UAE | General
Emirati youth more optimistic - survey
Emirati youth are among the most optimistic in the Middle East about their future, according to the inaugural Asda'a Burson-Marsteller Arab youth survey.
- By Kevin Scott, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:01 November 12, 2008
- A recent survey has found that Arab youth are not just looking at one element of their daily lives, but are looking at their overall long-term future.
- Image Credit: Asghar Khan/Gulf News Archive
Dubai: Emirati youth are among the most optimistic in the Middle East about their future, according to the inaugural Asda'a Burson-Marsteller Arab youth survey.
It also revealed that Arab youth optimism surpasses that of their Western peers.
The survey, based on the views of 1,800 young people between the ages of 18-24, was carried out in six Middle East states - the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar - and three Western nations namely the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany.
Among the Middle East states surveyed, 65 per cent of Saudi youth, 60 per cent of Jordanian youth and 57 per cent of Emirati youth feel their country is heading in the right direction.
Mark Penn, Global CEO of Burson-Marsteller, told Gulf News that many of the survey's findings came as a big surprise.
He said: "Arab youth are not just looking at one element of their daily lives, they are looking at their overall long-term future. The factors contributing to their positive attitude include the environment they grew up in, education and the opportunities they have."
The rising cost of living and overall economic outlook is the overriding concern for both groups, they are both similarly worried about their ability to live in a good area and stay in touch with their family.
But the survey also shows a huge contrast between Arab and Western youth when examining the importance of religious belief.
Some 68 per cent of Arab youth say religion defines them as a person compared to just 16 per cent in the West.
Findings: Differing opinions
Western youth are generally pessimistic about the future, while Middle East youth are optimistic.
Nine per cent of Arab youth say the loss of traditional values and culture is the greatest challenge facing the world today, while Western youth view the same as only moderately important.
Asked whom they look up to, 30 per cent of Arab youth cited government leaders compared to just nine per cent in the West.
Share this article
Popular in UAE
-
Your pictures
Readers' pictures
A Selection of the best Gulf News reader pictures this week
Latest news
- Teacher jailed for indecent behaviour
- Building the blocks of education, step by step
- Forum seeks more reforms to human trafficking law
- Crackdown urged on drink driving
- Disability is no handicap for this Emirati
- UAE Residency department to offer quicker service
- UAE maintains economic status on global stage
- Shaikh Khalifa revamps security council
- Exhibition to showcase UAE art in New York
- Police officer injured during raid on brothels
- Waiters tamper with orders, cheat customers
- Lebanese expats celebrate independence day
- Gulf News wins international design awards
- Queen praises UAE's role
- Sharjah intensifies food inspections for Eid
Community Reports
-
Noise pollution must be regulated
Residents are finding it difficult to sleep well at night owing to ongoing construction work
-
Protect our children's health
Dust and dirt from a nearby road are causing problems to those frequenting Al Nasseriya park, Sharjah.
-
Keeping out curious cats in Abu Dhabi
Felines trapped in electrical substations create a nuisance
-
Construction site turned into dump
Sharjah residents using abandoned spot to dispose of waste
