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UAE residents show top cultural values: survey

An intensive survey suggests UAE residents strongly value family relationships, have a desire for peace - and reject materialism.

The UAE is one of 18 countries which has been surveyed by cultural measurement organisation Barrett Values Centre, and is one of only two to show all positive values in the top ten cultural values.

Founder and Chairman of Barrett Values Centre Richard Barrett said the result showed people in the UAE are highly satisfied with the current situation in the country.

"The survey showed that in spite of the significant diversity existing in the UAE, the community is enjoying remarkable harmony."

The survey, covered 4,096 individuals over 20, from different segments of the community; 57 percent UAE nationals and 43 percent expatriates, 54 of whom were male and 46 percent female.

When asked about the values they experienced in the UAE, respondents selected values such as peace, educational opportunities, aesthetics and loyalty, the company said.

Innovation, employment opportunities, financial stability, and honesty were some of the preferred values respondents wanted to experience in the UAE.

The company said the UAE was the only country among those surveyed to date that placed the value of 'peace' in its top 10 current values - this was true across all genders, ages, income levels and emirates.

It said this indicated a "strong sense of security" felt in the community and this was a crucial factor in the stability of any country.

"This has made it possible for the UAE to surpass some of the most developed countries in the world."

The UAE also turned in the second lowest level of so-called "cultural entropy", a measure of dysfunctional, toxic or destructive energy felt in the country, the company said.

The level was pegged at just 12 percent, ahead of the 4 percent in Bhutan, but well below the above-50 percent levels of the UK, France and the USA, and highest level of 72 percent in Venezuela.

The company said the factors which led to "cultural entropy" included bureaucracy, corruption, materialism, aggression and environmental pollution.

Respect, family, and ethics were identified by three quarters of participants as the most important they believed in, and were selected among the top ten personal values across all demographic groups as well as in the desired values people hoped to see in the future.
The company said the existence of these three factors "refute(d) the commonly held perception of the UAE as a country that is oriented towards materialism and economic prosperity".

The results also showed a "considerable similarity" in values held across Emiratis and ex-patriates.

amanda@khaleejtimes.com