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Poll shows population split on international media coverage of UAE
Source: BI-ME , Author: BI-ME staff
Posted: Mon April 13, 2009 12:28 pm
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UAE. Recent coverage by the international media on the UAE, including the plight of construction labourers and the impact of the economic downturn, had been accurate, according to almost half of all those responding to an online poll.

The survey by Arabian Business showed that 47% thought articles on the UAE in international newspapers and television were fair, accurate and based on fact.

The findings come in the wake of some explosive media coverage especially in the UK, which culminated in last week's documentary by the BBC that claimed some of Dubai's labourers were living in inhumane conditions.

Others responding to the poll said they believed the reports were factual, but thought they had been over exaggerated in many cases, a feeling expressed by over a third (35%) of responders.

Just 7% felt the reports, which showed raw sewerage near workers’ accommodation blocks, were over critical and 100% exaggerated.

Meanwhile, 11% said the reports were just part of a fashionable trend within international media circles to slate the UAE, after years of positive publicity about its growing wealth and success.

The UAE's Ministry of Labour has now launched an inquiry into living conditions at labour claims in response to the BBC documentary.

Saqr Ghobash, the Minister of Labour, is looking into the “veracity” of the claims of overcrowding and filthy conditions, according to a Ministry statement.

Maher al Obaid, Acting Director General of the inspection team task force, said the Ministry would investigate the claims "that they were in violation of the rights of the workers in the construction field” and would visit the sites, before reporting back to the Ministry, news agency WAM reported.

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MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS COMMENT & ANALYSIS

date:Posted: February 9, 2010
UAE. Location and quality are driving apartment prices; while average prices decreased, select communities, including Palm Jumeirah and Downtown Burj Dubai, experienced slight increases according to Landmark Advisory's latest quarterly report.
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INTERNATIONAL. Trying to achieve financial goals by pouring all of one's assets into emerging markets today, telecommunications tomorrow, and Japanese small-cap stocks next week is not a guarantee for achieving a sound financial plan.
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INTERNATIONAL. The latest survey shows 46% of respondents expect their business travel to increase, marking a rise by 22 points compared with figures of the same period in 2009.
UAE. Location and quality are driving apartment prices; while average prices decreased, select communities, including Palm Jumeirah and Downtown Burj Dubai, experienced slight increases according to Landmark Advisory's latest quarterly report.