Monday Column: Where Would We Be Without the Labourers?

In the Gulf, where towering structures rise from the desert, the lives of the laborers who build these modern marvels often remain unseen and unacknowledged. This column offers a poignant glimpse into their world, contrasting the immense wealth generated by their toil with the stark realities of their daily existence.

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They explained that their employer did not bother to repair it since it cost money to do so.

The author's visit to a labor camp reveals a community living in conditions that are both basic and deeply challenging. Despite the physical toll of their labor and the hardships they face, these workers maintain a sense of humor and warmth, offering kindness even to a stranger. Their resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the human spirit.

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Despite all that, they had no hard feeling because they had nothing but warm words for their employer.

Reflecting on a personal interaction with a carpenter, the author confronts an uncomfortable truth: the pervasive nature of economic disparity. The act of paying a worker less than the standard rate, even when done without malice, highlights how easily those in positions of privilege can inadvertently exploit those with fewer options. This piece serves as a powerful reminder of the widening gap between the affluent and the working class, urging a deeper consideration of compassion and fairness in our interactions.

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I already condemned their boss but I also took advantage of one of them by paying him almost a pittance.