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Dubai: Expectation vs reality – BBC News

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Dubai – perhaps the best known city of the United Arab Emirates

And it has a reputation for attracting the glamorous and the wealthy.

What sustainability initiatives has Dubai implemented, and how effective have they been in reducing the city’s carbon footprint?

Dubai: Expectation vs Reality – BBC News

Dubai, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city in the United Arab Emirates, is often considered as a playground for the rich and famous. The city is known for its luxury shopping, remarkable lifestyle, and ultramodern architecture. However, not all that glitters is gold, and Dubai’s reality may not be as perfect as it appears. BBC News’ recent article, ‘Dubai: Expectation vs Reality,’ aimed to shed some light on the city’s reality, which can be different from what visitors might expect.

One of the most visible and luxurious landmarks in Dubai is the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper. However, as BBC News reports, the nameless labourers who helped build it have shocking stories to tell. The working conditions of these labourers are substandard; living in crowded accommodation, working in dangerous conditions, and often receiving salaries that are lower than promised. This sad reality is common in Dubai’s construction industry, and it’s something that visitors don’t see when they visit the city.

Another perception of Dubai is that the city is free of taxes. While this may be true in some aspects, it’s not entirely accurate. For instance, when tourists and residents buy products, they are usually subject to taxes. Moreover, due to the city’s increasing debt and the global economic crisis, the government has started to introduce new taxes, such as the value-added tax (VAT), which was enforced in 2018.

Dubai is often considered the ‘city of gold,’ and many visitors associate it with opulence and wealth. However, the city’s wealth disparity is an uncomfortable fact. While some people live luxurious lives, a significant section of the population gets paid minimum wages or even less, making it challenging to afford a decent standard of living. This issue is often overlooked due to the city’s luxury and wealth facade.

Another aspect that caught the attention of BBC News was the reality of Dubai’s sustainability initiatives. The city’s government has taken steps toward sustainability by installing solar panels, recycling waste, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles. However, according to BBC News, these efforts have been inadequate, and the carbon footprint of the city continues to grow at an alarming rate.

In conclusion, Dubai may offer an exceptional modern lifestyle, but there are significant realities like labour conditions, the increasing tax burden, wealth disparity and sustainability, that visitors, and even residents may overlook. While the city can be perceived as one of the most luxurious and vibrant cities in the world, it’s important to acknowledge the realities that accompany the glitter and gold of Dubai.