Emirati Students Research Articles

Exploring the Factors Affecting Career Choices of Undergraduate Emirati Students

This study explores the determinants of career choices among Emirati students, engaging 550 students from selected universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Employing a phenomenological approach, the research utilized a survey questionnaire to understand the impact of various factors such as parental influence, educational institutions, university programs, and socio-economic elements on the career decisions of undergraduate Emirati students. Out of 550 targeted participants, 400 completed surveys were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. The findings reveal a predominant influence of parents, followed by significant roles of schools and socio-economic factors, in shaping career choices. University programs, while less directly influential, play a nuanced role, often aligning with students’ interests and parental expectations rather than directly dictating career paths. The study acknowledges its limitations, including its focus on a specific demographic within the UAE and the potential for response bias. Future research is suggested to examine the longitudinal effects of these factors on career development and to explore the impact of emerging economic trends. Additionally, comparative studies with students from other regions could provide a broader understanding of these dynamics.

Examining the effect of ChatGPT usage on students’ academic learning and achievement: A survey-based study in Ajman, UAE

This research examines the use of ChatGPT among university-level students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its effects on their learning experiences. The precise focus remains on the effects of ChatGPT usage on Student Engagement, Critical Thinking Abilities, and Academic Achievement. Using the cross-sectional design, the Constructivism Learning Theory supports this research. Data gathered using 353 structured questionnaires is analyzed using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Results showed that ChatGPT usage positively affects student engagement in the learning process. The effect of ChatGPT usage on Critical Thinking Abilities also remained significant. Finally, the findings indicated the positive effect of ChatGPT usage on the Academic Achievement of Emirati students. These results imply a robust, positive, and constructive role of AI technology, particularly ChatGPT, in the education and learning journey of university students in the UAE. It is concluded that ChatGPT is a useful tool that helps students by providing resources and suggestions throughout their learning process. It increases engagement, effort, and ambition in academic tasks, enhancing academic achievement. ChatGPT supports educational progress and motivates students to obtain knowledge by improving their interest in learning. Finally, the study's implications and limitations are discussed. Also, recommendations for future studies are proposed.

Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Its Associated Risk Factors among Medical Students in Two Countries.

PCOS, a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, affects fertility and increases the risks of other diseases. Early detection, risk factor assessment, and intervention are crucial to prevent long-term complications. This study was conducted using a pre-validated questionnaire at two medical colleges in the UAE and Oman. The first study (UAE) results are already published. Here, we present the findings of the second study (Oman) and compare them. The prevalence of PCOS was 4.6% (n = 7) in Oman and 27.6% (n = 69) in the UAE using the NIH criteria. The most common symptoms were irregular periods, acne, and thinning of hair. Students showed acne as the most prevalent symptom of clinical hyperandrogenism. Omani students showed significantly more acne [70.1% (n = 108) vs. 41.6% (n = 104)], while Emirati students showed a higher prevalence of hirsutism [32% (n = 80) vs. 23.3% (n = 36)]. A higher number of students had irregular periods 30.8% (77/150) in the UAE, although the difference was not statistically significant. The prevalence of PCOS was significantly higher in Emirati medical students than in Omani students (p < 0.05). The prevalence was also lower among medical students in Oman compared to an unselected population, reported by a study that included all consecutive women between 12 and 45 years of age attending a hospital. An increased trend in unhealthy lifestyle practices was observed in the recent study. Obesity was a strong predictor of PCOS symptoms across the populations in both countries (p < 0.05). The prevalence of PCOS and clinical signs of hyperandrogenism vary significantly between countries in the MENA region. There is a need to identify specific risk factors associated with PCOS in different populations, explore the genetic basis, and undertake collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals from various disciplines to raise awareness about PCOS and its associated risks.

A third player: Chinese linguistic and cultural influence at a UAE university

ABSTRACT As part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a series of large-scale projects have been launched in the Arab Gulf due to its geopolitically strategic position. We examine the influence of Chinese as a third player, in addition to Arabic and English, in a UAE university educationscape together with Emirati students’ attitudes towards its influence. The study takes a case study approach, which employs open-ended questionnaires with university students (n = 40), semi-structured interviews with university students (n = 3) and a university Confucius Institute director and visual data from a walking ethnography of university social, learning, and online spaces. Data are analysed thematically via the lens of ‘Critical, Cultural Political Economy of Education’ (CCPEE), which brings together a range of concepts to interrogate globalising processes within an ‘education ensemble’. Key findings revealed a growing influence and awareness of Chinese language and culture in the UAE as well as generally positive attitudes towards such growth. There was, however, less interest in learning Chinese in comparison with other languages such as Korean and Turkish connected with soft power and media presence via dramas and music. Implications of the findings are discussed in relation to informing future language policy directions in the UAE.

The association between food preferences, eating behavior, and body weight among female university students in the United Arab Emirates.

This cross-sectional study investigated the associations between lifestyle, eating habits, food preferences, consumption patterns, and obesity among female university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Approximately 4,728 participants, including both Emirati and Non-Emirati students (International Students). Data collection involved face-to-face interviews and anthropometric measurements, showing an interrelated relationship between food preferences and obesity among female university students. While sociodemographic factors and lifestyle habits contribute to obesity, this study uniquely focuses on the role of food preferences and food consumption patterns in body weight status. The findings reveal a significant correlation between the intake of high-sugar beverages-such as milk, juices, soft drinks, and energy drinks-and an increased risk of overweight and obesity among both Emirati and Non-Emirati populations. Notably, milk consumption was particularly associated with obesity in non-Emirati populations (F = 88.1, p < 0.001) and with overweight status in Non-Emiratis (F = 7.73, p < 0.05). The consumption of juices and soft drinks was linked to obesity. Additionally, a significant preference for fruits and vegetables among overweight and obese students was observed, indicating a trend toward healthier food choices. However, there was also a clear preference for high-calorie, low-nutrient foods such as processed meats, sweets, and salty snacks. Fast food items like burgers, fried chicken, fries, pizza, shawarma, chips, and noodles were significantly correlated with increased body weight status, especially shawarma, which showed a notably high correlation with both obesity and overweight statuses (F-values of 38.3 and 91.11, respectively). The study indicated that food choices shape weight-related outcomes is important for designing effective strategies to promote healthier dietary patterns.

Perceptions and Challenges of Online Group Work Among Emirati Female Undergraduates

This study investigates the experiences of female undergraduate students at a federal university in the UAE with online group work. Using a questionnaire, the attitudes and perceptions of 32 female Emirati students were analyzed. Results indicate a generally positive attitude towards online group projects, highlighting the development of skills such as time management, teamwork, and leadership. Despite these benefits, challenges such as low contribution and poor communication were noted. The study recommends the careful design of online group assignments to ensure meaningful participation. Further research is suggested to explore faculty perspectives and conflict management in online group settings.

Understanding Mental Health Needs and Predictors of Anxiety in Emirati Female Students in Higher Education

The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress range between 5% to 70% globally. Many students experience these mental health conditions as they go through transitional periods in life, such as starting higher education. This study aimed to explore mental health concerns, specifically depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of sleep, in Emirati female university students, a topic that has been understudied in the Middle East. We used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess 23 bilingual (Arabic/English) female adolescent Emirati students in the UAE. The data was analyzed using a multiple regression analysis. We found that most participants had normal levels of depression and stress, but over 60% of them had moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. Additionally, a substantial majority reported poor sleep quality. Stress was a significant predictor of anxiety, explaining 53.3% of the variance in anxiety scores. Although other factors influence anxiety, stress seems to be a substantial contributor. This study investigates the pervasive issue of anxiety among adolescent Emirati female students, with stress emerging as a major contributing factor. The preliminary findings underscore the imperative for additional research. Our exploration provides a roadmap for a comprehensive evaluation of mental health concerns within this population, offering valuable insights into potential preventive and intervention strategies that warrant further investigation.

Of ‘international exposure’, place and mobility trajectories: domestic students and international students in the education hub of Dubai

ABSTRACT In 2023, the UAE hosted the second largest number of international branch campuses in the world. They cater for ‘local’ Emirati students and the large resident community of ‘expatriates’, but there also is a growing number of international students coming to study in Dubai from abroad. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with students in Dubai, this paper compares the locational and study choices of international and domestic students at international branch campuses. The findings show that the domestic students often opt to study locally due to the more affordable tuition fees and gendered expectations to stay close to their families. Meanwhile for international students, the prestige associated with certain international branch campuses, usually is a decisive factor in motivating them to study in Dubai, alongside concerns for safety and proximity to their country of usual residence. In addition, many international students believe that Dubai’s reputation as a ‘world’ city, which attracts people, goods, and investments from various part of the world, and the transnational education they are engaged in, will enable them to benefit from ‘international exposure’. Both international and domestic students regard the academic credentials they attain in Dubai as potentially paving the way for the realisation of post-study aspirations.

Cross-national comparison of gender discrepancies in distance education

This research focused on gender discrepancies regarding students’ opinions about distance education (DE). Data was gathered from Emirati, Portuguese, and Ukrainian university students through an online survey during the first term of the 2020/21 academic year before the war in Ukraine. A qualitative content analysis was used to understand gender discrepancies among the participants. Results show that greater gender discrepancies occurred in the categories of overall opinions and usefulness of DE. Men found DE more helpful and had a more positive opinion about DE overall. The discrepancies between males and females were smaller in several other categories, such as distractions and time management issues. Interestingly, the comments made by men and women focused on different aspects of these categories.

The speech act of compliment in student-teacher interaction: A case study of Emirati university students’ attitudes

For effective communication, interlocutors must be cognizant of lingua-cultural aspects in context-dependent situations. Among others, they include culturally and linguistically diverse university settings where students are tempted to complain about grades to teachers and request grade changes. To reduce the negative impact of these speech acts, students may resort to compliments whose utilization varies from culture to culture. This study investigated the attitudes of 146 undergraduate Emirati students towards complimenting an instructor from a different lingua-cultural background before negotiating a grade at a university in the United Arab Emirates that uses English as the medium of instruction. Data were collected using a survey and a discourse completion task. Results show that 49% of the respondents thought that it would be appropriate to use a compliment prior to a complaint about a grade or a request for regrading. Students primarily complimented their teacher’s teaching skills and effort in teaching. The syntactic structures of their compliments mainly included You+V+NP (You+Verb+Noun Phrase). Results highlight the significance of considering interlocutors’ lingua-cultural backgrounds and the potential impacts of an ulterior motive behind a compliment in deciding whether or not to produce one. If it is used, topics (i.e., what is complimented upon) to include in the compliment must be chosen delicately, considering the cross-cultural nature of the context and social status of the interlocutors.

Technology Enhanced Learning in Undergraduate Level Education: A Case Study of Students of Mass Communication

The incorporation of digital technology in education represents a substantial transformation in the realm of academia. In the present day, with new technology being readily available to both educators and students, educational institutions encourage their students to embrace it, enabling students facing geographical constraints to easily continue their education through internet-based learning. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the viewpoints of undergraduate students in the field of mass communication concerning the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the UAE. Based on a Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the data were gathered using structured questionnaires. Results revealed that knowledge sharing and accessibility are significant factors affecting the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness among the undergraduate students. Further, perceived ease of use significantly affects perceived usefulness. Finally, both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness remained as significant factors regarding ICT acceptance among the Emirati students. It is concluded that educational institutions must invest significantly in robust IT infrastructure. This step ensures that e-learning experiences are seamless and accessible to all students. Further, to address some students’ connectivity challenges, offering alternative access options or providing offline resources can be beneficial. Finally, the practical implications and limitations are discussed.

Emirati Adolescents' and Young Adults' Usage of Social Media for Health Information.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and in the years after, adolescents' and young adults' (AYAs) usage of social media increased. Social media has been shown to influence both the physical and mental behaviour of AYAs. The Emirates' AYAs are among the world's heaviest consumers of social media. This study aims to explore the usage of social media networks by AYAs for sharing and looking up health information, as well as interacting with local health systems, with a special focus on doctors and social media. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was used to collect comprehensive data from Arabic- and English-speaking Emirati students in grades 7 through 12 and university students between the months of December 2022 and April 2023. A total of 876 out of 930 responses were included. Of the responses, 27.71% were university students, with another 46.46% in grades 11 and 12. Three-fourths had a hospital or clinic visit in the last 6 months and 79.11% had good health perception. Smartphones were the most commonly used devices, at 92.12%. A total of 74.7% reported being able to obtain useful health information, with 40% having had a health decision influenced by it. Posting information on social media was not common, with only 32% posting such content (most commonly mood-related). Health information on social media by health authorities was considered the most trustworthy, with celebrities being the least trustworthy. More than half of AYAs searched for a physician before a visit, and the majority would not mind having a rash picture being posted on a public website if consent (verbal or written) was taken. Social media can influence the various health decisions an AYA might take and which doctors they might choose to see. Physicians should consider their presence and the content they present on social media carefully.

Examining the relationship between science motivational beliefs and science achievement in Emirati early adolescents through the lens of self-determination theory

BackgroundA solid foundation in science is critical to students’ success in the 21st century workforce, especially in fields related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Therefore, high-quality science education is critical to prepare students for the challenges of the future. However, Emirati students have consistently performed poorly on international standardized science assessments, suggesting that the underlying factors contributing to this trend need to be understood. Therefore, the present study examined the relationship between motivational beliefs in science (i.e., science self-concept and intrinsic and instrumental motivation to learn science) and science achievement in Emirati early adolescents using a self-determination theory framework.MethodsA total of 7,915 Emirati eighth-grade students (Meanage = 13.61 years, SD = 0.53) participated in the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). The TIMSS 2019 assessment measured students’ motivational beliefs in science and their achievement in science. Path analysis and bootstrapping were used to examine the relationship between these variables and to test the mediating role of intrinsic and instrumental motivation to learn science in the relationship between science self-concept and science achievement.ResultsThe results of the study indicate that science self-concept is positively related to both intrinsic and instrumental motivation to learn science and science achievement. Intrinsic motivation to learn science was significantly related to science achievement, whereas instrumental motivation was not. Moreover, intrinsic motivation to learn science alone significantly mediated the relationship between science self-concept and science achievement.ConclusionsThe study offers insights into the specific motivational beliefs associated with science achievement and highlights the importance of fostering positive science self-concept and intrinsic motivation in Emirati early adolescents. The study also suggests that interventions to promote positive science self-concept and intrinsic motivation to learn science may be particularly effective in improving science achievement in this population. These findings have important implications for educators and policymakers seeking to promote academic success and career opportunities for Emirati students in science.

Availability of disability specialists for students with vision or hearing impairment in the United Arab Emirates: current status and future needs

Purpose This study aims to identify the disability specialists currently needed for students with vision or hearing impairment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It also aims to identify the university-level training courses available for these specialists. Materials and methods This study adopted a mixed-methods design. The qualitative strand involved a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 employees of 10 UAE organizations providing support services to students with vision or hearing impairment. The quantitative strand determined the number of disability-related degree courses offered at UAE universities from 2018 to 2020. Results The interviewees revealed that students with visual impairment most need teachers for the visually impaired, braille trainers, orientation and mobility trainers, and assistive technology specialists, whereas students with hearing impairment most need teachers of the deaf or hard of hearing, speech therapists, and sign language specialists. Regarding disability-related training, 10 UAE universities each offered one disability-related programme between 2018 and 2020. These included nine general programmes for special or inclusive education and one programme for speech pathology. Conclusion UAE universities are currently unable to train the disability specialists required for students with vision or hearing impairment. An interim option is to offer scholarships to enable Emirati students planning to become disability specialists to gain these specialized qualifications overseas. Current efforts in the UAE to address the needs of people with disabilities should include a development and implementation plan for UAE university programmes to offer specialized courses for people with vision or hearing impairment.

Lessons Learned: A Programmatic Reflection on the Al Qasimi Foundation College Preparation Program

Since its inception, the mission of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research has been to support the capacity development of educational systems in Ras Al Khaimah and the broader United Arab Emirates (UAE). Leaders at the Foundation, and its collaborators, have accomplished this through the production of relevant research and directly engaging with policymakers, educators, and students. The Foundation began working with students in 2013 after inheriting the Sheikh Saqr Overseas Scholarship Program. It provided supplemental scholarships to Ras Al Khaimah Emirati students studying overseas and had been running for several years when it transitioned. As part of its new scholarship management responsibilities, the Foundation was tasked with increasing the number of students enrolled at well-regarded overseas universities.

The Perception Of Emirati Students Towards Academic Advising In Higher Education: A Case Study Of Abu Dhabi Polytechnic

Academic advising is a critical element of the university system that can help students solve their academic problems and succeed in their academic and professional careers. This study aims at investigating students’ perception of academic advising at ADpoly programs. It employs the descriptive and analytical approach for collecting data from a sample of (364) students (males and females) from all academic years. The results of online surveys conducted in the first semester of the academic year 2022-2023 show that, overall, the respondents were positive about academic advising services. The newer students tended to be more satisfied with academic advising than the older students. Also, the results indicated no statistically significant differences between students related to their gender. Finally, the study provides recommendations and future work related to the studied topic.

The effects of video games on communication and social interaction: A study on Emirati university students

This study examines the relationship between playing video games, communication and social interaction among Emirati university students, as several studies (Oei &amp; Patterson, 2014) have shown that there is a real impact of video games on peoples’ interactions as social beings. The results of the study confirmed that 63.9% of the participants use video games on a daily basis, with 23.3% of them allocating two hours per day. Besides, 90.7% of the respondents prefer to play with their friends; which constitutes a form of communication and social interaction. However, 41.67% of the respondents confirmed that video games affect their family relationships, 36.45% affect their relationships with friends, 34.25% enable them to escape from their social reality, 43.59% increase their social isolation, and 39.9% prefer to play alone. This highlights the negative impact of video games on communication and social interaction.

Student evaluation of teaching and student centeredness in the Humboldtian and Emirati tribal traditions of higher education

ABSTRACT This study is the result of interviewing administrators and academics as well as conducting content analysis of student evaluation of teaching (SET) forms in 14 universities in Germany and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim was to establish whether and if so, how, this procedure differs in two highly hierarchical social and academic contexts. We found that SETs have been adopted by all the universities we visited between 2001 and 2013, for some courses in Germany and for all of those in the United Arab Emirates. National and regional higher education laws and accreditation procedures act as coercive and normative mechanisms that promote SET’s implementation in Germany and the UAE, respectively. It emerged that SETs are commonly used for monitoring in Germany and the UAE, in private Emirati and German universities for checking the continuity of contracts and, in private German ones, to report students, while Emirati students do not receive reports, despite their treatment as clients. Further, we elicited that SETs reproduce student-centeredness in all the visited universities in both countries, albeit to varying degrees. We conclude that SETs demonstrate the strength of rationalizing trends in higher education (HE). Moreover, nuances in the implementation of SET, which we relate to the protection of professors’ autonomy in Germany and the cultural norm of respecting faculty as a highly regarded position in the UAE, remain related to the Humboldtian and tribal heritage of our studied countries, respectively.

The effectiveness of project-based learning on Emirati undergraduate students in a microbiology course

PurposeA composting project was introduced into an undergraduate microbiology course, to evaluate its efficacy against traditional lecturing for teaching environmental sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThe research project was a semester-long intervention. Three groups of students participated in the study: a group of 47 female undergraduate students were involved in a composting project, a group of 43 female students were exposed to a traditional lecture and a group of 34 students were the control group. A pretest and a posttest were used, along with poster presentations for the composting project students. In addition, a questionnaire was used to examine students' attitudes toward composting and their waste management practices.FindingsThe project and lecture groups showed significant increases in average test-scores, with the post-project increase (20.9 points) being higher than the post-lecture increase (12.3 points). The questionnaire revealed that nonorganic waste recycling was practiced irregularly, while food waste was reused as livestock feed by 38% of the students. Composting was not common, but 23% of the students in the project group started household composting during the project. The students who were most satisfied with the project outcomes were willing to spend higher prices for a composting box (p = 0.036), showing a high correlation between awareness raising and environmental sustainability practices.Social implicationsThe project-based learning approach had more impact than the traditional lecture in teaching environmental sustainability to the students. The project succeeded in improving students' composting knowledge and increased their interest in continuing the composting practices at home.Originality/valueThe study is the first attempt to measure the direct impact of composting education on Emirati students' knowledge of, and interest in environmental sustainable practices, vis-à-vis composting.

Entrepreneurial behaviour of university students in the United Arab Emirates: An empirical analysis

The aim of the study is to explore students’ entrepreneurial behaviour in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), represented by behavioural intention, and the factors that influence their entrepreneurial decisions. The study used 248 survey questionnaires distributed to university students from various universities and regions in the UAE. The collected data were analysed using elementary descriptive analysis, and partial least squares technique. The findings showed that personal attitude, subjective norm, facilitating conditions and perceived behavioural control have a significant influence on the Emirati students’ entrepreneurial intention. In addition, government support was found to have a significant role in moderating the relationships between the above factors and entrepreneurial intention, by either strengthening or dampening these relationships. The study significantly contributes to the behavioural theories, especially the theory of planned behaviour, by incorporating additional dimensions and applying it in a different field and setting that have not been explored earlier. Likewise, the findings provide important practical insights and recommendations to promote and improve entrepreneurial activities among higher education institutions’ students in the UAE.