Comments on The Emirates Economist: UAE workers riot

having worked in abu dhabi for the last two weeks ...

2009-09-13T23:26:34.818+04:00

having worked in abu dhabi for the last two weeks i have just experienced mans inhumanity to man on a major scale.never before have i seen so much slavery and exploitation of african asian or pakistani people.if you want an idea of how the pyramids were built go to masdar UAE

Seems like Rosh is an avid UAE lover. No matter w...

2009-09-02T00:23:45.661+04:00

Seems like Rosh is an avid UAE lover.
No matter where you go in the world the rich will take advantage of the poor. These workers live on $190.00 USD a month. They live to send money back to their families so they may have better lives, they have to live on the rest. Food and shelter costs money, it’s not as cheap as you think to live in Dubai. You say “violence in the UAE, shall NEVER be a solution to anything" well it looks to the world that talking about it, they are waiting for something to happen which never materializes either. Democracy is an illusion, for millennia, the powerful and rich run everything and it will stay that way.
The END

Democracy, human rights and freedom of expression ...

2008-03-25T00:42:00.000+04:00

Democracy, human rights and freedom of expression do NOT exist anywhere in the world.

Quote "you don't see people burning cars do you?" ...

2008-03-21T19:24:00.000+04:00

Quote "you don't see people burning cars do you?" Fair enough, as mentioned i don't condone their actions.

Quote "I shall not deny, there is corruption and exploitation - however, it's silly to claim, this is across the board." I do not believe that violence was the labourers' first resort.

If the management cannot afford to increase salary to meet the Dirham depreciation gap, it should promptly inform the labourers so, to either take it or leave the company. But do not practice forced labour whereby they will get banned if they leave. This is what I call inhumane.

There are several UAE projects that are looking to pay more to hire labour from the subcontinent, so give them the right to look for better prospects as they too have mouths to feed.

"So don't make it seem like violence is a pleasura...

2008-03-21T17:52:00.000+04:00

"So don't make it seem like violence is a pleasurable hobby for these poor labourers"

Not a pleasurable hobby - I get that.

However, in this context, what was the cause for violent riot? Unlike the labour folks in DXB, these workers were employed and paid dues. Inflation is hurting everyone in the UAE - you don't see people burning cars do you? Just 'cause they are labourers is not an excuse.

That said, I agree with issues faced by labourers in DXB - it is inhumane and tough - and UAE is taking steps to protect and serve better. In many instances, these people are exploited by their own country men, even before setting foot into the UAE - and their governments seem not to care much.

"Those people in power are not naive they DO know what's going on..........struggle to eat a decent dinner"

I shall not deny, there is corruption and exploitation - however, it's silly to claim, this is across the board.

Quote: "Really? How come these people do not get v...

2008-03-21T13:20:00.000+04:00

Quote: "Really? How come these people do not get violent in their home nations? Why come into the UAE and cause this?"

First off I don't support any form of violence. And yes, any fifth grader knows that domestic and other forms of violence is rife in places where these workers come from so they do get violent there too. Any law prohibits using violence as a means to an end, so doesn't mean UAE is immune to violence, it's just because those who can make a difference have failed. So don't make it seem like violence is a pleasurable hobby for these poor labourers.

As for quote: "getting your voices across to those who can help make a difference": UAE is an exception to the rule. Those people in power are not naive they DO know what's going on. But why would they care to make a difference as long as the work keeps getting done and the money keeps filling their pockets?? They're busy with their champagne and caviar parties while their workers struggle to eat a decent dinner.

As another example, too often I've heard of cases where promotions or incentives are granted only if the resignation is put down, and not after repeated appeals. So "getting your voice heard" sounds nice but does not work in the UAE.

Democracy, human rights and freedom of expression ...

2008-03-21T12:11:00.000+04:00

Democracy, human rights and freedom of expression do NOT exist in the Gulf. The only word that exists in the Gulf's vocabulary is EXPLOITATION.

Every society goes through changes.Let them eat ca...

2008-03-21T09:03:00.000+04:00

Every society goes through changes.

Let them eat cake~

"If you drive people to the edge you tend to bring...

2008-03-20T18:20:00.000+04:00

"If you drive people to the edge you tend to bring out the violent tendencies in some."

Really? How come these people do not get violent in their home nations? Why come into the UAE and cause this?

I agree - there isn't sufficient laws in place to protect the less fortunate, hence greed mongers shall exploit these folks - however, violence in the UAE, shall NEVER be a solution to anything. Get your voice across to those that can help make a difference - don't burn the town down!

As a general rule, no change is seen until somethi...

2008-03-20T10:43:00.000+04:00

As a general rule, no change is seen until something drastic happens. Issues would never have got resolved if those affected didn't do anything about it. If you drive people to the edge you tend to bring out the violent tendencies in some. And then the others join in.

This is crazy - why are these idiots burning vehic...

2008-03-20T04:37:00.000+04:00

This is crazy - why are these idiots burning vehicles and becoming violent? How could anything be achieved, by burning their offices, means of transport and documentation - what's wrong with these people??? I don't think they are treated as bad as the labour folks, instead, think they hope to force an issue via violence. And before, people get on my case for saying this - please understand, not ALL labour folks are innocent, clueless & helpless - am sure there exists wicked ones amongst them, who'd take an opportunity to ignite any given situation. In my opinion, such idiots must be held responsible and deported, whilst simultaneously resolving this crisis.

This is clearly getting out of hand - safety has always been UAE's primary asset.