分类： society

A recent report by Amnesty International has shed light on the severe exploitation faced by migrant workers involved in Saudi Arabia’s key infrastructure projects, including the high-profile Riyadh Metro. The report, published on Tuesday, highlights the plight of workers from countries like India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, who endure excessive recruitment fees, low wages, unsafe working conditions, and inadequate housing, all under the oppressive kafala sponsorship system. Marta Schaaf, Amnesty’s programme director, stated that while the Riyadh Metro is celebrated as a cornerstone of the capital’s transport system, it is built on a decade of human rights abuses. Workers are charged exorbitant illegal fees, often forcing them into debt, and face long, grueling hours in unsafe environments for minimal pay. The report also criticizes the Saudi government for failing to enforce laws and multinational corporations for operating in an environment that restricts freedom of expression. With over 13 million migrant workers, constituting 42% of the population, the situation is expected to worsen as Saudi Arabia ramps up recruitment for Vision 2030 projects. Human Rights Watch has warned that the 2034 World Cup, likely to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, will be marred by pervasive rights violations. Despite limited reforms, the kafala system continues to leave workers vulnerable to abuse, with numerous reports of physical and sexual violence, confiscation of passports, and even deaths linked to poor working conditions. The Saudi government has denied these allegations, but rights organizations insist that many deaths are preventable workplace accidents. The report underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect the rights of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia.

A severe multi-vehicle collision on Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan Street in Dubai’s Al Quoz area caused significant traffic disruptions on Tuesday afternoon. The accident involved an SUV that overturned and two sedans, leading to congestion that extended towards Sheikh Zayed Road. Emergency teams swiftly responded to the scene, deploying multiple ambulances to assist injured drivers and passengers. Authorities closed two lanes to manage the wreckage, forcing traffic to merge into a single lane. Debris from the damaged vehicles was scattered across the road, though no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities were confirmed. Rescue crews worked diligently to clear shattered glass and debris, aiming to restore normal traffic flow. Earlier in the day, another accident involving an SUV and a sedan occurred near Equity Metro Station, further complicating traffic conditions. Police were present at both scenes, directing vehicles and assisting motorists as tow trucks removed the damaged cars. These incidents highlight the challenges of managing traffic on Dubai’s busy roads, especially during peak hours.

The Sino-Foreign Youth Marxist Dialogue, held on Saturday at Guangxi University in Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, brought together scholars, international youth delegates, and media representatives to deepen mutual understanding and promote cross-cultural communication. Participants included scholars from Peking University, Wuhan University, and Guangxi University, alongside over 20 international delegates from countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Argentina, and Vietnam. The event aimed to build consensus through intellectual exchange, foster friendships via cultural learning, and enhance dialogue across civilizations. Leonel Octavio Predut, an Argentine youth delegate, shared his unexpected discoveries about China, highlighting the seamless integration of modernity and tradition in Nanning and the kindness of locals. Zin Nway Hlaing, a Burmese student, expressed her ambition to bridge cultural understanding between Myanmar and China, emphasizing China’s cultural richness alongside its technological and economic prowess. Prior to the dialogue, participants visited Baise, a city in western Guangxi renowned for its revolutionary history, to explore its cultural and tourism attractions.

In a heartfelt gesture, Dubai-based real estate developer Kalpesh Kinariwala has announced a Dh25,000 reward for any credible information leading to the whereabouts of Rakesh Kumar Jangid, a 39-year-old Indian man who has been missing in the UAE for over two years. Kinariwala, the founder and chairman of Pantheon Developers, was moved to act after reading a recent report in Khaleej Times detailing the family’s ongoing struggle to find Rakesh.

Kinariwala, who lost his father at a young age, expressed deep empathy for the family’s plight. “I know what it means for a family to suddenly lose the person they depend on,” he said. “If this gesture can bring even a small ray of hope to his children or help trace Rakesh, it’s the least we can do as a community.”

The businessman has coordinated with local authorities and the Consulate General of India in Dubai to ensure the reward aligns with ongoing investigative efforts. He emphasized that any credible lead received through the reward will be promptly forwarded to the authorities. The Dh25,000 reward will be given to anyone who provides verifiable information that helps locate Rakesh.

Rakesh, a marble installer from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, arrived in Dubai on June 21, 2023, on a 60-day tourist visa, hoping to secure a job. He maintained regular contact with his family for two weeks, but his last call on July 6, 2023, described a distressing incident at a construction site in Jebel Ali. Since then, his family has been unable to reach him.

The family’s search has been fraught with challenges. Rakesh’s elder brother, Makhan Lal, traveled to Dubai in March 2024 after receiving a vague voice note from the agent who arranged Rakesh’s job, claiming he was in jail. Despite extensive searches in hospitals, detention centers, and construction sites, no trace of Rakesh was found.

The family has endured multiple tragedies since Rakesh’s disappearance, including the loss of another brother in a train accident and the sudden death of their youngest brother. The reward announcement has brought a glimmer of hope to the family, who remain desperate for answers. “We just want to know what happened to Rakesh,” Makhan said. “Our parents are getting older. His children ask about him every day.”

As the UAE prepares to celebrate its 54th Eid Al Etihad, residents are planning short getaways to make the most of the four-day holiday announced for December 1 and 2. For those seeking convenience and affordability, visa-free destinations within a four-hour flight are an ideal choice. Here are five top-rated locations that promise hassle-free travel and unforgettable experiences.

1. **Georgia**: Just a 3.5-hour flight from the UAE, Georgia offers a blend of European and Asian cultures. With its picturesque mountains and historic towns like Tbilisi, UAE residents can enjoy a 90-day stay without a visa.

2. **Uzbekistan**: This Central Asian gem provides visa-on-arrival for UAE residents, allowing a 30-day stay. Explore the cultural treasures of Samarkand and Bukhara, or delve into Tashkent’s vibrant markets and Soviet-era architecture—all within a 3.5-hour flight.

3. **Armenia**: UAE residents with a valid Emirates ID can obtain a visa-on-arrival in Armenia. Known for its scenic landscapes and ancient monasteries, Armenia is a perfect escape from the desert heat, just a 3-hour, 25-minute flight away.

4. **Nepal**: A 4-hour flight takes you to Nepal, home to Mount Everest and stunning Buddhist and Hindu temples. UAE residents can enjoy visa-on-arrival and immerse themselves in the country’s serene beauty and warm hospitality.

5. **Azerbaijan**: A 3-hour flight to Baku opens the door to Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. From the UNESCO-listed Old City to the modern Heydar Aliyev Centre, this destination offers a unique blend of history and modernity.

These destinations not only save time and effort but also provide a refreshing break from routine, making them perfect for a short holiday during the Eid Al Etihad break.