Preliminary investigation of Emirati women entrepreneurs in the UAE

Abstract

This study presents an exploratory investigation of Emirati female entrepreneurs in the United Arab Emirates. In depth interviews with seventeen Emirati entrepreneurs were conducted exploring their motivation for establishing their own business as well as the level of support they received from within their personal social network. Findings indicate that the primary motivating factor driving Emirati women to start their own business is a desire for independence. In other words, their desire is to gain control over both their working and personal lives. Women who receive support from their male family members were less inhibited in starting their own business. Further research is needed with female non-entrepreneurs in order to better understand what barriers or inhibitors may be preventing them from becoming an entrepreneur. It is hoped that the findings of this paper will enable decision makers in the UAE to better formulate policy and support programs aimed at creating an environment more accepting of female Emirati entrepreneurs, empowering them to harness their entrepreneurial talents while at the same time satisfying the demands placed on them by both their families and society.

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