UK gov't distances itself from Dubai criticism

NEWSPAPER ATTACKS: The UK government has distanced itself from reports about Dubai in some national newspapers. (Getty Images)

The British government has distanced itself from stories carried by some British newspapers that target Dubai in relation to the effects of the global financial crisis.

British Foreign Office spokesman John Wilkes described the criticism waged by the British press as "over exaggerated".

"Dubai is not the only place that is affected by the global recession. The whole world is suffering," Wilkes said in a press conference, according to news agency WAM.

The comments from Wilkes followed an article in the UK's Independent newspaper on Tuesday under the headline The dark side of Dubai.

He referred to the UAE as the largest market in the region for British exports, saying that his government was committed to strengthening ties and exploring business opportunities in the region.

He added that the business delegation accompanying Lord Peter Mandelson, British Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform on his visit to the UAE, was "a clear indication of the United Kingdom's desire to accelerate recovery of global economy through boosting commercial and investment relations with the GCC, Iraq and other countries of the region".

He said: "The British government has a great confidence in the huge potentials of the UAE and other GCC countries. The GCC countries possess large financial reserves that would enable them to deal with the global financial crisis."

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READERS' COMMENTS

David Stones Comment
Posted by John, None, None on Wednesday 15 April 2009 at 08:46 UAE time


"the accommodation is regarded as being superior to that that might be expected in 'home' country"

When was the last time you visited any of the home countries of the labourers? It simply isnt true. The 'good' companies might be at par or superior to the accomodation in their home countries, however the ones that were highlighed in the BBC Panaroma documentary were simply awful. They are a real crime against humanity.
The worrying factor about all of this is that most of these companies are managed by "western" expats. I thought we discontinued this practice a few 100 years ago? I guess history has a way of repeating itself.

UK govt. and Dubai criticism
Posted by Max King, Adelaide, Australia on Friday 10 April 2009 at 04:34 UAE time

Maybe Lord peter should spend a month living with and working with the "slave" labourers instead of swanning about in the luxury (and over-stated) quarters of Dubai.

Labour Accommadation
Posted by David Stones, Abu Dhabi, UAE on Friday 10 April 2009 at 01:00 UAE time


I have experienced construction activity in UAE for over 20 years and it is commendable to have witnessed the gradual improvement in Labour accommodation. Housing on Yas Island, for instance, is more like a holiday camp with TV in ten languages, sports clubs etc. It is admitted that some contractors still have a long way to go but the accommodation is regarded as being superior to that that might be expected in 'home' country.

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