Nardello & Co. was retained by the government of Abu Dhabi to investigate allegations made by several media outlets and non-governmental organizations about abusive labor practices affecting thousands of migrant workers involved in building New York University’s campus in Abu Dhabi. 

Our investigation comprised a review of thousands of documents; interviews with hundreds of construction workers; interviews in the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Qatar, the US, the UK, Ireland, and Canada with personnel (both current and former) of the general contractor and subcontractors involved in the construction of the campus; interviews with UAE government representatives involved in the development of the project; interviews of New York University personnel involved in the planning of the project; and site visits to worker accommodation camps. 

Our findings and recommendations led to tighter enforcement of labor guidelines as well as the payment of additional compensation to thousands of migrant workers who had not been compensated appropriately under the existing guidelines. 

Our findings were accepted by all interested parties including New York University, the government of Abu Dhabi, various human rights organizations, and the media outlets that had originally reported the allegations.