Social Transitions Contributing to Emirati Unemployment

Abstract

This chapter discusses modern development and the widening generational gaps in Emirati society. Previous chapters have shown that the pre-oil economy extending into the dawn of civilization was based mostly on trade of a single commodity, pearls, and the supporting industries up to the collapse of the natural pearl market. While rapid development vastly improved the living standard of the Emirati people, the accompanying social transitions have brought challenges which will be explained in this chapter. To reshape and develop more productive attitudes, beliefs, and opinions about the modern workplace, policy makers must consider the Emirati society as a whole. This chapter points out measures that can be taken to reduce Emirati employment especially young Emirati adult unemployment. Postsecondary institutions may create initiatives to raise awareness about the skills necessary for success in the modern workplace among students and their families. Labor policy makers could work with private sector employers to improve working conditions for all employees that would ultimately attract more Emirati employees. Private sector work environments could be made more culturally appropriate by giving employees more personal space in mixed-gendered work areas. More flexible work schedules could be adopted in more companies to enable all employees to better balance work and family responsibilities.