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Fairmont's 'Construction' Party a Bust

Where: Sheikh Zayad Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Fairmont Hotel in Dubai threw a total rager the other night for the Arabian Travel Market 2006, but the theme of the party caused a bit of a stir with labor unions since the theme of the party was "Construction Works."

The party had scaffolding, hanging cables and "waiting staff pushing wheelbarrows, dressed in blue boilersuits and hard hats." 1700 guests were also on hand to witness a dance troupe performing in workers' overalls, as a series of plywood platforms were suspended above the main ballroom.

While the theme may have seeemd like a fun idea at the time, labor unions in Dubai (like everywhere else) have recently been campaigning against long hours, low pay, and unsafe working practices.

The hotel has insisted the theme was not a political statement or meant to make fun of the labor situation. Rooms at the Fairmont cost $450 a night while construction workers in Dubai are reported to earn, on average, around $160 a month.

We think the hotel could have avoided the scandal if they just hired real construction workers instead of a dance troupe as entertainment. They already have the gear.

Related Stories:
· Hotel faces criticism over ATM theme party [ITP Business]
· Fairmont Dubai [TripAdvisor]