United Arab Emirates Government Research Articles

Applying fuzzy logic to balanced scorecard for the performance evaluation of government e-services

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the performance of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Government e-services by using the fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) methodology, integrating insights from the balanced scorecard (BSC) framework across financial, customer, internal business and learning and growth perspectives. Design/methodology/approach Using the fuzzy TOPSIS method, this paper evaluate three e-services in the UAE against 12 criteria representing the balanced scorecard perspectives. Expert evaluation and sensitivity analysis are used to identify the most sustainable e-service alternative. Findings The study findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing customer-centric metrics, improving service reliability and efficiency, and investing in employee training to enhance e-government service performance in the UAE. Sensitivity analysis reinforces the robustness of our results and identifies key criteria influencing decision-making. Research limitations/implications The data was collected only from experts in selected UAE Government departments. This may affect the generalization of the findings. Also, only three e-services were evaluated. Future studies could include various e-services not covered in this study and use different multi-criteria decision-making methods. Practical implications Prioritizing customer satisfaction: Priority should be given to customer satisfaction as it is a critical factor in evaluating e-services because of its importance. It also highlights the importance of considering user feedback and ensuring that e-services have a high level of friendliness and responsiveness to their needs. It follows that minimizing errors and ensuring quick and efficient transactions are crucial. Emphasizing reliability and transaction efficiency: Reliable services and transaction efficiency are also essential criteria for evaluating e-government services. This suggests that e-government services should be designed to minimize errors and ensure that transactions are completed quickly and efficiently. Managing IT costs: To deliver e-government services affordably, effective IT cost management is crucial. This emphasizes how crucial it is to effectively manage IT costs to guarantee the efficient delivery of e-government services. Social implications From a customer perspective, adopting BSC can create a favorable customer attitude, encourage long-term customer support, and increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. These factors have significant social implications for UAE and expatriate individuals who are using such e-government services. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by showcasing the applicability of the fuzzy TOPSIS methodology in evaluating UAE e-government service performance. By examining multiple perspectives of the BSC, this paper provide valuable insights into enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of e-services in the UAE Government sector.

Child vulnerable road user crash injury severity

Road traffic crashes (RTC) are the main cause of mortality, morbidity, and disability for children globally as well as in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Although vehicle occupants usually account for the majority of children involved in RTC in developed countries and in the UAE, injuries sustained by child vulnerable road users (VRUs) are usually more severe due to their lack of protection compared to child occupants. Such injuries are known to result in long-term suffering for children including disabilities in some cases, thereby posing a severe public health burden and economic losses to the population. However, despite the severity of injuries to child VRUs involved in RTC, studies in the UAE have mostly focused on vehicle occupants for both children and adults. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first dedicated study on child VRU RTC injuries in the UAE. Additionally, the UAE government is promoting an active transportation policy among children in a bid to curb childhood obesity. Hence, this study examined the factors contributing to RTC injury severity for child VRUs in the UAE. The results of this study will help in enhancing the safety outcomes of child VRU RTC injuries as well as providing policy recommendations for safe active transport among children in the country.

Predicting the Spread of a Pandemic Using Machine Learning: A Case Study of COVID-19 in the UAE

Pandemics can result in large morbidity and mortality rates that can cause significant adverse effects on the social and economic situations of communities. Monitoring and predicting the spread of pandemics helps the concerned authorities manage the required resources, formulate preventive measures, and control the spread effectively. In the specific case of COVID-19, the UAE (United Arab Emirates) has undertaken many initiatives, such as surveillance and contact tracing by introducing mobile apps such as Al Hosn, containment of spread by limiting the gathering of people, online schooling and remote work, sanitation drives, and closure of public places. The aim of this paper is to predict the trends occurring in pandemic outbreak, with COVID-19 in the UAE being a specific case study to investigate. In this paper, a predictive modeling approach is proposed to predict the future number of cases based on the recorded history, taking into consideration the enforced policies and provided vaccinations. Machine learning models such as LASSO Regression and Exponential Smoothing, and deep learning models such as LSTM, LSTM-AE, and bi-directional LSTM-AE, are utilized. The dataset used is publicly available from the UAE government, Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) and consists of several attributes, such as the numbers of confirmed cases, recovered cases, deaths, tests, and vaccinations. An additional categorical attribute is manually added to the dataset describing whether an event has taken place, such as a national holiday or a sanitization drive, to study the effect of such events on the pandemic trends. Experimental results showed that the Univariate LSTM model with an input of a five-day history of Confirmed Cases achieved the best performance with an RMSE of 275.85, surpassing the current state of the art related to the UAE by over 30%. It was also found that the bi-directional LSTMs performed relatively well. The approach proposed in the paper can be applied to monitor similar infectious disease outbreaks and thus contribute to strengthening the authorities’ preparedness for future pandemics.

Parliamentary questions, institutional change, and legislative oversight in a non‐Western context

AbstractThis study examines how the Federal National Council (FNC), the parliament of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), transformed from a consultative body to a legislative institution through gradual and incremental changes. It argues that the increasing number of parliamentary questions led to legal, procedural, and behavioral changes in the FNC, influenced by external (government support and public pressure) and internal (rationality, competence, incrementalism, and system development) factors. The success of this transformation is attributed to its gradual nature. Anticipating continued momentum, the study outlines future prospects shaped by the UAE government's commitment to FNC empowerment, heightened public expectations, and the influx of educated and experienced individuals into parliamentary roles. This ongoing institutional change reflects a responsive adaptation to evolving governance demands in the UAE. The study contributes to the theory of institutions and the understanding of legislative oversight in newly liberalized political systems.Related ArticlesAntwi‐Boateng, Osman, and Noura Hamad Salim Al Jaberi. 2022. “The Post‐Oil Strategy of the UAE: An Examination of Diversification Strategies and Challenges.” Politics & Policy 50(2): 380–407. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12457.Jouini, Nizar, and Manel Ben Akal. 2022. “Political Consensus, Economic Reforms, and Democratic Transitions in the Middle East: Evidence from Voting on Tunisian Reform Bills.” Politics & Policy 50(4): 851–71. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12489.Sarquís, David J. 2012. “Democratization after the Arab Spring: The Case of Egypt's Political Transition.” Politics & Policy 40(5): 871–903. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00381.x.

Artificial intelligence capabilities, dynamic capabilities and organizational creativity: contributing factors to the United Arab Emirates Government’s organizational performance

PurposeThis study aims to assess the effectiveness of a scale measuring artificial intelligence capabilities by using the resource-based theory. It seeks to examine the impact of these capabilities on the organizational-level resources of dynamic capabilities and organizational creativity, ultimately influencing the overall performance of government organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe calibration of artificial intelligence capabilities scale was conducted using a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis tools. A set of 26 initial items was formed in the qualitative study. In the quantitative study, self-reported data obtained from 344 public managers was used for the purposes of refining and validating the scale. Hypothesis testing is carried out to examine the relationship between theoretical constructs for the purpose of nomological testing.FindingsResults provide empirical evidence that the presence of artificial intelligence capabilities positively and significantly impacts dynamic capabilities, organizational creativity and performance. Dynamic capabilities also found to partially mediate artificial intelligence capabilities relationship with organizational creativity and performance, and organizational creativity partially mediates dynamic capabilities – organizational creativity link.Practical implicationsThe application of artificial intelligence holds promise for improving decision-making and problem-solving processes, thereby increasing the perceived value of public service. This can be achieved through the implementation of regulatory frameworks that serve as a blueprint for enhancing value and performance.Originality/valueThere are a limited number of studies on artificial intelligence capabilities conducted in the government sector, and these studies often present conflicting and inconclusive findings. Moreover, these studies indicate literature has not adequately explored the significance of organizational-level complementarity resources in facilitating the development of unique capabilities within government organizations. This paper presents a framework that can be used by government organizations to assess their artificial intelligence capabilities-organizational performance relation, drawing on the resource-based theory.

Health Determinants: Healthy People of the UAE 2025 – 2035 Plan

Purpose: The goal of the Healthy People initiative is to improve the health of the nation as a whole by directing efforts that are made at the national level to promote health and prevent sickness (Healthy People, 2023). 
 Methodology: This been a white paper the study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low-cost advantage as compared to field research. The current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: The study found out that promoting a healthier and more informed generation requires health literacy in youngsters. The study also found out that the reduction of obesity among police officers would enhance both their general well-being and their effectiveness at work. The study indicated that a comprehensive road safety program targeting car accidents should be implemented to reduce road accidents
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Primary school’s teachers should integrate health education as a regular part of the curriculum, The police department should establish clear and realistic goals and incentives for police officers to participate in the health and wellness programs and drivers should undergo regular training and testing to ensure they follow the traffic rules and regulations. Education authorities should support and facilitate health literacy instruction in primary schools, by providing adequate resources and training, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government should allocate more funds and resources to support individualized health and wellness programs for police officers, as well as to raise awareness about the risks of obesity and the benefits of physical activity and healthy eating. The government should develop and implement a national road safety strategy that sets clear goals and targets for reducing car accident fatalities and injuries. This strategy should be evidence-based and regularly updated.

Nilai Toleransi pada Bingkai Kebijakan Dalam dan Luar Negeri UAE

Starting at the end of the 20th century, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) began to focus its policies on forming a national identity because the migrant population dominated the local population. To overcome this phenomenon, increase investment and economic growth, and maintain domestic harmonization, the UAE government is trying to shape a national identity and implement the value of tolerance in its domestic and foreign policies. This article will describe how the UAE uses tolerance to form a national identity in its domestic and foreign policies and how the Islamic religion plays a role. This research uses qualitative methods and the concept of constructivism in foreign policy. The study finds that the UAE has implemented several approaches to create a national identity full of tolerance to achieve its national interests, namely investment, economic growth, the tourism industry and regional security.

The Impact of Government Policy's Effect on Foreign Direct Investment in United Arab of Emirates

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of governmental policy changes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on both inward and outward foreign direct investment (FDI) by utilizing a statistical model framework. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge focused on the influence of public policies targeting FDI and establishes a specific connection between these policies and outward direct investment (ODI). We particularly examine the consequences of major policy adjustments concerning FDI that were implemented by the UAE government over the period from 1950 to 1995. Our analysis indicates that the UAE's participation in various trade agreements notably enhanced both inward and outward foreign direct investment. However, the UAE's initiatives to regulate FDI through specific agencies had minimal significant effects on either FDI or ODI.

Emiratization and hospitality sector destination branding of Dubai: An impact analysis

This study examines how the Emiratization program designed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government affected the hotel and hospitality sector. A qualitative research approach was adopted, in which in-depth interviews were conducted to collect data from HR managers at four- and five-star hotels in Dubai, UAE. The results showed different sub-variables associated with the role of HR management, motivational strategies, and the Emiratization of labor force. While Emiratization of the workplace poses several challenges, it can capitalize on benefits in brand building, such as using natives as brand ambassadors.

On The Path towards Sustainable Construction—The Case of the United Arab Emirates: A Review

The construction sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expanding substantially due to many variables, including strong economic growth, a swiftly growing population, and continuous modernization endeavors. As a result, the development of the construction industry is leading to adverse impacts on energy consumption and environmental conditions. The UAE government and policymakers have implemented significant initiatives to advance sustainable infrastructure, promote clean energy utilization, effectively manage construction and demolition waste (CDW), and foster green building development. These measures follow the nation’s dedication to the Paris Agreement, which aims to decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The article comprehensively examines the policies and practices implemented in this industrialized nation concerning sustainable construction. Moreover, the primary objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of the UAE in comparison to other countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) concerning their accomplishments in sustainability. Additionally, the study seeks to integrate insights from the global community regarding sustainability policies, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the effective management of CDW, and the implementation of green regulations that govern environmentally conscious construction practices. A comprehensive analysis of information sources from official websites, particularly those of the ministry and key government agencies, is conducted to better understand the current sustainability policies and treatment methods related to the management of CDW and green building regulations.

Human Resource Integration and Performance of Mergers and Acquisitions in UAE

The realistic study evaluated the association between Human Resource Integration and Performance of mergers and acquisitions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The education study utilized a descriptive consideration design with a quantitative prototype. A sample of 300 participants were prudently chosen from 1071 people using Slovene’s formula. Evidence was congregated by means of survey questionnaires. The researchers used simple random sampling to garner facts for the study. Statistics were assessed using Descriptive statistics, Structural equation modelling, Bootstrapping to test the indirect effects and Pearson linear correlation coefficient (PLCC) for quantitative measurements. The study verdicts came up with a momentous correlation between Human Resource Integration and Performance of mergers and acquisitions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The project concluded that Human Resource Integration is essential for Performance of mergers and acquisitions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) because it covenants with issues to do with achievement of joint objectives of the mergers and acquisitions in the UAE. If the Human resources of the merged banks are well managed, they can contribute to the socio-economic headway of the nation on the whole. From the study outcomes, the researchers recommended that the government of UAE should encourage the prioritization of the practice of virtues of accountability, transparency and reconciliation among the workers in order to allow growth of mergers and acquisitions in the nation at large. The government of UAE should increase on the budget meant for training the Human Resources countrywide for better management of mergers and acquisitions in order for the country to develop globally.

Utilizing Industry 4.0 to Overcome the Main Challenges Facing UAE to Achieve the (SDG6.b) Goal of the United Nation Sustainable Development

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is described as a desert country facing significant challenges in managing water resources due to its arid climate and rapid population growth. In recent years, UAE government has prioritized sustainable water management practices. It has made progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.b, which aims to "support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving Water and sanitation management. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the UAE's significant challenges in achieving SDG6.b Goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. Concurrently, this research concentrates on overcoming these challenges. As one of the best qualitative methods, Delphi method was used to explore these challenges and how to integrate Industry 4.0 to overcome those challenges. Five experts from various areas linked to and supporting the water field were invited and accepted to be involved in this research. This research involved a comprehensive approach to prioritize the selected challenges, with the aim of achieving high consistency. The implementation of AHP and Delphi Methods incorporating two rounds of evaluation and expert feedback to reach an 80% consistency threshold. The first round was about identifying and evaluating a set of challenges using AHP method, which compares challenges based on their importance. While the second round was implemented to clarify the prioritization of challenges, this iterative process allowed adjustments based on expert insights, which increased consistency in the prioritization results. Achieving 80% consistency by making two rounds of implementation was an important milestone in this research. It ensured that the prioritization results were reliable and consistent.

Pre-Start-Up Planning and Enhancement of Small and Medium Enterprises’ Operational Performance in The UAE

This rational research study assessed the association between Pre-start-up planning and Enhancement of Small and Medium Enterprises’ Operational Performance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The inquiry study engaged a descriptive and correlational research strategy with quantitative prototype. A sample of 104 participants were carefully chosen using a table prepared by Morgan & Kreijcie (1970). Simple random sampling and stratified random sampling strategies were used to garner data for the research study. Details were assembled using questionnaires and evaluated utilizing frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation and Pearson linear correlation coefficient (PLCC) were used for categorizing quantitative statistics. The study discoveries established a significant connection between Pre-start-up planning and Enhancement of Small and Medium Enterprises’ Operational Performance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study concluded that Pre-start-up planning helps business people to strategically coordinate activities for businesses and avoid any regrets in terms of efficiency and effectiveness in SME’s. From the study consequences, the researchers recommended that the government of UAE should encourage its people to form groups so that government can provide financial assistance to such groups in order to foster their business performance. The government of UAE should also increase on the budget allocation to SME’s through the ministry of Economy so that SME’s can improve on their business, a scenario which may boost the economy of the country.

A System Dynamic Model for Polyethylene Terephthalate Supply Chain in the United Arab Emirates—Status, Projections, and Environmental Impacts

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles are widely used in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); however, their production and disposal adversely affect the environment. In collaboration with the private sector, the UAE government has taken serious steps to reduce these impacts, including (i) encouraging people to stop using PET water bottles and to separate their waste, (ii) establishing material recovery facilities, (iii) constructing facilities for incineration with energy recovery, and (iv) creating business opportunities to downcycle and recycle PET water bottles. This paper models the PET supply chain (PSC) using system dynamics (SD) to simulate the current PSC in the UAE and to project its possible evolution from 2023 to 2050, taking greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into consideration. For decision-makers, the SD model shows that PET reductions must equal population growth to maintain GHG emissions associated with the PSC for the coming years. In addition, the separation efficiency must exceed 33% of PET consumption to meet the current demand for used PET. Moreover, if PET consumption decreases by more than 1.5%, then businesses relying on used PET will face a supply shortage in the year 2050. As for environmental impacts, it is found that if downcycling and recycling capabilities are fully utilized, GHG emissions will decrease by 35%. Furthermore, if demand for recycled PET reaches 10,000 tons, this reduction will exceed 47%, reaching 177,861MtCO2e.

Awareness of Periodontal Health among Pregnant Females in Government Setting in United Arab Emirates.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common infectious diseases. Several factors are associated with increased susceptibility of periodontal disease such as hormonal changes during pregnancy. Although pregnancy does not directly cause gingivitis, it can aggravate preexisting periodontal disease. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge of the association between periodontal disease and pregnancy in pregnant females. A convenience sample of pregnant females attending two United Arab Emirates government hospitals was recruited for this study. A 23-item questionnaire was developed with four sections, covering sociodemographic details, oral hygiene, oral symptoms during pregnancy, and knowledge of periodontal health during pregnancy. The study was conducted between April and October 2017. All participants consented to the survey. A total of 100 participants with a mean age of 31 years (± 5.9) completed the survey. Most respondents brushed their teeth 2 to 3 times a day (65%), used a manual toothbrush (93%) but only visited the dentist when in pain (62%). Few respondents self-reported any gingival signs and symptoms during pregnancy; 38% had bleeding gums, 27% had no gum swelling, and 34% had bad odor/taste/smell. Only 21% of pregnant females lost a tooth/teeth during pregnancy, 15% believed that pregnancy increased the likelihood of gum disease, and 66% of gynecologists did not advise a visit to the dentist.Housewives were significantly less knowledgeable about periodontal health than students/employed respondents (p = 0.01). Quality of knowledge was not associated with educational attainment (< 0.06). Respondents > 30 years of age were more likely to believe in "a tooth for a baby" than younger participants aged < 30 years (p < 0.05). A logistic regression model showed that educational attainment was not a predictor for the belief in "a tooth for a baby" but age was a significant predictor (odds ratio = 2.0). Protocols should be developed in antenatal clinics in order to improve periodontal health in pregnant females and to prevent complications that can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

United Arab Emirates: Recent Developments in the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and of Women

Abstract This survey reviews some of the key legislative and executive measures of the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the year 2021–2022, which have relevance to mainly the rights of the migrant workers. Further, and in less detail, this survey also refers to some of the developments pertinent to the rights of women living in the UAE. However, more generally these rights are less relevant to women who are not UAE nationals. The UAE is a member country of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and a federal state comprising seven emirates namely, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The GCC comprises six states in the Arab-Gulf region: Oman, Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. These oil-producing states have a significant proportion of foreign workforce in the population. Foreign workers work mostly in the private sector and are also residents in the host countries. At 88.1 per cent, the UAE has the highest proportion of migrants in its population among the GCC members (UN DESA, 2020). Therefore, a broader spectrum of governments’ measures relating to the issues like labour, entry and residence, and ownership of property or business touch the lives of the foreign/migrant workers or expatriates in the Gulf country. Governments’ initiatives targeting domestic workers are relevant also for women because they comprise the majority in this group. The survey notes that most of the governmental activity in the Emirates in the past year largely concern new laws or amendments of the existing legislation and regulations linked to labour and residency matters. Some of the more relevant ones that the survey has selected here confirms this. It also marks the period post the pandemic, which had posed considerable economic challenge for the government. Hence, as also some neighbouring Gulf countries, the UAE has shown a balance of measures. On the one hand, to revive its economic dynamism and competitiveness, measures have been taken aimed at facilitating more ease and benefits to attract and retain foreign labour and investment in the country. On the other hand, measures have been taken that expressly favour the national workforce in order to boost their more active participation in the labour market and to support increased nationalisation efforts. The UAE government’s expansion and the introduction of new residence and entry visas, unified rules of labour, and the Abu Dhabi government’s initiative with separate personal status law for non-Muslim foreigners in the emirate are a few notable highlights. The survey has essentially drawn on the government’s documents and announcements as available in English or translated text, in addition to information in the press and other relevant sources.

Uncovering the interplay between political will, public management reforms, and outcomes: a study of the United Arab Emirates

The aim of the study is to fill the gap in the existing literature by presenting a comprehensive and theoretically sound framework that examines the interplay between the attributes of political will, public management reform design and implementation, the results they yield and the impact of external factors on these variables. Drawing upon the systematic literature review, the research develops a conceptual framework of political will and applies it to the context of public management reforms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A wide range of databases are used from secondary sources including Worldwide Governance Indicators, Failed State Index, Global Innovation Index, and Transparency International. The results show that the UAE government's strong commitment to reforms, as well as its ability to implement those reforms effectively, has contributed to positive outcomes in areas such as economic development and public service delivery. UAE has liberalized its economy and institutionalized innovative practices. All actors are involved in reform initiatives. Given the developmental clientelist regime in the UAE, political leadership has played an instrumental role in successfully implementing public management reforms. The UAE Government has ensured capacity-building efforts and proper incentives such as Government Excellence Awards are in place for the continuity of reform initiatives. Other government regimes could potentially benefit from the approaches employed by the UAE government in undertaking public management reform initiatives. The results challenge the common assumption that monarchical regimes are unable to drive such changes and instead demonstrate that a development-focused clientelist state can effectively implement incremental reforms in public management. The proposed conceptual model will also potentially guide future empirical research in the field.

Gain and pain: resilience of home mobility in early Shabiyat housing of Ras Al-Khaimah

The Social Housing Program initiated by the United Arab Emirates Government in 1971 aimed to upgrade the living conditions of the local Emiratis. The early housing projects were later known as Shabiyat. Individuals living in harsh conditions in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah were willingly and within a short period relocated to new houses an approximate distance from their original homes, and they had to adapt to the new lifestyle and place. Due to changes in these individuals’ everyday practices, they questioned the resilience of their new houses. This study aimed to investigate the degree of resilience of the early Shabiyat housing and examine the notion of home mobility and how it is related to resilience through physical and nonphysical spatial transformation and everyday practice. The study is structured into two sections: first, understanding the resilience of the traditional settlements in the mountains; and second, examining the main characteristics of early Shabiyat, its main concept, and how it has addressed the Emirati society’s needs. This will assist in tracing these structures’ patterns of resilience and offer some practical guidance for professionals and the public in developing policies toward maximizing the sustainability of proposed future social housing projects.

Accessibility of nutritional services for children with autism spectrum disorder in the United Arab Emirates: Insights from special education teachers and parents

BackgroundGoal 2 of United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals exhorts countries to provide guidelines on better nutrition for all children. In response, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government designed a national nutrition framework to encourage better eating habits. However, large body of literature has reported that children with ASD are at high risks of malnutrition and poor eating habits. Yet, in the UAE and other contexts, there is limited research on accessibility of nutritional services to adults in the lives of children with ASD. AimsAs parents and teachers spend the most time with children with ASD, this study sought to understand their perceptions of the availability of nutritional services for such children in the UAE. Method and proceduresPenchansky and Thomas’ (1981) health access theory served as the theoretical framework; its five tenets (geography, finance, accommodation, resources and acceptability) informed the design of a semi-structured interview guide. Data were collected from 21 participants, comprising 6 parents and 15 teachers of children with ASD. Outcomes and resultsThematic analysis revealed that participants perceived accommodation, acceptability, and human resource availability as barriers to accessibility. However, geographical and financial accessibility were not identified as challenges. Conclusions and implicationsThe study calls for health policymakers to formalise nutritional services as an integrated part of the UAE health system, while also extending services to children with ASD. ContributionThis study makes a substantial contribution to the literature. First, it addresses the needs for nutritional services for children with ASD. There is a limited body of knowledge on whether children with ASD have access to the requisite nutrition for development This study sheds light on an area that has received limited scholarly insight. Second, it adds to the usage of health access theory in studies on nutritional services for children with ASD.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing students’ perspectives about nursing as career choice and nursing profession’s image

Healthcare Industry has taken a center-stage in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Which affected many countries globally to rethink and strengthen its healthcare infrastructure. The student nurses experienced various emotions during the pandemic period which may impact their attitude towards choosing nursing as their career choice. For that, this study aimed to determine the nursing students’ attitude towards the chosen nursing profession and its image during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, to investigate the impact factors that may affect the students’ attitude on choosing nursing as their career choice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A descriptive quantitative, cross-sectional design was used. A quantitative survey instrument was developed, piloted, factor analyzed, checked for reliability, validity and implemented. The survey was conducted in a nursing institution in the UAE and received 372 responses. In general, there seems to be a positive attitude towards choosing the nursing profession as a career choice and the nursing profession image. In conclusion, this study showed that the pandemic has not affected the nursing students negatively on the attitude towards their career-choice. The students’ families and the government of UAE have been very supportive during the pandemic.