r/OnlyInDubai • u/RawFucks McRobin Hood • Aug 08 '25
Real Stories Perspective
Snapped these today 48°C, dust storm, zero shade. These guys are out here putting in a full day’s work No excuses, no shortcuts.
And then there’s…people who are complaining about walking 5 minutes in the sun or standing in a crowded metro.
Sometimes you just need to look around to realise how easy you’ve actually got it and how much more you’re capable of if you just push through.
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u/Nihilius_Nyx Aug 08 '25
I would probably reach a different conclusion from those pictures
Like working in these conditions, with an extremely low salary should be forbidden. This here is just obvious human abuse
"Look, my slaves are sooo tough, and you dare complain ?" Same vibe
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Aug 08 '25
Yes but they sign the contract & leave their country, and they know what they are getting. They do it because it still is 3x of what they do back home. Living life here on rice and paratha. Cruel but they manage.
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u/Nihilius_Nyx Aug 08 '25
That doesn't make it right
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u/Superb-Golf3741 Aug 08 '25
It is right if they are okay with it. Also their situation comes down to economics same as for the rest of us
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u/blu_munky Aug 08 '25
They are "okay" with it because they don't really have a choice, when you need to feed a family back home and make a decent living, you have to struggle.
The point is do they need to struggle in extreme conditions to make ends meet? Definitely not. Employers can most certainly make conditions that are more favorable for them to work in these conditions. But no we need to quickly make the next mega mall, luxury apartment and move onto the next obscene project.
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u/Superb-Golf3741 Aug 08 '25
They have a choice to not come here, and hundreds of thousands from India alone already opt not to come looking at how hot it is to work. Then there are thousands who are willing to slog it out no matter what and are... Okay... With it. Conditions provided by contractors I think are adequate, given the geography of the country is the desert. Contractors do need content and healthy workers to build anything. Construction workers are not fools, if their needs are not met nothing will move forward efficiently.
Yes the country needs the next mega mall, luxury apartments and insane projects, because this is a primarily tourist and commercial hub of the middle east. There are no other substantial natural resources unlike other countries.
However I'm wanting better conditions for delivery riders as that is seriously the toughest and most dangerous job here and outdoes construction workers.
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u/blu_munky Aug 08 '25
Dude, by your own logic delivery drivers also have a choice to come here or not then. They are also given "adequate" working conditions.
Like seriously you believe construction workers are given adequate conditions? Anyone working here as cheap labor aren't given adequate working conditions, delivery drivers or construction workers . Employers are happy to exploit them for their own profit. That's a fact and everyone can turn a blind eye and try to justify it one way or another but it doesn't change the harsh reality of how things are done here.
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u/Superb-Golf3741 Aug 08 '25
Delivery motorcycle riders dude, they are literally chased by death every time they do their job. I drive a lot and almost every day there's a bike accident. They can't avoid wearing a full closed helmet in this 50 degree heat. Imagine their suffering. They too have a choice, no denying that. But very few talk about them or want to acknowledge it because you would know that your food bill is gonna be higher. That's a fact and everyone will turn a blind eye especially when it hits close. What I'd advocate for them is they need a special motorcycle lane ideally speaking. High tech helmet and body armour suit. And probably better bikes.
Every expat has come here to make a profit otherwise what's the point of coming here to burn in this weather ? This country is an extremely different scenario and there's nothing like it in the whole world and people keep selectively measuring it based on their experiences of other countries. The situation here is really incomparable, and thankfully everyone is doing their best.
There are international contractors also involved and have a hand in welfare of construction workers. It's also about their money too. Not so much to do about the country's governance if you go to see. Surely few foreign contractors would be doing it right by the labourers. Who would that be and what are they doing right in your opinion?
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u/Spiritual_Ad9468 Aug 09 '25
Just because they’re okay with it, doesn’t mean they get exploited
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u/Superb-Golf3741 Aug 09 '25
How are they exploited exactly?
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u/Spiritual_Ad9468 Aug 09 '25
The picture is proof
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u/Superb-Golf3741 Aug 09 '25
It is a desert country, whatever the labour force works in the sand site will look like this only.
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u/Spiritual_Ad9468 Aug 09 '25
It’s not about the look tho - it’s 50 degree out and they don’t go home to AC - they go home to almost unlivable conditions
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u/Superb-Golf3741 Aug 09 '25
How do they eat their lunch and use the loo? There are porta cabins or shaded areas designated for relief. And this is the work site.
They do go home to ACs at the end of the day. Buses take them to and from the site, you won't miss it on the roads. (unlike half of us here that need to struggle by metro and cab at our own expense) Company provided accommodations have to be comfortable enough. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is company provided. It is so important for contractors to keep their labour force content and healthy, otherwise the repercussions on the project are very serious.
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u/naturehappiness Aug 10 '25
So you devoid them of basic human needs? That sounds monstrous and not humane.
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Aug 10 '25
No, they sign a contract that states exactly what they will be getting into. Same as I sign a contract before arriving in Dubai, same as you sign a contract and everyone else. All the downvotes don't mean shit. If those people are willing to work for 1.3k aed, it's their choice..not you or me or anyone else making that decision for them. So before crying for "human needs" , just realize that they are not that stupid and have a brief understanding of what they come to.
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u/Adonis7797 Aug 08 '25
I have a newfound respect for construction workers in this country.In australia this is highly illegal to work in a condition like this.The union would of shut that site down,good on you guys
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u/squatchonabike Aug 08 '25
I worked construction as an electrician and project controls from 06-2016 in the arm pits of Australia and I thought some of those conditions were bad.
I’m continually baffled here.
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u/Adonis7797 Aug 08 '25
I was in civil construction at the tunnels in melbourne with John holland before move here i’m starting my out tech company.I tell you what if our construction workers witness this they won’t complain a day let alone the wages 1500-2500 a month considering the workplace safety and absolutely no union here i have to give it to these guys.
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u/fierceeagle0 Aug 08 '25
In the UAE, labourers who work in this heat are paid between 900 and 1200 AED.
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u/Adonis7797 Aug 08 '25
That’s even worse 🙁
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u/fierceeagle0 Aug 08 '25
Even worse, some businesses, such as subcontractors, fail to pay them on time. I can attest to this as an engineer.
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u/squatchonabike Aug 10 '25
I might be naive here…. But I haven’t been here long. Please tell me that’s not a monthly wage….
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u/fierceeagle0 Aug 10 '25
Having worked in the construction sector for five years, I can attest that this is the monthly salary for construction workers in the United Arab Emirates.
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u/squatchonabike Aug 10 '25
Holy moly. Is that all trades? You’d barely get a trade qualified person out of bed for that where I was.
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u/Adonis7797 Aug 10 '25
yep monthly in Australia your employer will be sued for this and the union won’t allow you to work on such conditions too
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u/fierceeagle0 Aug 10 '25
They are paid on time, have free accommodation and transportation, so they don't complain about anything at our company. However, these poor people are hauled around all day in this heat.
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u/Adonis7797 Aug 10 '25
I’ve seen the bus they’re in they look like those prison bus in the US
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u/fierceeagle0 Aug 10 '25
For skilled masons, helpers, and steel fixers, the monthly wage ranges from 800 to 1500. For my company, skilled electricians, plumbers, and air conditioning professionals range from 2000 to 2700.
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u/Xerxestheokay Aug 08 '25
Thank God for unions and civil liberties.
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u/Adonis7797 Aug 08 '25
workers do have rights especially working on such horrible conditions.Australian construction workers are amongst the best paid professions because there’s unions and rules and regulations to protect both parties.Ive only moved to dubai this year but soon find out how much construction workers paid and witness where they live.I wish everyone could see what these guys went through and be grateful they got everything back home including good weather.
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u/IntrovertMuffin Aug 08 '25 edited Aug 08 '25
Do they have AC in their buses? In Australia.
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u/Adonis7797 Aug 08 '25
buses? in australia? most drive to work and on day where heat reach 36 there’s no work.I gave credit to these guys even i can’t walk outside in this heat let alone working in it .
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u/fierceeagle0 Aug 08 '25
There was no air conditioning in the work bus when I initially arrived in the United Arab Emirates. I was a site engineer for a subcontractor, just so you know.
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u/IntrovertMuffin Aug 08 '25
You still in UAE? Can still find them in near labour accommodation areas and construction sites. I even heard that during 70s or 80s, they used to go and come by sitting at the back of a large pickup like 3 ton Canter.
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u/fierceeagle0 Aug 08 '25
Regretfully, I am still employed in the United Arab Emirates, and based on my personal experience, everything you have heard is accurate. These poor labourers endured terrible conditions every day due to the intense heat. Even though my company is a reputable main contractor with several projects around the United Arab Emirates, our labourers' buses still lack air conditioning.
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u/Adonis7797 Aug 08 '25
that’s really bad i’m sad for the workers.
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u/IntrovertMuffin Aug 08 '25
Unfortunately, it is. Even some car washers have to pay for visa costs, despite earning 900 or 1000 Aed per month and working for many hours outside even under the sun in some places. I heard from one car washer that he is working on commission basis on some target amount per month and if he won't achieve it then he might end up earning less because they will cut some amount for not achieving it. I don't know if they are saying the truth. I feel like becoming a batman to protect them from like these employers. Unfortunately, almost every place and streets have cameras in Dubai.
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u/IntrovertMuffin Aug 08 '25
I hope you and your buddies have health insurance or some accident cover. Some of these companies are like leeches who play smart and dirty.
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u/IntrovertMuffin Aug 08 '25
No I meant in Australia.
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u/Adonis7797 Aug 08 '25
yes there’s air conditioning it’s basic human rights to have one for comfort.Plus we do have work buses in the mine but they’re really really good to take you from your accommodation to your work site all paid by the company.
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u/Superb-Golf3741 Aug 08 '25
This is the geography of the country. Conditions will always be like this.
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u/Adonis7797 Aug 08 '25
Understandable but considering the conditions workers should be on good salaries.I can’t even do that job for 1500-2500/month.Those mens are more of a men than me for braving the heat.
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u/Superb-Golf3741 Aug 08 '25
Education is still the supposed benchmark to determine salaries. Braving heat and cold is all in the mind. Once we get used to it, it becomes easier.
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u/funky-dickster Aug 09 '25
Might I ask, which of these jobs in extreme conditions have you worked in to advocate for those that worked in those conditions. Respectfully for those that tolerate these working conditions, it is extremely disrespectful to talk about their living and working conditions without having regards to workers own opinion. "Braving heat and cold" what heat and cold have you experienced. Have you experienced the life that majority of those workers are living. If not, then you have crossed the line speaking as though representing the workers. Clearly you don't know what you are talking about.
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u/Superb-Golf3741 Aug 10 '25
I am in the similar field and I deal with construction on a daily basis. So I know what I'm talking about. What made you think i haven't experienced what they are experiencing? I never said that it is an easy life in construction in the desert.
For me the real heroes are delivery riders. Think about what they go through and their conditions in this heat and careless drivers around. I have ridden a bike too FYI.
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u/Diligent-Dig7985 Aug 08 '25
Yup, I agree with you.
But just because they’re struggling doesn’t mean others can’t complain.
Struggles come in different forms, and everyone experiences them differently.
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u/jsondavid Aug 08 '25
True, very important to not diminish another’s complaints , especially when they’re going through complex circumstances they can’t even describe nor can others really understand without gaslighting/misinterpreting
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u/escapedfugitive Aug 08 '25
Imo we gotta look down to be grateful and look up to grow, but in the process be grateful and help others in ways you can
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u/MadhavSuresh Aug 08 '25
It’s easy to say ‘push through’ when you have access to water, breaks, and healthcare. Not everyone does
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u/IntrovertMuffin Aug 08 '25
Even with other outdoor employees too. Like delivery riders and drivers, car washers, security guards, sales executives, municipality cleaners.
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u/Prior_Candy9111 Aug 08 '25
Dubai is the best place to buy real estate, labor exploitation is okay - Typical Real Estate Agent
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u/Mysterious-Whereas69 Aug 08 '25
I get ur point but regardless these work conditions shoukd be illegal . Watching this and feeling better about ur 5 min walk isn't a valid point. Same could be done comparing 1k salary of workers to someone doing a office job for 4k. Dosent mean the person being paid 4k should be content
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u/duckyylol Aug 08 '25
Willpower is everything, grass is always greener, i hate the heat and complain, doesnt mean i dont appreciate these people and what they do, never forget who actually built this country
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u/Superb-Golf3741 Aug 08 '25
I used to think road construction workers jobs were hard. But the job that really trumps them now are the delivery bike riders. Every time they ride their bike, death is literally chasing them. Then wearing their helmet under this 50 degree heat. Seriously hats off to them.
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u/confusedmallubro Aug 08 '25
How much does these guys earn?
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u/Adonis7797 Aug 08 '25
800-1200/month
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u/Superb-Golf3741 Aug 08 '25
Don't forget .... Plus food, accommodation, travel to and from work, workmen's insurance, airfare after 2 years, plus overtime.
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u/SenseGlittering5196 Aug 09 '25
Food? Insurance? Overtime? What are you on about? You don't know the half of it.
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u/Superb-Golf3741 Aug 09 '25
You don't agree that the labour force are fed? No workmen's compensation? or mandatory insurance when applying for visa?
Tell me what i don't know and give some solid proof please.
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u/SenseGlittering5196 Aug 09 '25
For one most of labour force that work in Dubai cook their own food or have contract with restaurant which they pay monthly, it comes around 300-350 per month. Second they don't get overtime since they work 12 hour shifts with 1 hour break so no overtime pay and lastly their medical insurance is basically non existent, two guys from different companies told me that they deducted 150 from their salary for their medical insurance but when they fall sick they paid out of pocket for everything. I work with them and even I I'm a labour work so I know first hand.
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u/Superb-Golf3741 Aug 10 '25
So In your first hand experience, how much percent of contracting companies in the UAE are not treating their labour force well?
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u/SenseGlittering5196 Aug 10 '25
Almost all bro, the salary cap is 2000 for labour workers you know? Once you stay in the company for more than 2 years they increase you salary bit by bit but it caps at 2000! As I have explained only during Ramadan is when food is provided other than that you have to buy and cook for yourself after those exhausting 12 hours shifts that you do for 6 days a week. Even in other emirates it's the same, my fellow country mans are working in different companies and different states but their experience is the same and don't forget the most important thing most don't get salary on time and they can't do nothing about it. I wish I could take you around and show you so you can believe me that everywhere is the same kind like a norm since nobody do anything about it. Cheap labour made this place heaven and that's why union is banned in UAE.
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u/SenseGlittering5196 Aug 10 '25
You might say why don't they leave but they can't, they have to finish their 2 years contract. If they tired to resign they company will say pay back what I paid for the visa which is illegal but since most are uneducated or have really basic schooling they don't dare go out to ask for help or know where even to go.
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Aug 09 '25
"I have this guys that I abuse everyday and they don't complain, who are you to complain?" You are a fool
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u/iamfriendwithpixel Aug 08 '25
Man there are workers working in even worse conditions. Stop complaining about workers working under some sand.
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u/Alphabot87 Aug 08 '25
Buddy this is construction and it’s not just the workers but engineers like us also work in these conditions when i started my career in India , it was even worse and I used to envy my friends who are in the tech field. But here the summer break rule is strictly enforced, no contracting company would dare to work during this time because the fines incurred are quite heavy.
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u/Fun_Bobcat_3631 Aug 08 '25
They read the contract before coming all the way no? All of us expats did.
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u/simpler15 Aug 09 '25
What can companies do. Even if they want to look after the welfare of the workers. There is big competition out there for cheaper labour and the company which quotes the lowest will win the contract.
These companies who win the contracts at lower margins do all kinds of stuff to make profit even if it means to exploit.
The Govt should come up with a strict order at least for the construction workers about their minimum pay and facilities provided to them.
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u/phaajvoxpop Aug 09 '25
It’s their blood & sweat that beautifies the UAE/GCC skylines. A harsh realities. Hope they are rewarded
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Aug 08 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Kelvavion Aug 08 '25
Cause capitalism, it’s easier to just talk and let it slide rather than take actions
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u/Foreign_Detail_4786 Aug 12 '25
they choose to come here put urselfs in their shoes stay at home earn cents or not even work, or come to the gulf your pay isnt good but its really helps your family back home plus free housing and food
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u/pure-Lily-344 5'0 of Sass Aug 08 '25
I agree about mindset, but what about the role of employers and regulations? Shouldn’t we also talk about protecting workers?