I have a odd jobs man who from time to time will help me with carpentry and chores for which I pay him on an hourly rate. Top chap. We often get to talking about Dubai and the plight of the menial workers. He recalls that some (in his words mainly UAE nationals) mansions that he visits in which the household help is virtually held prisoner for the duration of their stay- passports confiscated, confined to the house 24/7, and abused physically and verbally. The contract terms are for up to 4 years at a time and they are paid in the region of 400 Dirhams (about US$110) a month. They have no recourse, believing the promises of unscrupulous recruiters, and realise the terrible mistake they have made by coming here only after it is too late. So Soompak, you may well enjoy your holidays here at the top class hotels and all the glamour and glitz which goes with it, but don't mouth off in a public forum about freedoms before you educate yourself in the realities of what actually happens.