Dubai has often been touted as the paradise of the Middle East. It has the highest number of luxurious hotels, world-class attractions and an opulent shopping district. But, beneath the glittery facade of extravagance lies a much darker side of Dubai.
One of the darker sides of Dubai is the exploitation of migrant workers who come to the city to build its skyscrapers and other grand projects. These workers are rarely given basic human rights, often suffer pay inequalities and inhumane working hours. In some cases, companies may even hold employees' passports to control their movements and workplaces are oftentimes prone to health and safety hazards.
Furthermore, freedom of speech is heavily restricted in the city-state. Quite a few individuals have been arrested and sent to jail for making critical comments about the government and its policies. Censorship is widespread in the media, where certain topics are completely prohibited or limited in their coverage.
The country also has zero tolerance for homosexuality – a law that has been heavily enforced. The government has even gone as far as to arrest tourists and residents for cross-dressing and homosexual-related activities.
Lastly, even though the country has always presented itself as a luxurious getaway, corruption is rampant in the Middle East, especially in Dubai. Many in power abuse their positions for financial gains and such activity is rarely confronted given the country's current laws.
Overall, despite the glitzy lifestyle and extravagance, the dark side of Dubai is a stark reminder that the city-state is far from the paradise it is presented to be. It's high time the government takes initiative towards ensuring that its citizens and its guests are not exploited or deprived of basic rights.
A Dubais.blog First Publication.