…Dibas had been working the night shift as a security guard at Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport.

Now his family is preparing the final rituals following his death from a war thousands of kilometres away.

On March 1, an Iranian missile fired toward the United Arab Emirates was intercepted above Abu Dhabi. But debris from the interception fell near the airport, killing the 29-year-old…

Across the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman — migrant workers form the backbone of oil and gas-rich economies…

They often work in essential jobs that keep cities running: building skyscrapers, cleaning offices, delivering food and guarding airports.

But these workers also occupy the most vulnerable positions in society.

Usman Jawed, a researcher on migrant labour, says that vulnerability becomes especially visible during crises.

"They get paid less, they have poorer living accommodations, they also live segregated in labour camps," he said…

Twelve of the victims were South Asian nationals — including five Indians, four Bangladeshis, two Pakistanis and one Nepali — working as drivers, labourers, cleaners and sailors…

On a vessel anchored at Iran's port of Bandar Abbas, a group of Indian seafarers recently filmed a video message asking for help…