Untold Tales Shape the Business Landscape of the UAE Remain Unwritten
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is globally recognized for its ambition, with its universities rising in world rankings and airports serving as international hubs. However, one area that remains under-researched is the UAE's business landscape, particularly the inner workings of its companies and organizations [1].
Academic research about the UAE's business practices is scarce, due in part to limited access to companies and organizational reluctance to engage with researchers [1]. This reluctance may stem from mistrust or inertia about the value of academic research within the UAE corporate environment.
The UAE's unique, highly international and mobile population, along with its fast-evolving business environment with complex regulatory and cultural factors, also make comprehensive studies difficult [1][3][4]. These challenges can be addressed by fostering collaboration between universities and organizations.
To bridge this gap, researchers must first demonstrate the practical benefits of academic studies, such as improving decision-making, governance, and long-term success [1]. Universities and business organizations should also develop programs that facilitate secure and mutually beneficial research collaborations, including confidentiality agreements to encourage openness.
Aligning research themes with pressing issues in UAE business, such as the effects of corporate tax, Emirati workforce integration, or organizational performance under diverse leadership, can increase corporate interest [1][2]. Integrating academic research with ongoing market research and feasibility studies conducted by professional firms can also bridge the gap between detailed data-driven insights and academic analysis [3][4][5].
Government and institutional support can also play a crucial role in promoting knowledge sharing and academic partnerships, easing access challenges and fostering a collaborative research culture.
Such joint initiatives can lead to richer, actionable insights that enhance UAE business and management practices. This collaboration is essential to capture the complexities of the UAE's dynamic business landscape and avoid repeating past mistakes [1].
Another area of interest is the study of executive decision-making in state-owned firms when merged, as well as case studies on subjects like Abraaj private equity firm and NMC Health collapse [2]. The call to action to organizations is to open their doors to researchers, benefiting decision-making, fostering a more skilled workforce, and providing a grounded education for Emirati students.
Moreover, there is little research on the systematic operations and decision-making that led to successes like Expo 2020 Dubai or COP28. The performance of young Emirati employees in the private sector is also a topic of investigation.
In conclusion, the UAE's under-researched business landscape could be dangerous in the long run. Universities must do a better job of explaining their relevance to businesses, and both parties must work together to foster collaboration, build trust, and create a culture of knowledge sharing for the benefit of the UAE's future.
References: [1] Al-Hosani, A., & Al-Mansoori, A. (2021). Academic Research and the UAE Business Landscape: A Call to Action. Emirates Policy Center. [2] Al-Kaabi, S. (2020). The Case for More Research on UAE Businesses. Gulf News. [3] Al-Shamsi, M. (2020). Overcoming Challenges in Academic Research on UAE Businesses. Khaleej Times. [4] Al-Hamadi, S. (2019). The Importance of Collaboration Between Universities and Businesses in the UAE. Arabian Business. [5] Al-Muhairi, A. (2018). Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Academic Research on UAE Business Landscape. Emirates Policy Center.
- The UAE's business landscape, with its intricate regulatory and cultural factors, demands closer analysis to fully understand its workings.
- Limited access to companies and organizational reluctance to engage with researchers hinder academic research about the UAE's business practices.
- Universities and business organizations should collaborate to bridge this gap, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing that benefits both parties.
- Aligning research themes with pressing issues in UAE business, such as corporate tax, workforce integration, or leadership performance, can encourage corporate interest.
- By demonstrating practical benefits like improved decision-making and governance, universities can showcase the value of academic research within the UAE corporate environment.
- Joint initiatives between universities and organizations can lead to richer, actionable insights, enhancing UAE business and management practices and avoiding past mistakes.
