In 2005 UAE identified that there is a shortage of approved purpose-built dormitories for its labors/foreign workers as the labors/workers face a multitude of problems. International agencies and pro human rights groups have started to claim that the countries in the region are doing little to improve the conditions of their foreign workforce.

The UAE government responded to the criticisms, by sending a team to other countries that depend on foreign workforce, particular paying attention to the type of accommodation provided to them. In 2005, they visited Singapore, and viewed some of the Foreign Worker Dormitories there. They met MESPL and after being impressed by their ability, the UAE Government has allocated a few plots of land for dormitories to be built in Foreign Worker Townships conforming to international standards.

MESPL has signed an MOU with a UAE based company to develop foreign workers’ township in the city of Abu Dhabi, A pilot scheme was launched by planning to lease out land and to Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) a Foreign Worker Township.