This is from the official UAE government controlled website:
Q:- As the UAE opens up, the international media has become increasingly interested in a variety of issues such as workers and their rights and other topics in all walks of life, the progress of which is being monitored
by human rights watchdogs and other international agencies. In the UAE, do you feel you that are addressing such criticisms and questions in such a prompt way that may dissipate concerns spelt out by these groups, or do
you feel that some of their remarks are rather exaggerated?
A:- The UAE, since its creation, has been keen to have human rights incorporated into its Constitution. A host of mechanisms has thus been formulated that will help enhance and cherish these rights, ensure that the workers' basic rights are put into practice and honoured and that a package of strict laws, designed to maintain their rights and improve their conditions, are applied.
We have further issued a law on combating human trafficking crimes. This was preceded by a new set of measures aimed at barring expatriate domestic labourers from being exploited by owners of companies and establishments. However, counter to these efforts, we find that the nature of statements released by human rights organisations is greatly exaggerated. They are based on factual misunderstanding and misperceptions about what is taking place in real life. As you may be aware, the workers to whom the UAE plays host can not be regarded as migrant labourers since they are working on a temporary basis and under specific employment contracts. Therefore, immigration laws as enacted in Western countries can not be applied
altogether to those workers.
Note to those unfamiliar:
-this is from the leader of the UAE
-this attitude applies to ALL foreign workers (including EK pilots).
At least he had the balls to come out and say it like it is.
Full text of interview:
http://uaeinteract.com/news/rss-news.asp?ID=22818