Addressing energy and mobility poverty in the Middle East: lived experience, spatial injustice, and temporary migrants in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

ABSTRACT Energy and mobility poverty are often experienced together by vulnerable and disadvantaged segments of society. Effectively addressing these issues requires identifying specific groups within unique contexts and devising context-specific interventions. Based on extensive original research, this study uncovers the energy, mobility and broader socio-economic challenges faced by working class citizens housed in Abu Dhabi's labour camps and how these challenges ultimately impact their quality of life and health. Our investigation focuses on the themes of marginalisation and spatial justice to show how labour camp residents often feel excluded from society and isolate themselves from the city and its activities. In exploring the subject of poverty and vulnerability, we show how low-income and living conditions are intertwined with energy and mobility poverty and, hence, the need for holistic solutions. To remediate these circumstances, we provide a set of policy recommendations, including increased monitoring of labour camp developers to ensure compliance with UAE regulations, guaranteeing that labour camps are part of urban planning and implementing safe soft mobility options so mobility can be achieved without requiring a personal vehicle.