Dubai: Dozens of Asian workers were questioned by the authorities for their involvement in a violent protest in the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah which was triggered by a change in accomodation.
Over 600 workers of the Tiger contracting company, a majority hailing from the Indian subcontinent, had blocked a road between Dubai and Sharjah on Tuesday night and were throwing stones at passing motorists to protest against a temporary shift of residence to a construction site, said a media report here.
The company had shifted workers to a construction site while their accomodation in the Sharjah Industrial Area was being renovated.
The rioters had blocked the road in the Al-Nahda area of Sharjah and observation cameras were activated after a motorist alerted the authorities.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Brig. Humaid Al Hudaidi, Director-General of Sharjah Police, referred to the incident as "a riot act" which affected the security in the emirate without any reason.
Recent months have witnessed several strikes and protests by expatriate workers in the Gulf. Strikes are illegal in the United Arab Emirates.
