UAE: Protesting workers set 17 cars on fire in Ras Al Khaimah

• The protesting workers claimed their colleague died due to lack of safety equipment, even as the RAK Police said he committed suicide.

Ras Al Khaimah — A group of Asian workers allegedly set 17 cars on fire during a protest on Saturday after their coworker fell to his death from the fifth floor of an under-construction building in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).
The protesting workers claimed their colleague died due to lack of safety equipment, even as the RAK Police said he committed suicide.
According to reports, 50 workers protested at the under-construction building in Khalifa bin Zayed city.
Major-General Ali Abdullah bin Alwan Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of the RAK Police, on Sunday said police forces from three emirates brought things under control as soon as they were alerted of the protest.
“The RAK Police, in collaboration with the Dubai Police, Sharjah Police and special forces, talked to the protesting workers and convinced them to end their protest,” he said.
In addition to the 17 cars, the workers allegedly set power generators and fuel tanks on fire. “No casualties were reported in the ensuing fire incidents,” Maj-Gen Al Nuaimi said. “RAK Civil Defence officials prevented the flames from spreading to nearby vehicles and offices.”
He warned that such violent protests will not be tolerated in the emirate.
“Workers have numerous legal channels to voice their concerns and lodge complaints.”

He urged members of the society to desist from spreading rumours, especially on social media websites. “Such baseless claims destabilise the society and give a wrong impression about the emirate.”

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