Assessment of Human Interaction and Spending Behavior Amidst Corona Virus in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had unprecedented social and economic effects. In this study, the authors investigate the human interaction trends and spending behavior of individuals in the United Arab Emirates during the COVID-19 outbreak. An online survey was employed to assess the changes in human interactions and spending behavior among people in the United Arab Emirates. The findings indicate a decrease in spending on gasoline, restaurants, hotels, and coffee shops as well as an increase in spending on on-line shopping and groceries. During the pandemic, 80 percent of respondents reduced the number of visits with family and friends. Respondents also indicated greater cooperation among family members in performing household chores, with all members of the family, including children, participating in cooking, and increased cooperation between family members. The authors observed variations in the level and composition of consumer spending across the United Arab Emirates with variations by age, gender, and income level. The survey results highlight a specific relevance in government interventions tasked with the strategy, implementation, and monitoring of economic impacts arising from the spread of the coronavirus and forced public health measures to mitigate the health costs of the crisis. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/23754931.2021.1950039