When in October 2004 unemployed Lebanese architect Samir read an advertisement in Lebanon’s al-Diyar newspaper touting positions in Dubai for architects, engineers and foremen, he called the Beirut number in the box for more information. He wasn’t hopeful. He’d been unemployed for over a year and had responded unsuccessfully to dozens of ads. But this time, the recruitment office he was directed to gave him a glimmer of hope. Consulting & Investment was located on the 7th floor of Block B in the smart Sodeco Square building. It was lavishly furnished and manned by brisk, energetic and well-dressed staff. The company oozed professionalism. Samir knew he was qualified and believed that his luck might be changing. It got better. The owner of the agency, Hadi M, a tall, suave, man in his late 30s wearing a designer suit and whose long, black hair was drawn back in an elegant ponytail,
