United Arab Emirates Residents Research Articles

Health literacy, knowledge, household disposal, and misuse practices of antibiotics among UAE residents: a nationwide cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background The study aimed to evaluate health literacy, knowledge, household disposal, and misuse practices of antibiotics among the United Arab Emirates (UAE) residents. Research design and methods An observational cross-sectional study was conducted between May 1st and August 31st, 2022. The study encompassed a sample of 1074 participants. Results Participants involved in a medical field (OR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.45–2.69, p < 0.001) were more likely to have adequate health literacy. Most participants rarely (n = 315; 29.33%) or sometimes (n = 292; 27.19%) sought help from a doctor or pharmacist with reading the instructions and leaflets of antibiotics. A bachelor`s degree was associated with a reduced odds ratio of self-medication with antibiotics (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.29–0.75, p = 0.002). Only 10.61% of unneeded antibiotics were returned to the pharmacy, 79.42% were disposed of at home and 10% were disposed of using other disposal practices. Conclusions Higher levels of adequate health literacy were observed in those involved in the medical field and those with higher educational levels. The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among the UAE population was low. These findings highlight the importance of improving health literacy, promoting responsible antibiotic use, and encouraging proper disposal practices among the population.

UNCONSUMED FOOD CONCERNS: THE CASE OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The article identifies factors influencing consumer attitudes with regard to unconsumed food in the wealthy economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the vast majority of the population are transient residents. The estimated regression coefficients were used to calculate the marginal effects, which measure change in probability of attitude towards the unconsumed food. The study applied the survey data collected from 1,542 UAE residents. The respondents included individuals representing 70 nationalities – transient residents of the UAE, mostly Filipinos (26%) and citizens of India (20%), and the UAE nationals (11%). Results show that persons showing most frequently concern about unconsumed food are women, older, college educated, and high income. Additionally, those concerned were also the long-term residents of the UAE as well as the supporters of investment in renewable energy. The sole factor that was associated with lower probability of being concerned about unconsumed food was the number of owned cars (on average 2.7 cars per household).

Impact of pending dental treatments on patient's oral health during COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates

Background: Untreated dental problems can have a negative impact on the health and well-being of affected individuals, and delayed treatment would lead to serious oral problems. The outbreak of COVID-19 has shut down many dental care services, and this has deferred dental treatment for many. Assessing the effect of pending dental treatment will clarify the role and importance of dental services in maintaining and controlling oral health. Aims and Objectives: This study was carried out to explore the impact of COVID-19 on pending dental treatment among United Arab Emirates (UAE) residents. Assessing the importance of dental services, studying patients' self-management of symptoms, comparing the most affected categories, and determining the demand of developing a forward strategy in case of a future pandemic. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was designed using a pre-tested questionnaire published in an online survey among UAE residents that included participants from all seven emirates. Consent was conducted from each participant after ensuring anonymity and confidentiality. The collected responses were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Appropriate tests of significance were used, and a P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The analysis showed about 34.2% of the participants had pending dental treatment due to COVID-19. The most deferred treatment was orthodontic treatment by 18.6% of participants. The commonly affected oral region was the teeth, where toothache was the most reported oral symptom. Conclusion: The findings showed that the pandemic had a significant impact on the dental health of UAE residents due to postponed treatment. It is suggested to raise the level of awareness and the shifting of the dental care paradigm to preventive strategies has to be developed according to the new guidelines focusing on reducing the risk factors of oral cancer. The new strategies emphasise dental health promotion, topical fluorides and nutritious diet. Oral health messaging and actions should be incorporated in pediatric offices and primary health-care facilities. Moreover, allocate mandatory periodic dental checkups for compromised patients. Dentists should consider alternative strategies to address these deferred treatments during such pandemics.

Impact of Residents’ Demographics on Their Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Waste Management at the Household Level in the United Arab Emirates

Sustainability in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a critical issue due to the steady rises in population and regional economic growth. Therefore, an urgent need arises each passing time on ensuring efficient resource utilization and waste management in all sectors; industrial, agricultural, and residential. In the residential sector, residents’ greenness with a focus on their waste-management knowledge and practices could be impacted by their socio-demographics such as age, gender, educational level, and income. Several studies investigated this impact but reported varying outcomes about its degree. Therefore, this work aims to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of UAE residents towards waste management in their households and how impacted their KAPs are by their demographics. For this goal, a questionnaire was distributed among 400 UAE residents of different genders, ages, and educational levels, and the collected responses were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using ANOVA and the t-test. The results showed that the sampled UAE residents were fairly knowledgeable about the three Rs of waste management (reduce, reuse, and recycle) and the impact of waste management on the environment. They were also fairly aware of the impact of their consumption style on waste generation. The results also showed that around two thirds of the residents believed that segregating waste and reducing its generation are their main roles in waste management. Furthermore, one third of the residents considered the lack of environmental awareness among the public as the most common reason for inefficient waste management at the household level, followed by the lack of infrastructure. Regarding the most effective motivator for the residents to manage waste in their households, one third of the participants chose economic incentives, while ethical motivations and awareness campaigns were the second choices. Surprisingly, only 15% of the residents believed that governmental regulations and enforcement would be effective to improve residents’ waste management attitudes and practices. Finally, the results showed that the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of UAE residents were influenced to varying degrees by their age, gender, and educational level. These outcomes may provide insight into how the UAE government can address underlying challenges toward efficient waste management at the household level.

Assessing The Proximity of the Roots of Maxillary Molars and Premolars to the Maxillary Sinus in UAE Residents

Background: The proximity of the roots of the maxillary posterior teeth (MPT) to the maxillary sinus (MS) may result in an increased risk of the development of MS pathology. Moreover, surgical procedures for the MPT, which are close to the MS can result in several complications like oroantral communication and displacement of roots into the MS. Objective: This cross-sectional study evaluated the MPT's proximity to the MS using digital panoramic radiography in a sample of individuals living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: A total of 141 panoramic radiographs showing the presence of all MPT were retrieved from the Oral Radiology Department of Ajman University, Fujairah Campus. Thus, the proximity of 1410 MPT to the MS was evaluated on a scale of zero to three. Results: The roots of the first and the second molars are the closest to the MS (χ2 = 374.612; p 0.000). The distance between the roots of MPT and MS did not differ statistically between males and females (χ2 = 2.44, p= .124), nor between the right and left sides (χ2 = 0.46, p= .872). However, there was a highly significant negative correlation between the root-sinus proximity and age. (rho= -.201, p &lt; .001). Conclusion: In UAE residents, the roots of the first and second molars are closer to the MS than other MPT. Therefore, more precautions should be taken when doing a surgical procedure in this region.

The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Customers’ Spending Behavior in the United Arab Emirates

The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the global economy, causing consumers panic, mobility restrictions and resulting in job losses. Using survey data from 300 respondents, this study examines the effect of a Covid-19 pandemic on consumer spending behavior in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study finds that the spending behavior of UAE residents during the pandemic has not changed much compared to the pre-pandemic period, despite that some have lost a portion of their income. The study also reports that customers in the UAE have experienced lower panic-shopping behavior during the pandemic. In addition, the findings indicate that about 57% and 51% of the respondents lack adequate savings such as emergency fund and insurance respectively. Generally, it can be concluded that customers in the UAE were able to stabilize their spending behavior with no significant changes in their general spending behavior. The stable spending of UAE customers during the pandemic can be explained by the high level of optimism customers have on the likelihood of economic recovery in the post pandemic period.

Knowledge, Prevention, and Practice of Heat Strokes among the Public in United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Background: Heat strokes are predictable and preventable, so sufficient public awareness of the condition and preventative practices are essential in hot and humid countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aims to assess the level of awareness (knowledge, prevention, and management) of heat stroke among UAE residents. Methods: Survey-based study of a random sample of adults (?18 years) in four different cities of UAE. The questionnaire included 37 questions on knowledge and practices. Correct answer was equal to one point and total scores were calculated. The average of participants’ total scores was taken as cut-off point. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associated factors with below-average awareness. Results: A total of 402 people participated in the study, with age average 33±12 years and 48.5% were female. Only 1 person achieved a perfect score and 0.7%, 10%, and 17.7% achieved above average scores in knowledge, practices, and management, respectively. Seven percent of participants had never heard of a heat stroke before. A third of participants (32%) did not know that severe heat strokes can lead to death. Males are at higher risk of having a poor level of knowledge (Odds ratio [OR]=1.65; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]=1.10-2.47). The older the population the poor was the knowledge about heat stroke (OR=1.39, 95%CI=1.03-1.89). Conclusion: The results of this study show that a huge proportion of the population in the UAE does not have sufficient knowledge about heat stroke, its prevention, and management. Governmental institutes should increase awareness of heat stroke.

A Survey on the Use of Plastic versus Biodegradable Bottles for Drinking Water Packaging in the United Arab Emirates

Due to intensive utilization and extensive production, plastic waste is becoming a serious threat to the environment and human health. The situation is even worse in countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where single-use plastic water bottles add to the load of plastic pollution. The main objective of this survey was to assess the extent of bottled water utilization by the UAE residents and their awareness of the environmental concerns arising from single-use plastic bottles. The aim was also to evaluate their willingness to shift towards using biodegradable plastic bottles. This study involved the feedback of 2589 respondents living in the UAE. The eigenvalue decomposition (EVD) was applied to determine the most responsible variables explaining the variability of our data set. A chi-square analysis was also used to determine the significance among the responses. Most of the respondents to this survey were UAE nationals (79.8%) of ages ranging from 21 to 35 years (42%), who were educated, with most holding a university degree (69.6%). Regardless of their gender, age, occupation, education, and income, a large group of respondents (40.7%) was concerned about the impact of their purchased items on the environment; however, the frequency of plastic products recycled was observed to be low (49.7%). According to the findings of this survey, 42.4% of the respondents were likely to purchase 100% biodegradable bottles, and about 70% of the respondents expressed a willingness to spend at least AED 1 more for purchasing 100% biodegradable bottles.

Surveillance, race, and social sorting in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made headlines for its use of mass surveillance technologies against UAE residents, as well as opponents externally. Under the guise of protecting national security, there has been a proliferation of state-led initiatives to monitor public spaces and online activity across the UAE, making the country an important laboratory for advanced surveillance tools. This article takes as a starting point that despite claims to being race-neutral and scientific, surveillance technologies have an embedded racial bias and operate according to context to (re)produce forms of state control and racial social relations. Reviewing the introduction of multiple surveillance technologies, this article traces the rationales used to racially order space and define deviance in the UAE context, emphasising questions of race, migration status and labour, to understand how the state defines, codifies, and regulates an ethno-racial hierarchy.

Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) Lockdown on Mental Health and Well-Being in the United Arab Emirates.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken unprecedented precautionary measures including complete lockdowns against COVID-19 to control its spread and ensure the well-being of individuals. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 and societal lockdown measures on the mental health of adults in the UAE. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an English and Arabic online questionnaire between May and June 2020. The psychological impact was assessed by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the social and family support impact was evaluated using questions from the Perceived Support Scale (PSS). A total of 4,426 participants (3,325 females and 1,101 males) completed the questionnaire. The mean IES-R score was 28.0 ± 14.6, reflecting a mild stressful impact with 27.3% reporting severe psychological impact. Over 36% reported increased stress from work, home and financial matters. Also, 43–63% of the participants felt horrified, apprehensive or helpless due to COVID-19. Females, younger participants, part-timers, and college or University graduates were more likely to have a high IES-R score (p < 0.05). The majority of participants reported receiving increased support from family members, paying more attention to their mental health, and spending more time to rest and relax. The results of this study demonstrate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among the UAE residents and highlight the need to adopt culturally appropriate interventions for the general population and vulnerable groups, such as females and younger adults.

Indirect Health Effects of COVID-19: Unhealthy Lifestyle Behaviors during the Lockdown in the United Arab Emirates.

Background: Lockdown measures were implemented in many countries to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, such restrictions could precipitate unintended negative consequences on lifestyle behaviors. The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and determinants of unhealthy behavior changes during the COVID-19 lockdown among residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey of adults residing in the UAE was carried out during lockdown (n = 2060). Using a multi-component questionnaire, the collected data included questions regarding the following lifestyle changes: Increased dietary intake, increased weight, decreased physical activity, decreased sleep, and increased smoking. An unhealthy lifestyle change score was calculated based on the number of unhealthy lifestyle changes each participant reported. In addition, sociodemographic and living conditions information was collected. Descriptive statistics as well as simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the prevalence and determinants of the unhealthy lifestyle changes considered in this study. Results: Among the unhealthy lifestyle changes examined, increased food intake was the most common (31.8%), followed by decreased physical activity (30%), increased weight (29.4%), decreased sleep (20.8%), and increased smoking (21%). In addition to identifying the correlates of each of the aforementioned lifestyle changes, the results of the multiple regression linear analyses revealed the following correlates for the overall unhealthy lifestyle change score: females (β = 0.32, CI: 0.22; 0.42), living in an apartment (β = 0.12, CI: 0.003; 0.23) and being overweight/obese (β = 0.24, CI: 0.15; 0.32) had higher scores, while older adults (>40 years) had lower scores (β = −0.23, CI: −0.34; −0.12). Conclusions: The COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in a high prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and practices among UAE residents. The findings of this study provided the evidence base for officials to design interventions targeting high-risk groups and aiming to improve healthy lifestyle factors among residents during the pandemic.

Knowledge, practices and reasons of hookah smoking in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study

Background: Hookah smoking has been increasing in the past few years in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and becoming a public health concern. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, practices and reasons of hookah smoking among UAE residents. Methods: A cross-sectional study design used a structured and validated self-administered survey. Results: Out of 420 individuals who participated in the study, 54.5% (n = 229) were males. The prevalence of smoking hookah was 37.7% (n = 158) and more prevalent among people aged 18–29 years (n = 99, 41.6%), Arab non Emiratis (n = 112, 42.6%) and cigarette smokers (n = 54, 49.1%), P

Predictors of life satisfaction in the United Arab Emirates: Results based on Gallup data

The literature is rife with papers discussing the state of developed and developing economies with a number of commonalities around what drives life satisfaction. In sum, females, the educated and well off, younger and older generations, the married or partnered as well as employees with decent job prospects report higher life satisfaction. Yet, whether these hold true in a diverse, expatriate society transitioning from post-oil dependence to a knowledge economy, as is the case in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is unknown. Using survey data of a nationally representative sample collected by the Gallup Organization between the years of 2006 to 2017, we explore life satisfaction of more than 17,000 UAE residents and citizens. Our results show that the usual predictors found in other nations did not completely hold true. Age does not follow the usual U-shaped life satisfaction relationship in male or female citizens. Tertiary education contributes to life satisfaction only for men, but not women. Unemployment and the freedom to live one’s life as chosen have no significant impact. There remain culture-specific determinants of life satisfaction that require continued investigation, particularly in Middle Eastern nations such as the UAE.

Assessing the Knowledge of Environmental Risk Factors for Cancer among the UAE Population: A Pilot Study.

The incidence of cancer is increasing worldwide as well as in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Currently, researchers are advocating not only for prevention programs but also for early detection. In this study, we aimed to assess the general awareness of cancer among the UAE population, with a focus on environmental risk factors. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 385 participants. A total of 91.2% of the study population identified cancer as the leading cause of death, while 64.6% of the subjects were able to identify the key causes of cancer. A total of 87.3% and 70.5% of the participants were able to define tobacco and alcohol, respectively, as cancer-causing agents. Most of the study population failed to identify cancer-related infectious agents and incense smoke as carcinogens. Respondents in the medical professions had the highest knowledge score when compared with respondents with a non-medical profession and unemployed participants (p < 0.0005). To fill the gaps in cancer-related knowledge, participants were asked about their preferred method for cancer education, and 83.9% of the participants favored the media as a source of information. Conclusively, our findings indicated a gap in cancer knowledge among UAE residents, which highlights the importance of educational campaigns by health authorities; a follow-up study evaluating the success of educational campaigns is also warranted.

Hyper-Consumption to Circular Economy in the United Arab Emirates: Discarding the Disposable and Cherishing the Valuable

Overconsumption of resources and consumer items is an important driver for environmental degradation and climate change. Malls, shopping, and conspicuous consumption are deeply ingrained in the local values and the global image of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE has a diverse and international population with over 85% expats and numerous opportunities to reduce environmental impact. Increased participation in a circular economy that aims to reduce resource use by recycling materials, reusing products, extending their lifespan, and maintaining their economic value would be an effective strategy to reduce negative environmental impacts. However, little is known about how much and why UAE citizens and residents participate in the circular economy. Therefore, it is important to examine the factors that predict participation in the circular economy in the UAE. To investigate this question, we surveyed n=163 undergraduate students at an American-curriculum university in the UAE and explored literature-based explanations as predictors for participation in the circular economy, namely gender, nationality, exposure to circular economy initiatives, efforts to reduce ecological footprints, and sustainable consumer behaviors using index-based negative binomial regression models. We also compare differences in ways and levels of participation in the circular economy between UAE citizens and residents with t-tests. Our results suggest that participation in the circular economy does not emerge from concerted efforts to reduce environmental degradation such as lowering ecological footprint and reducing waste, but rather investments in sustainable and durable items. Emirati citizens are more likely to participate in the circular economy, in particular repairing items, than expat residents. These differences are most likely to be explained by the more stable lifestyles of Emirati citizens as opposed to the more itinerant lifestyles of expat residents. Keywords: sustainability, circular economy, consumption, Middle East, ecological footprint, recycling.

Evaluation of knowledge of the united arab emirates population on measles and its control, following a nationwide campaign

ABSTRACTIntroduction:In 2015, a nationwide campaign to eradicate measles was launched by the health authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed to assess the UAE society’s knowledge of measles and its control following this campaign.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among UAE residents above the age of 18 years from March to May 2017. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was distributed, and a convenience sampling method was used. The data collected were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 22 software.Results:A total of 391 questionnaires were completed from the overall 410 distributed. Most of the population have heard of measles (94.6%). However, only 23.5% claimed they have high knowledge of the disease. Information on measles was mainly acquired from family and friends (50.3%). Individuals with higher educational status were more knowledgeable about several aspects of the disease. Married individuals and those with children were more likely to identify the symptoms and associated conditions of the disease correctly. However, married participants had more misconception about the relationship between autism and the measles vaccine. No significant differences were found between the different age groups, genders, or nationalities.Conclusion:Despite the nationwide campaign to eradicate measles, based on the results of our study, the majority of the UAE population did not have knowledge about the measles disease and its preventive measures. It is important that public health authorities and public health organizations seek to address these issues.

Volunteering in the United Arab Emirates’ Health System—Motivations and Challenges

Background: The volunteer role has been cited as an important in supporting healthcare organizations in diverse areas such as contributing to research, health professional’s education, health care delivery, health policy development and patient administration. Proper motivation of volunteers is required for sustaining volunteer performance, while encumbrances to optimal engagement in health systems need to be addressed. This study aimed to investigate the main factors that motivate volunteers to participate in the UAE healthcare system, along with exploring the barriers and challenges being faced. Methods: This study was designed as a quantitative cross-sectional study in United Arab Emirates (UAE). A purposive sample of the Adult citizens and residents using purposive sampling directed at all major health volunteer recruitment agencies in UAE, who have volunteered at least once in the health system over the preceding 12 months. Participants Adult UAE residents were selected by a purposive sampling method from February to April 2017. Data were collected through electronic questionnaires using modified Volunteer Motivation Inventory (VMI). Data were analyzed from 667 adults’ residents who were reported to volunteer at least once in healthcare opportunities. Results: About 53% (n = 290) of the volunteers in this sample were full time employed individuals. Almost 63% (n = 422) were female. Overall, assessed self-reported motivations of volunteer participants were high. The main motivation for volunteering in healthcare opportunities in the UAE was Understanding dimension (Mean = 4.68), followed by self-esteem dimension (Mean = 4.60). Eight elements of volunteer motivation showed no statistically significant differences between male and female respondents. Organization/system barriers dimension was the highest among respondents (Mean = 2.9), followed by individual barriers (Mean = 2.6), interpersonal (Mean = 2.06) and contextual (Mean = 2.04). Conclusion: UAE health sector volunteers who participated in this study appeared to be highly motivated. The main motivation factor was understanding dimension which allowed volunteers in healthcare to gain a new perspective on things, through practical training and learning new things, dealing with different groups in the health sector, for example doctors, nursing, patients. What makes the health sector volunteer understand them self and the world around them. Therefore the organization should focus on volunteer motivation to ensure future intensions of them. The four main barriers to volunteer were Individual barriers, Interpersonal barriers, contextual barriers and organizations system barriers. Concerted efforts are needed to raise awareness about available volunteer opportunities, and optimally align the motivations of volunteers with organizational objectives in the UAE health sector.

Predicting determinants of the intention to use digital currency in the UAE: An empirical study

AbstractDigital currencies represent a new, innovative means of exchange, utilizing the internet to simplify and enhance online transactions, which brings a revolution to the economy. This research investigated the acceptance predictors of digital currency among the people of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To achieve this goal, I surveyed a sample of 181 UAE residents, aiming to predict the intention to use digital currency. The researcher argues that perceived usefulness, perceived trust, social influence, and perceived ease of use are significant determinants of citizens' intention to use digital currency, and perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness mediate the relationship between awareness and intention to use. Also, this paper reveals the factors affecting digital currency acceptance in the UAE, representing differences and similarities regarding global acceptance. The results extend existing models of digital currency acceptance, providing governments, policymakers, and IT professionals with understanding of how acceptance is developed in this context.

Public attitude toward expanding the reuse of treated wastewater in the United Arab Emirates

In 2015, the treated wastewater production was 711 million cubic meters (mm3) per year, in which 511 mm3 was used, while the remaining 200 mm3 was disposed in the sea or wasted in desert areas. By 2030, the projected volume of produced wastewater is about 1400 mm3, each drop of which has to be utilized. This study examined the public attitude toward expansion of treated wastewater reuse in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A multiple-choice questionnaire which covered demographic information, knowledge related to water resources and attitude was prepared and posted online. The answers of 1304 UAE residents (male = 444 and female = 860) were collected, presented and analyzed with the use of T test, one-way ANOVA and Chi-square. Results show that 30% of respondents are aware of the water shortage problem, while the remaining 70% are unaware (30%) or do not know (40%). However, the majority (80%) are taking measures to conserve water and are willing to pay extra fees for having centralized wastewater treatment systems installed where they live. There is a positive attitude toward the use of treated wastewater for some agricultural and industrial purposes. The respondents support the use of treated wastewater for preserving the environment and easing pressure on expensive desalinated water and depleting groundwater. Results also revealed statistical significance toward wastewater reuse based on gender, age, level of education and income. Respondents ranked incentives for reuse of treated wastewater and critics against reuse.

The Blockade of Qatar: Between Legal Justice and Political Arbitrariness

On June 5, 2017, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Egypt issued statements against the State of Qatar announcing the severance of ties, including diplomatic relations, with Qatar. The Qatari diplomatic mission was given 48 hours to leave those countries. Qatari nationals were banned to travel to KSA, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt and Qatari residents and visitors were given 14 days to leave. The four countries also imposed in just 24 hours a land, air and sea blockade on Qatar claiming this a precaution due to security reasons and accusing Qatar of supporting “terrorist groups” such as the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, the Taliban, ISIS and Al-Qaeda.This study highlights the “unjust” and “oppressive” aspect of the blockade on or the boycott of Qatar. It includes four parts: the first part showcases the statements of the blockading countries and Qatar’s response to them, the second part highlights the crisis generated by the statements of the blockading countries, the third part discusses the legal irregularities of these statements, and the fourth part explores the reasons behind the actions of the blockading countries.