Several hundred South Asian migrant workers have staged a rare protest in the heart of Dubai's financial district, temporarily blocking traffic and demanding higher wages.

The workers, dressed in their green construction outfits and matching hard hats, were seen negotiating with police amid the protest.

They are demanding higher wages for their work on the Fountain Views development, a project by Dubai-based Emaar Properties to build high-end apartments.

The National newspaper reported that riot police formed lines around the workers, but did not arrest any.

Dubai police said on their Twitter account that they "had reached, in less than an hour, an understanding that ended the gathering of Fountain Views workers demanding bonuses in the area of the Boulevard".

Emaar did not immediately respond to a request for comment.