United Arab Emirates Case Research Articles

Exploring the Recycling Behavior and Climate Change Mitigation in Booming Countries: A Path to Cleaner Seas and Sustainable Futures- A Case of UAE

The expansion of the global population, technological progress, economic growth, and rapid urbanization have induced substantial shifts in lifestyle choices, reshaping consumption patterns. This research aimed to investigate the interrelation between recycling practices in rapidly developing nations, notably China, Brazil, Turkey, Vietnam, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while emphasizing the role of the UAE, particularly Abu Dhabi, in mitigating climate change and addressing marine pollution. Furthermore, the study ascertain the significance of recycling practices, specifically concerning plastic and e-waste in the UAE, in contributing to environmental sustainability and promoting cleaner oceans. This endeavor ultimately aimed for more sustainable and conscientious development pathways. The research methodology was founded on established theoretical and conceptual framework developed through an in-depth analysis of variables rooted in the theory of planned behavior. Following the successful collection of data on recycling behaviors related to plastic and e-waste in Abu Dhabi, the data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings from the correlation analysis conducted showed complex correlations between recycling behavior and environmental factors. The positive connections found between “comparing recycling practice” and a favorable “future development pathway,” suggested active recycling involvement and good future perspectives. Similarly, positive correlation between “reducing marine pollution” and “environmental sustainability,” demonstrated a shared environmental conscience. However, a negative link was found between “mitigating climate change” and “reducing marine pollution”, “recycling behavior, showing that respondents with higher priority on mitigating climate change also not in favour to recycle and prioritize for reducing marine pollution.

ASSESSING THE LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: COMPARATIVE REVIEW

Background: This study aims to establish whether COVID-19 qualified as a force majeure event or exceptional circumstance according to the laws of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and assess if a particular principle can circumvent contractual duties. It investigates how COVID-19 impacted administrative contracts in the UAE, using UAE laws and case studies to explore legal theories that justify failure to perform an obligation in such contracts. The UAE, like many other countries, faced an unpredictable event and utilised all its resources and manpower to combat the danger and ensure the safety of its people. This resulted in various restrictions, such as mandatory quarantine for everyone entering the UAE and limitations on travel outside the country. Additionally, certain Emirates within the UAE, such as Abu Dhabi, imposed entry restrictions, requiring a negative COVID-19 test result for entry and later mandating that only vaccinated individuals were permitted to enter. Additionally, the study explores the necessary criteria for demonstrating force majeure or exceptional circumstances in said contracts. This study used an analytical approach to examine laws and court decisions. Based on the findings, the outbreak of COVID-19 did not directly impact administrative contracts in the UAE. This is likely due to the authorities’ effective handling of the situation. Notably, the theories of force majeure and exceptional circumstances could not be automatically and generally applied to all contracts because each contract was unique and required individual considerations. The study presents potential theoretical and practical applications, highlighting opportunities for future research.

Media Policy and Its Impact on Tourism: The Case of United Arab Emirates

Media policy has emerged as a prominent aspect of public policies due to its interaction and intertwining with other societal dimensions. Its significance has increased, and its scope has expanded with digital and technological advancements, necessitating the adaptation to transformational requirements and the enhancement of communication channels. Against the backdrop of the significant development witnessed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) across various sectors over the past decades, with tourism being one of the most pivotal, this study examines media policy and its impact on the development of the tourism sector in the UAE. Through an analysis of the reasons behind the success of Emirati media policy in effectively promoting the tourism sector and showcasing the country's touristic assets, the study highlights several findings. Notably, it underscores the contribution of media campaigns in enhancing the UAE's image as a safe and attractive global tourist destination, emphasizing various aspects of tourist attractions. Consequently, there has been a noticeable growth in the number of tourists visiting the UAE. Considering these findings, the research advocates for the continuation of media marketing campaigns, focusing on electronic marketing, diversification of environmental, cultural, and therapeutic tourism offerings, and the development of infrastructure to bolster the UAE's position as a leading global tourist destination. Keywords: Media policy, Tourism, Promotion, UAE.

Future anxiety among media professionals and its relationship to utilizing artificial intelligence techniques: The case of Egypt, France, and UAE

This article aims to study professional future anxiety differences among media professionals and its relationship to utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in media institutions in Egypt, France, and United Arab Emirates (UAE); and to know the effect of the intensity of employing AI techniques in various media institutions on the professional future anxiety of the sample. A convenience sample was drawn from the three countries, with a total of 300 media professionals. It included 100 participants from each country, to whom the questionnaire and the professional future anxiety scale were applied. The methodology regarding data collection is quantitative research. Descriptive analysis was used to extract the results. Pearson correlation coefficient, ANOVA, and simple linear regression analysis to test the research hypotheses. The study revealed that there is a statistically significant direct correlation between the employment of AI techniques in media institutions and professional future anxiety among media professionals in Egypt, France, and UAE. It was also evidenced that there are differences in the degree to which media institutions employ AI technologies in favor of France, while no differences were found in the level of professional future anxiety among media professionals based on the variable of the country. The respondents’ degree of professional future anxiety was moderate. The results also confirmed that media institutions’ extensive employment of AI techniques contributes to effecting professional future anxiety among media professionals participating in the study. The most prominent technologies and applications employed by media institutions and were used by the respondents were techniques for verifying the accuracy of sources, information, and content, and techniques for increasing the efficiency of news coverage and processing, ChatGPT application.

General Recommendations of the Human Rights Treaty Bodies - The Guidelines for States or a Contribution to Further Fragmentation of International Law? Retrospective Overview of the Judgement of the International Court of Justice in the Qatar v. United Arab Emirates Case

U veljači 2021. Međunarodni je sud donio presudu u sporu između Katara i Ujedinjenih Arapskih Emirata o tumačenju Konvencije o ukidanju svih oblika rasne diskriminacije, koja je svojevrsni sudski epilog dugotrajnoga političkog sukoba zaljevskih država. Presuda Međunarodnog suda državljanstvu je odrekla značaj diskriminatorne osnove, što je u suprotnosti sa stavovima Odbora za ukidanje svih oblika rasne diskriminacije izraženima u takozvanim općim preporukama na Konvenciju. Takvo razilaženje u stavovima između Međunarodnog suda i Odbora otvara nekoliko širih pitanja. Prvo je od njih o pravnoj snazi i naravi općih preporuka konvencijskih tijela. Drugo je još šire pitanje o fragmentaciji međunarodnog prava kao procesu u kojem razilaženja u tumačenju konvencijskih tijela, međunarodnih i regionalnih sudova mogu imati važnu ulogu kao indikatori. Ovaj rad, s pomoću kontekstualizacije konkretnih pitanja postavljenih u postupku pred Međunarodnim sudom u sporu Katara i Ujedinjenih Arapskih Emirata razmatra navedena pitanja koja bitno određuju odnos suvremenoga međunarodnog prava i zaštite ljudskih prava kao njegovog dijela.

Novel machine learning based approach for analysing the adoption of metaverse in medical training: A UAE case study

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in the delivery of medical training across borders, posing challenges in observing and practicing advanced surgical techniques with cutting-edge medical equipment from foreign countries. However, the utilization of educational approaches centred on the “Metaverse” concept has emerged as a promising solution to address the escalating demand for virtual medical education. Traditional technologies like Zoom video conferencing were found insufficient for comprehensive medical instruction, prompting the emergence of innovative digital teaching methodologies within the medical community of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aims to investigate how students perceive the effectiveness of the Metaverse system in achieving medical training objectives in the UAE. The research employs a unique conceptual framework that links individual attributes with technological factors. By employing a blend of structural equation modelling (SEM) and machine learning (ML) methodologies, along with the analysis of importance-performance maps (IPMA), the research evaluates the factors that contribute to measuring the viability of the Metaverse system for medical training. This evaluation is conducted using data gathered from a cohort of 879 university students. The findings indicated that the OneR classifier demonstrates the highest accuracy among classifiers in forecasting users' inclination to embrace the Metaverse system for medical training, achieving an 80.7% accuracy rate. Furthermore, the study reveals a strong positive association between perceived usefulness and perceived usability, highlighting the significant impact of personal attributes and technological elements on students' decisions. Notably, individuals with a greater willingness to embrace uncertainty and innovative technologies are more inclined to use the Metaverse system for medical education. In conclusion, this multi-analytical investigation sheds light on the potential of the Metaverse system to enhance medical training and addresses the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings carry important implications for the field of information systems and provide valuable insights for medical educators seeking effective solutions during times of disruption.

Understanding Influencers of College Major Decision: The UAE Case

This study aims to understand and analyze what influences female students to choose a college major in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To accomplish our target, we conducted a survey with mostly female first-year undergraduate students (N = 496) at Zayed University to understand the personal, social, and financial factors influencing students’ major choices. Further, this study also asked students to specify their actions before deciding on their major and assessed the information that could be helpful for future students to decide on their majors. Last, the study investigated how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students differ from other students in their major decision. The results show that financial factors such as income and business opportunities related to the major are crucial. Further, gender suitability for the job and passion are influential. Students conduct internet searches, use social media, and read brochures in the process of major decisions. Moreover, students think job alignment with the UAE vision and information related to job availability, income, and skills are critical for future students to decide on their major. Finally, STEM students are more influenced by business opportunities, prestige, and career advancement than others.

The Impact of Inflow Foreign Direct Investment on the Local Human Capital Efficiency with the Role of Financial Deepening as Mediator: A Case of United Arab Emirates

Purpose: This research determines the impact of inflow foreign direct investment inflow foreign direct investment on the expanded concept of social and economic progress in the UAE, such as local human capital efficiency and financial deepening, which needs more clarification, while most of the studies focus on human capital in general.
 Methodology: This study used a questionnaire based survey on a selected sample and used the SmartPLS 4 to analyze the data and conclude the results. With the help of quantitative techniques this data was collected from a sample of 8001 selected employees representing the DUBAI population. Only 376 were taken from those who had working experience in foreign companies in the UAE.
 Findings: The results show that the inflow foreign direct investment has a significant positive relationship with the local human capital efficiency in the UAE. The role of the mediator in this study was significant and partial mediation with inflow foreign direct investment.
 Recommendation: The most important question is about the availability of working in foreign companies. Also, the author mentioned that there is a gap in the human capital development study, and it has been recommended for future study.

3D Printing in Sustainable Buildings: Systematic Review and Applications in the United Arab Emirates

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has been rapidly evolving to be one of the leading technology fields in the coming decades. However, as in the early years of new technologies, 3DP suffers from technical limitations and various implications. This study focuses on the applications of 3DP in the construction industry, emphasizing its environmental, financial, and social sustainability aspects. A systematic bibliographic analysis was carried out for the relevant publications which increased by 25-fold from 2014 to 2021. The 3D-printed construction projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are presented to demonstrate the early 3DP technology penetration into its booming construction sector. The UAE case is of particular interest from a sustainability perspective due to the environmental footprint of the ample construction activities in the country, combined with the ambitious strategic plans to achieve sustainable development goals. This critical analysis shows that, despite the limited literature, 3DP could potentially be a sustainable alternative with up to 49% less environmental footprint and 78% more cost-effectiveness compared to conventional construction techniques. As the social sustainability aspect was the least addressed, this study discusses relevant social impact indicators and systematic assessment criteria. It is evident that 3DP is already reshaping the future of the built environment, especially in cases where 3DP is advantageous, such as customized designs, quick project delivery, and sustainability-oriented constructions.

A Framework for Food Security via Resilient Agri-Food Supply Chains: The Case of UAE

Food security (FS) is one of the most elusive and sought-after objectives worldwide. Securing a country’s self-sufficiency— in the current COVID-19 pandemic era, more than ever—has become a prioritized mission. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, FS is adversely affected by, among others, the scarcity of freshwater, harsh environment, regional conflicts, and rising temperatures. Following the eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, exporters placed export restrictions on key food crops, affecting FS in import dependent regions, such as the MENA countries and, more specifically, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This paper presented a conceptual framework on the key enablers for the UAE agri-food supply chains to obtain the necessary resiliency to achieve FS, through improving policy-making capacity. The proposed approach started with the assessment of the main vulnerabilities of the food system in a global context; from there, the factors that influence vulnerability were investigated, identifying the main global drivers that affect the local food systems, focusing on the UAE. The proposed framework was applied for the design and implementation of an early warning system concerning FS-related incidents.

Enhancing the policing response to COVID-19 with media engagement: The United Arab Emirates experience

Abstract Global evaluations of response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Global Clinical Practice (a network of 12,942 clinicians from 151 countries), and the Global Response to Infections Disease have consistently rated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as one of the most effective medical responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. In parallel, according to the 2020 Edelman Trust Barometer, public trust in the UAE government is 81%—a leading score in the Middle East. While widespread miscommunication rumours, and lack of coordination was observed in the early phases of COVID-19 globally, the UAE case demonstrates a comprehensive positive approach and experience. The research reported in this paper aimed to understand the role of media in the police response in relation to COVID-19 risk management in the UAE. Content analysis of documentary and data sources was conducted from public COVID-19-related meta-data sources. The findings suggest pre-defined conducive legislative and institutional structure, professionalism of media and police, and collaborative approaches among implementing agencies contributed to the success of the early phase COVID-19 risk management in the UAE. This research contributes to the body of knowledge in pandemic and infodemic risk management through analysis of the UAE experience.

Knowledge and perceptions of pharmacists\u2019 readiness during coronavirus pandemic: the case of United Arab Emirates

BackgroundWith the outbreak of Coronavirus infection (COVID-19), pharmacists play an important role in supporting local health during this emergency.AimTo assess the knowledge and to identify information sources regarding COVID-19 used by pharmacists, to investigate the active and public perceived roles of pharmacists, to explore the role of the pharmacy facilities and health authorities, and to identify barriers that would hinder pharmacists from performing their duties optimally in the United Arab Emirates.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional online study was conducted in the UAE during the COVID-19 outbreak, from 18 May to 20 June 2020. A validated online questionnaire addressing participants’ current knowledge about pandemics and COVID-19, source of information, and their perspectives of their role was used. Participants were licensed pharmacists practising in community and hospital pharmacies in UAE, academics, and pharmacy students.ResultsAlmost two-thirds of the participants (71.2%) were aged 18–30 years, with 76.2% females. Only 57.5% of participants believed that they got enough education about pandemics, and 88.3% of them followed on the latest coronavirus updates regarding treatments, and that is mainly from the World Health Organization reports (53.9%), followed by health authorities (44.8%). Two-thirds of participants (69.7%) had good/very good current knowledge regarding COVID-19. Knowledge of pharmacy students compared to pharmacists was significantly higher (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe majority of pharmacists and pharmacy students reported that they have a major role in managing pandemics executed through the community pharmacies and that it is their role to ensure the availability of key medications. Policymakers and health authorities are called upon to train pharmacists in advance of emerging situations, supporting and helping them to optimally fulfill their role.

Use of Social Media in Teaching High School Students: A Case of United Arab Emirates

The use of social media platforms by the education sector has grown significantly in the past decade. The advancement in information and technology has prompted the integration of social media use in education. Social media use has revolutionized the learning processes from what was traditionally teacher-centered to the current student-centered approach. People between 16 and 24 years of age are considered among the active users of social media; hence, by incorporating an important part of their lives in school activities, learning may become more amusing and improve performance. Despite the United Arab Emirates being considered the technological hub of the Middle East, it has made minimal steps toward integrating social media in the learning system for high school students. This article explores the type of social media used by students and teachers in the Emirati high school system and examines the favorable social media tools used in learning in high schools by teachers and students and responds to questions like the purposes of using social media in learning and does social media use in learning affect student and teacher satisfaction and attitude? Further, it asks what the impacts of using social media on learning are. Finally, it discusses the challenges students and teachers come across when using social media for learning.

Social Work Practices in the Multiethnic Urban Reality of Covid-19 in the Middle East: The Case of UAE

The study developed a set of universal challenges for social workers and investigated the impact thereof on social workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Based on a qualitative analysis of previous research, a set of 10 universal challenges was developed. A questionnaire was created, and a survey was conducted among 304 respondents currently employed as social workers in the UAE. The survey results showed that most survey respondents selected the risk of infection as the strongest challenge. Emotional burnout, lack of reliable information, limited resources, staff capacity, problems with social distancing, lack of instructions/protocols, remote client service, and inadequate education obtained average scores meaning that they are important but not critical. Scientists and practitioners can use this set of universal challenges to investigate pandemic-related challenges for social workers in various countries and regions.

How to counter organisational inertia to enable knowledge management practices adoption in public sector organisations

Purpose Knowledge management (KM) is associated with higher performance and innovative culture; KM can help the public sector to be fiscally lean and meet diverse stakeholders’ needs. However, hierarchical structures, bureaucratic culture and rigid processes inhibit KM adoption and generate inertia. This study aims to explore the nature and causes of this inertia within the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) public sector. Design/methodology/approach Using an in-depth case study of a UAE public sector organisation, this study explores how organisational inertia can be countered to enable KM adoption. Semi-structured interviews are conducted with 17 top- and middle-level managers from operational, management and strategic levels. Interview data is triangulated with content analysis from multiple sources, including the UAE Government and case organisation documents. Findings The results show transformation leadership, external factors and organisational culture mediate the negative effect of inertia on KM practices adoption. We find that information technology plays a key role in enabling knowledge creation, access, adoption and sharing. Furthermore, we uncover a virtuous cycle between organisational culture and KM practices adoption in the public sector. In addition, we develop a new model (the relationship between KM practices, organisational inertia, organisational culture, transformational leadership traits and external factors) and four propositions for empirical testing by future researchers. We also present a cross-case comparison of our results with six private/quasi-private sector cases who have implemented KM practices. Research limitations/implications Qualitative data is collected from a single case study. Originality/value Inertia in a public section is a result of bureaucracy and authority bounded by the rules and regulations. Adopting a qualitative methodology and case study method, the research explores the phenomena of how inertia impacts KM adoption in public sector environments. Our findings reveal the underlying mechanisms of how internal and external organisational factors impact inertia. Internally, supportive organisational culture and transformational leadership traits positively effect KM adoption, which, in turn, has a positive effect on organisational culture to counter organisational inertia. Externally, a progressive national culture, strategy and policy can support a knowledge-based organisation that embraces change. This study develops a new model (interactions between internal and external factors impacting KM practices in the public sector), four propositions and a new two-stage process model for KM adoption in the public sector. We present a case-comparison of how the constructs interact in a public sector as compared to six private/quasi-private sector cases from the literature.

The impact of foreign direct investment inflows on nonperforming loans: the case of UAE

The banking sector is at risk of worsening loan quality, which is a major threat to the financial system’s stability. The impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows on nonperforming loans (NPLs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is empirically investigated in this study. The data from 2008 to 2017 are collected and analyzed through the ordinary least squares (OLS) technique. The findings reveal that FDI inflows reduced the size of NPLs during the economic crisis. Also, the combined effect of higher FDI inflows and bank efficiency reduced the size of NPLs for banks, while the combined effect of FDI inflows and better institutions, such as strong regulatory quality, did not reduce the size of NPLs but rather increased the size of NPLs. The findings have implications and contribute to the literature to establish a relationship between FDI inflows and NPLs by examining the relationship between FDI inflows and NPLs in the context of banks in the UAE.

Parallel Proceedings before the International Court of Justice and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Abstract In recent times, claims concerning violations of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination have been brought by States parties to the Convention to the attention of the International Court of Justice, and, for the first time in the course of United Nations human rights treaty bodies, to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Relations between the different mechanisms of the sophisticated compliance control system set up by the Convention have been put to the test. In particular, the Qatar v. United Arab Emirates case raises the complex issue of parallel proceedings which, in the author’s opinion, can be dealt with by solutions offered by the Convention itself, rather than by the lis pendens principle.

Mental Health Laws and Reflections on Culture: The Case of United Arab Emirates

Mental Health Laws and Reflections on Culture: The Case of United Arab Emirates

“New managerialism” in higher education: the case of United Arab Emirates

PurposeThe aim of this study is to assess the managerial practices in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) higher education sector through the lens of “new managerialism”.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive review of new managerialism literature in higher education was conducted to develop a structured survey questionnaire. Using 176 useable responses obtained from the country-wide survey of academic staff, the underlying factor structure of new managerialism was first established using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and then ANOVA was carried out to check whether there existed any difference in the six factors as well as for the individual items within each factor across the three types of Universities in the UAE, namely public universities, private-local owned universities and private-foreign owned universities.FindingsThe study unearthed a six-factor framework (monitoring and evaluation, transparency, bureaucracy, stakeholder engagement, research productivity and academic freedom and flexibility) of new managerialism comprising of 20 managerial practices. Of the six factors, significant difference was found for bureaucracy, stakeholder engagement and academic freedom and flexibility across different types of universities.Originality/valueIn terms of novelty, the study is the first attempt to explore new managerialism in higher education in the Middle Eastern context.

The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment Inflows on Nonperforming Loans: The Case of UAE

Banking sector is at a risk of worsening loan quality which is a major threat to the stability of financial system. The impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows on nonperforming loans (NPLs) in United Arab Emirates (UAE) is empirically investigated in this study. The data from 2008 to 2017 is collected and analysed through ordinary least square (OLS) technique. The findings reveal that FDI inflows reduced the size of NPLs during the economic crisis. Also, the combined effect of higher FDI inflows and bank efficiency reduced the size of NPLs for banks while the combined effect of FDI inflows and better institutions, such as strong regulatory quality, did not reduce the size of NPLs but rather increased the size of NPLs. The findings have implications. The findings contribute to the literature to establish a link between FDI inflows and NPLs by examining the link between FDI inflows and NPLs in the context of banks in the UAE.