In light of the misinformed, poisonous media attack on Dubai that has been seeping from certain sections of the UK and US media recently, it was fantastic to read a dignified, full and candid response to these articles, the economy and what the UAE stands and is striving for, from his Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in Emirates Business 24/7 last month.
And dignified is the word. That the UK government moved to distance itself and condemn the ‘quality’ publications that carried such dross and stress the strong, traditional trading relationships with the UAE will continue and grow, just about saves my faith, as a British citizen, in what being ‘British’ is supposed to stand for: dignity, a sense of fair play, manners and respect for other people and cultures. These are the four positive character traits that stand out for me.
The sneering, finger pointing, ‘I told you so’, gleeful and down right derogatory - bordering on the racist - misinformed copy that appeared in the media reflects a particularly negative trait of the British media and, indeed, some Britains: a truly censorious and blinkered attitude to anyone, or place, they perceive to be getting above itself and the right to slap it down.
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The subjective, rather than objective, bone of contention in these articles and on television has been the working conditions and pay of the labour force that is building Dubai for its citizens to enjoy. Let me be clear that in no way do I condone low pay, poor working and living conditions and sporadic on-site health and safety policies. But what I do say is this: how was the British Empire built? Who, physically was responsible for the rise of great cities such as Manhattan and Tokyo for example.
Furthermore, are not the UK construction companies that filled their pockets during the boom, and are still operating in the region, complicit in how their labour force is treated?
It is very easy to point the finger at Sheikh Mohammed and the Dubai government, but it illustrates a lack of understanding of history and the growing pains of the region. It is also lazy journalism: anyone can rant, it takes courage to look at the past, identify why these problems are happening and present a balanced picture which is actually informative.
That is what journalism is about; conveying information so the reader can make his or her mind up without bias.
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