The rooms are infested with rodents and insects due to poor ventilation.

Migrant workers have no bargaining power when it comes to wages, as the government refuses to intervene in pay regulation or establish minimum working standards. There is no avenue for them to file complaints, and refusing to work can result in deportation or even imprisonment. These workers are also subjected to oppressive heat, with temperatures regularly exceeding 50 degrees Celsius. While tourist attractions are closed during extreme heat, these workers are still required to continue working. Consequently, the suicide rate among the Asian community in Dubai has been on the rise, with an average of two suicides per week, all committed by migrant workers. Unfortunately, the local Emiratis have become desensitized to these tragedies, and the lack of awareness and compassion for the harsh working conditions of expatriate workers tarnishes Dubai's image.

Dubai presents itself as a modern, prosperous city, but there is a hidden horror behind its façade that goes unaddressed. Migrant workers are essentially modern-day slaves, toiling away in the shadows while economic expansion takes precedence. Dubai has been desperately trying to whitewash this deplorable truth, but the reality remains.

Dubai is akin to an unpredictable Tinder date in real life. At first, it puts on its best behavior, showing you the glitz and glamour. It takes you on a high-speed ride along Sheikh Zayed Road, showcases iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, and dazzles you with its grandeur, reminiscent of Las Vegas. You might even get the chance to swim with sharks