One of the largest United States law firms filed a law suit in Florida against the Governor of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, his brother and 500 others for using children trafficked as camel jockeys.

The suit, brought on behalf of six parents and thousands of children, seeks "to punish the perpetrators of these vile crimes and compensate the victims for their pain and suffering", Ron Motley of Motley Rice LLC said.

The defendants face nine counts including engaging in slavery, conspiring to engage in slavery, engaging in or facilitating child labour, battery, assault, infliction of emotional distress and wrongful death.

The case draws attention to the seriousness of child trafficking in the United Arab Emirates and highlights the need for former slaves to receive compensation.