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Monday, 29 October 2007, 05:30 GMT

Dubai construction workers strike

Workers in Dubai - file photo Thousands of foreign construction workers in the Gulf state of Dubai have gone on strike over pay and conditions.

Workers blocked roads and threw stones at police on Saturday, prompting a government threat to deport rioters.

A fall in value of the UAE dirham means workers are unable to send as much money home as they previously could.

Dubai's economy has boomed in recent years, fuelled largely by a construction industry reliant on low-paid workers, many from South Asia.

But the emirate has been hit by a labour shortage recently as India's own economic boom has offered an alternative source of jobs.

Dubai's foreign workers are demanding higher pay and improved housing as they work on prestige projects such as the Burj Dubai - set to be the world's tallest building.

Analysts say it is time for the authorities to consider a minimum wage.



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Related to this story:
Dubai skyscraper world's tallest (22 Jul 07 |  Middle East )
Strike halts work at Dubai tower (23 Mar 06 |  Business )
Dubai's relentless construction boom (07 Dec 05 |  Business )
Workers' safety queried in Dubai (27 Sep 04 |  Middle East )


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