Behind the grandeur and glamorous life of Dubai, there lies a huge segment of blue collar workforce that gears up its economic growth through their hard work and sheer dedication. This segment resides in a kind of accommodation which is typically termed as a labor camp. What life is like for millions of blue collar workforce who work to develop these sky-high buildings and iconic landmarks which have given a unique identity to the city?
This simple guide will take you straight into the daily life of this workforce in these labor camp accommodation in Dubai. Let’s unveil and understand how Dubai’s workforce lives and spend their lives on a daily basis.
A Typical Worker’s Day
Wake Up Time
A routine day for a worker in a labor camp often starts even before the sun rises. The tough desert climate of Dubai requires these workers to start their day quite early to avoid the blazing afternoon heat.
Breakfast
Their day starts with a quick and brief breakfast that usually consists of a pretty simple food such as a bread tea, or perhaps a few dates. Breakfast can extend from 30 minutes to an hour. After doing the breakfast, it is the time to board the company’s bus that takes these workers to their construction site where the workday begins. The tasks on the construction site are physically demanding and range from lifting heavy loads to doing a lot of manual work like operating machinery and carrying out construction tasks. This all is done under the scorching heat of sun for extended hours till the mid-day break.
Lunch Break
The mid-day break is given to these workers for taking lunch. Blue collar workers take usually simple food like vegetables, rice, lentils or roti which is generally offered in a communal space at the worksite. After taking a brief lunch, these workers go back to their work where they resume their working tasks till the late afternoon.
Return to the Camp
As the sun begins to set in, these workers board the buses for a returning back to their labor camp. After reaching, they enjoy relaxing or socializing with their fellow workers.
Dinner
Dinner is served on the specified time in the evening. It is served in the large dining halls of the labor camp. The dinner is generally more hearty and fulfilling than lunch.
Opportunities to Socialize
While doing work is the main priority in the daytime, the night time brings exciting opportunities for these workers to unwind and relax. Workers feel happy by socializing with other, watching TV, playing games and feel relaxed after a long laborious work day. Few of them like to spend their time playing cards, sports or performing their religious activities. While others may engage in the football or cricket for a much-needed physical activity.
The labor camp accommodation in Dubai may offer limited recreational facilities that can make it a bit challenging for workers to escape the monotonous life routine. Most of the workers really wish to develop a deep sense of leading a normal life and can find a connection with their families.
Challenges
The labor camp life is surely not without the challenges. The harsh living and working conditions can make it even though on workers. Long working hours, low wages and other work-related challenges can take a toll on their physical and mental health of these workers. In addition to that the cultural differences that can make it difficult to explore life in a foreign country. The language barriers also bring another challenge for these workers that makes it difficult to communicate with their fellows workers.
Opportunities
Besides these tough working and living conditions, many workers remain optimistic about their lives and about their dreams and future. Their hopes for a better future keep them taking these challenges with head on to financially support their families back home. The opportunity to send finances back to their families creates a deep sense of motivation and purpose.
Conclusion
Living conditions of these labor camp accommodation in Dubai offers a convenient atmosphere where workers can live a comfortable life while pursuing their jobs and staying in Dubai. While Dubai’s workforce is the real backbone of the fast-paced economy. It is very important to acknowledge their hard work by providing a conducive working condition to enhance their living standards.
As Dubai continues to expand and grow economically, it is very important that Dubai’s government must address these challenges faced by todays’ workforce. By proving a good, positive and equitable working and living environment can streamline the city’s progress. This will also help to create a solid foundation for developing conducive environment of mutual respect and dignity for workers. Developing a worker-friendly environment can greatly contribute to enhance the lives of millions of workers but will also help to enhance Dubai’s global reputation as a compassionate, ethical and progressive city in the world.
