The Contradiction that is Dubai

Burj Al Arab
Courtesy DADFAPhotography

This is the kind of image that leaps into mind when you think of Dubai.  The Burj Al Arab away in the distance, the seas of the Arabian Gulf lapping against the shores of the desert coastline.

There's no doubt that the Emirates and Dubai in particular have prospered as the result of oil and latterly banking zone and free trade hub for the Middle East.

Boat Harbour with the Burj Khalifa in
the background
Courtesy DADFAPhotography

Many business have head or large regional offices in and around Dubai.  Many business take the view that although expensive, there are few places in the world that you cannot get to reasonably quickly from Dubai.  For companies that have Regional Offices in Dubai, there are few places that are more than an eight hour flight from Dubai.  Australia and New Zealand are obvious exceptions.

The Emirates consist of Abu Dhabi, Ajman,  Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Kaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain. Dubai is often thought of as the capital of the Emirates where as it is actually Abu Dhabi.  Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the richest of the areas that constitute the United Arab Emirates.

This prosperity came as a result of oil.  Abu Dhabi began exporting oil in 1962 followed by Dubai seven years later in 1969.  Much of the oil revenue has been ploughed back into the economy and massive infrastructure projects have changed the face of the two most prosperous Emirates. The Emirates were granted independence from Britain in 1971. 

Since then, the Emirates have prospered firstly from oil and then from general commerce and tourism as the Emirates attempt to reduce their dependence on the oil revenues.  Massive numbers of nationals play an important part in the prosperity of the Emirates,  Nationals from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, The Philippines and Indonesia just to name a few make up the bulk of the labourers.

Living rough on the beach.
Courtesy DADFAPhotography

These workers are often exploited by their employers and the agents who arrange for their work in Dubai.  These workers have no right to strike or withdraw their labour.  They will end up in jail and or deported.  

The UAE census for 2006 showed a population of 5.02M, 83% of the population are foreign nationals.  Foreign workers account for a massive portion of the population but are actively discriminated against.

Living conditions are often substandard.  The photo to the left shows the contradiction that is Dubai.  The small colourful domes in the foreground are where some of the workers are living.  In the background one of the tallest and most expensive buildings in the world.

This shot was taken in May with daytime temperatures already in the high thirties (C).  These would be sweat boxes, obviously unfit for habitation yet the foreign workers eke out their living and return to these in the evening.  During summer, night time temperatures rarely drop into the low thirties.

The boat harbour in the middle ground of the second photograph had motor launches, yachts and larger boats. The combined value of these was probably equal to the total GDP of a small European nation.  Therein lies the contradiction that is Dubai.  Obvious and ostentatious wealth alongside the poorest of people who are helping create this wealth.

Probably of greater concern is the complete acceptance of such a state of affairs.