Emirati Preferences among Material and Non-material Incentives in the Workplace

Abstract

The working population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the private sector is characterized by a majority of expatriates and comparatively few UAE nationals. The UAE government encourages firms to hire Emirati nationals in the private sector through various incentives and policies. This article investigates UAE nationals’ preferences for material and non-material incentives in the workplace. The study is based on questionnaires distributed to Emirati nationals in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The findings of the research are expected to provide policymakers with insights into Emiratis’ preferred work incentives. In addition, it will, it is hoped, aid in developing appropriate nationalization policies for the UAE in general and UAE private organizations in particular.