The Needs and Priorities of Women in the UAE: Identifying Struggles and Enhancing Satisfaction of Employment, Education, Health Care, and Rights

Abstract

This study focuses on the needs and priorities of local women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A face-to-face questionnaire was conducted with 981 local women in the Abu Dhabi region, focusing on women’s knowledge and perceptions of the services provided by the Government of Abu Dhabi. The research has implications for the following areas: education, health services, the labor market, housing, and social security. The sample includes a diverse population of local women of different ages, educational backgrounds, and professions. The aim of the research is to investigate the needs and determine the level of satisfaction of employment, education, health care, and rights among UAE women. This study finds that the government provides high-quality services for adult-continuing education and vocational training and women are keenly aware that nationals of both genders should be given equal employment opportunities in the public sector and that if the government wants to encourage women to work while still keeping Emirati fertility rates high, it must enact more flexible and favorable labor laws to ensure protection of workers’ rights.