Men in Dubai's labor camps often live eight to a room, and have communal kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities.
Dubai's unsung heroes —
Men in Dubai's labor camps often live eight to a room, and have communal kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities.
Siddharth Siva/Veritas Films
The Western Union-sponsored Camp Ka Champ (translation: Champ of the Camps) is a singing competition held in the labor camps of Dubai. The contest grew from 30 applicants in 2006 to 3,000 in 2013. The finale (pictured) drew in a crowd 10,000-strong.
Dubai's unsung heroes —
The Western Union-sponsored Camp Ka Champ (translation: Champ of the Camps) is a singing competition held in the labor camps of Dubai. The contest grew from 30 applicants in 2006 to 3,000 in 2013. The finale (pictured) drew in a crowd 10,000-strong.
Clint McLean/Veritas Films
The competition offers Dubai's laborers an opportunity to vent through the medium of song. The contest also offers up prizes, including money and electronic goods.
Dubai's unsung heroes —
The competition offers Dubai's laborers an opportunity to vent through the medium of song. The contest also offers up prizes, including money and electronic goods.
Siddharth Siva/Veritas Films
One of the most poignant moments in the documentary about the singing competition, Champ of the Camp, was when one contestant, Adnan, who helped build the Burj Khalifa, returned to the tower for the first time and ponders what life must be like inside the world's tallest building. The film's world premier was set against the Burj Khalifa, and attracted 12,000 viewers.
Dubai's unsung heroes —
One of the most poignant moments in the documentary about the singing competition, Champ of the Camp, was when one contestant, Adnan, who helped build the Burj Khalifa, returned to the tower for the first time and ponders what life must be like inside the world's tallest building. The film's world premier was set against the Burj Khalifa, and attracted 12,000 viewers.
Siddharth Siva/Veritas Films
Champ of the Camps director Mahmoud Kaabour (center) says he wants his documentary to "bring credit" to the men who build Dubai, but who often don't get to experience it.
Dubai's unsung heroes —
Champ of the Camps director Mahmoud Kaabour (center) says he wants his documentary to "bring credit" to the men who build Dubai, but who often don't get to experience it.
Siddharth Siva/Veritas Films