country report

Summary

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a collectivistic society based on strong religious values. There is a traditional caste system that promotes the social discrimination and racial segregation. Because of authoritarian social structure, ruling sheikh family is considered the highest caste and members of this family hold the most powerful political and economic positions. There is hidden racism between the people of different classes and different cultures. The country has a high score on power distance which means that UAE nationals accept the hierarchical order. People are committed and loyal with their groups and group members. Islam is the largest religion in UAE and mostly Emiratis are follower of Islam. Hofstede model has reported the UAE is neither masculine nor feminine society at 50. 

Issue

Because of collectivistic culture, UAE nationals love to stay at their homes with their families. They lack motivation to achieve and sense of civic responsibility.  Because of conservative family system, they maintain rigid codes of beliefs. Innovation is restricted because of intolerance to unorthodox and individual behavior. Security is an important motive for young nationals to go for public jobs. Generally, Emiratis prefer to stay in their comfort zone and avoid doing new things.

Alternative Solution

UAE economic growth has influenced the country’s social structure and young UAE nationals are studying to contribute in the economic growth of their country. They are challenging the orthodox social traditions and caste system in the country. Non-UAE nationals have also caused a massive change in the country’s social structure. They are still dependent on their natural resources and government’s stipend. 

Recommended Action

Emiratis need to understand the requirements of changing global environment and move to the cultural flexibility. Women empowerment is recommended to make them an active part of UAE society and to challenge the social conservatism. Young generation is recommended to come ahead to positively change the social structure of country.

Personal Takeaways

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a collectivistic society and Emiratis are happy in their comfort zone. They hate to live away from their families and this is what, can cause problems for their employers. Innovation has no meaning to them and they love their orthodox ideas