The UAE has signed up to nine International Labour Organisation conventions to protect workers' rights, and in 2006 was the first country in the region to enact a comprehensive anti-human trafficking law. These conventions spurred the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) to improve the quality of life for 7,000 employees living in workers villages on Saadiyat island. While most workers say they are satisfied with life in Saadiyat Accommodation Village, many have voiced concern about the poor taste of the food. Despite criticism, the purchasing power of the dirham in Southest Asian countries remains a major factor in attracting expatriates to the UAE. Similarly, concerns over passport retention have decreased as the practice has become less common in the UAE.
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More coverage on this topic:
¦TDIC improves the lives of Saadiyat workers
¦Life on Saadiyat: catering staff try to please different palettes
¦UAE has ratified nine international labour conventions
¦Passport retention by UAE companies less common
¦A tour of the Saadiyat Accommodation Village - in pictures
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Workers have lunch during their mid-shift break. Christopher Pike / The National -
Workers sit down for lunch at the mess hall during their mid-shift break. Christopher Pike / The National -
One of the workers’ lunch trays. Christopher Pike / The National -
Workers prepare food in the kitchen. The menu rotates monthly. Christopher Pike / The National -
Residents of the Saadiyat Accommodation Village play cricket in the evening on the large sports field located on site. Christopher Pike / The National -
A worker sits in his room during his mid-shift break. Christopher Pike / The National -
Workers arrive at the mess hall for their lunch break. Christopher Pike / The National -
Workers gather to watch a colleague being interviewed. Christopher Pike / The National -
Dr. Hisham Ahmed Ibrahim, one of the doctors at the 24-hour medical centre on the premises. Christopher Pike / The National -
Workers play football on the outdoor lawn. Christopher Pike / The National -
Books in the Saadiyat Accommodation Village library are categorized by language. Christopher Pike / The National -
Workers play pool in one of the recreation centres. Christopher Pike / The National -
A resident of the SAV lifts weights at the gym. Christopher Pike / The National -
Workers watch a movie on an outdoor projector. Christopher Pike / The National -
Workers iron their clothing. Residents of the SAV have their laundry washed for them daily and have access to a room for pressing clothing. Christopher Pike / The National -
Workers watch television in one of the recreation centres. Christopher Pike / The National -
The sports field and recreation grounds. The area has football and cricket pitches, as well as a walking path and benches. Christopher Pike / The National -
A resident of the SAV uses the internet and video chat to talk to family back home. Christopher Pike / The National -
A man rides a bicycle through the accommodation village. Christopher Pike / The National
A tour of the Saadiyat Accommodation Village- in pictures
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