Youth eye big pay packet in their first job
Working for a firm in the private sector would be “stupid” and expats “cannot be trusted”, as Sean O'Driscoll recently found out...
Young Emiratis think working for private companies is “inferior and unattractive” and one in four expect pay of more than Dhs25,000 per month for their first job.
That’s the findings of a study into the employment habits and aspirations of UAE nationals aged 18-23.
-
An official study says young UAE nationals are being put off working in the private sector by salary expectations
The research, by two lecturers at the UAE University, found that 10 per cent of those quizzed expect a monthly salary of Dhs35,000 to Dhs50,000.
One male student said he would feel “stupid” to take a job that pays Dhs22,000 a month when two of his brothers make more than Dhs40,000 a month working for Abu Dhabi Police.
A female graduate said working for a private company would be like “signing my death paper” because of the reduced salary and longer hours. The study was funded by the Emirates Foundation, backed by the UAE government. The authors urge a balance in government and private sector wages to encourage young UAE nationals into the private sector.
Young people like these represent a big bottleneck in the UAE economy, according to the study. Ninety-eight per cent of Emiratis have government jobs and the pay and working conditions are so good that few want to work for private companies.
It is, according to the new study by researchers from the Business and Economics facility of UAE University in Al Ain, almost impossible for private companies to match the pay of government jobs.
This is a problem the UAE government has been seeking to correct for some time. A few months ago, it held a jobs fair in Abu Dhabi in an attempt to wean Emiratis off the massive and costly government sector. Not only is it a big drain on the public purse, it’s also stifling the UAE’s ability to compete - where are the Steve Jobs and Bill Gates of the UAE going to come from if Emiratis are far happier in comfortable government jobs?
The UAE University research, funded by the Emirates Foundation, found that young Emiratis had huge salary expectations and their view of what they should earn in companies was “unrealistic at best”. Thirty per cent of them expect a salary of Dhs25,000 or more, while another 10 per cent expect a whopping Dhs35,000 to Dhs50,000 per month.
The survey, of 30 Emirati men and 30 Emirati women aged 18 to 23 (average age 21) found that they had “uncompromising” views on working for private companies, which one young women said would be “signing my death warrant” because of the longer working hours and lower pay than in government jobs.
The authors recommend a better balance between government and private sector wages to encourage young Emiratis to try working for private companies.
One male graduate quizzed in the study said he thought it was he right to have a well-paid job. He said: “We are a rich country - thank God - and the government pays well because it can afford to do so.
“It is our right as nationals to have jobs that pay well.” So what do Emiratis think of the research? Is it fair and do they want to change the system?
“It’s true and there needs to be change for boys,” says Amina Al Suwaidi who has one boy and one girl, both under the age of five.
“The boys need to be pushed into the private sector and come up with new things, new ideas. But for my daughter, like all mothers here, I want her to have a good company job so she will not be under pressure and can look after her own children.”
So the report is accurate?
“Yes, it is time for change, but not for the girls,” she said. “They need more time off and more stability so that their children are not raised by maids.
“But for the boys, it is time for time to take over and learn new things. Change there can only be a good thing.”
sean@7days.ae
COSTLY COMMENTS
Other comments from students in the study
“Which Sheikh you work for makes a difference. In the private sector I would work for whom? Some low-ranking local or a foreigner...” - Male graduate
“Three of my brothers started in Abu Dhabi Police two years ago, two of them make more than Dhs40,000 now. How would I feel if I took the job offer I received for Dhs22,000? I would feel stupid.” - Male student
“[Private companies] let you wait for a long time after the interview before they give you a response” - Female graduate
Comments
by Pak1
Tuesday, May 29 2012, 10:01AM
“First off I think Emiratis have done a great job in developing their country. Secondly as an expat i believe that nationals should be allowed to get the pick of the jobs. It is their country and why shouldnt they benefit from their wealth? This is what being a rich country is about isnt it. Only a malignant heart would hold their riches against them.
We are guest workers here filling in the gap until the population reaches a critical mass when Emiratis will be the primary human resource in both public and private sector. It is totally understandable that most emiratis want to go for public sector jobs as it helps them serve their country, network with other nationals, enjoy stability in their careers and have a good work life balance. During UAE's early years all public services and even armed forces were managed primarily by nationals of friendly nations. Now as the population and education grows the emirati youth is taking over which is a net gain for UAE's national security. One must also note that Emiratis and arab people have always been good entrepreneurs and perhaps working for the private sector is their last preference when deciding which career to adopt.
Also the study which is cited in this article is based on a total sample of 60 emiratis. I had more respondents for a survey i did for a one credit hour course during my MBA. And on top of that it appears that the respondents were chosen within the UAEU so its results are hardly representative of the whole of UAE. I am not sure how much funding the researchers got for this study but they could have atleast collected data in all 7 emirates. Perhaps emirates foundation can sponsor a wider study.
I wish the UAE the best of everything. It has been a gracious host.”
by danish13
Sunday, May 27 2012, 8:39PM
“I agree with UAE NATIONAL's statement as the sample group for the analysis has to be either widened or modified to accommodate recently graduated UAE nationals or job seekers as it would present a much wider clearer picture to the readers.”
by cliftonrebello
Sunday, May 27 2012, 1:10PM
“A change in attitude and thinking is what is required for the young Emiratis. They are the future of the UAE.”
by labrador.froggy
Sunday, May 27 2012, 11:35AM
“it's their country they can do whatever they want”
by Anam T
Sunday, May 27 2012, 10:38AM
“Some people should demand for higher salaries if their work meets or exceeds expectations of the private firm. If you're going to be hanging over there, not doing work, and make others take all the work load, then I don't think a higher salary should be granted.
Young locals should be practical. They should be equally competent than any other person who's the same age and doing the same amount of work.”
by Dez
Sunday, May 27 2012, 9:58AM
“They are blessed to have good salaries starting at AED 22000/- ....here its been more than 10 years working for a reputed airline...still stagnant in growth...wz no salary increase but more piles of work for past 6 years:(. Still waiting to reach for the shining light...”
by saqib
Sunday, May 27 2012, 9:50AM
“there's far too much of a "To the Manor Born" mentality amongst many Emiratis, overwhelmingly men. I count myself rather lucky in that about half of my close friends are Emiratis, and each and every one of them is hardworking whether working in the public or private sectors – ”
by Hayat
Sunday, May 27 2012, 9:42AM
“The global financial crisies has played a major part now a days for private companies who mostly have seized to employ in these current circumstances) to recruit Emirati's due to some of the reasons included in the above article and cutting cost of course.
People have to be flexible and open to private sector if jobs
arise as there are not much jobs available in the public sector othewise not only will they be unemployed but may take the risk of loosing their skills and their degree could be obsolete after being out of the workplace for so long.
This will further have a big impact their chances of finding a job, let alone 'a suitable one'”
by ril_28
Sunday, May 27 2012, 9:41AM
“"We are a rich country - thank God" ~ So true! ”
by nsayegh
Sunday, May 27 2012, 9:38AM
“I think so some people are so spoiled, gets 22 000 for first job and feel "stupid", then try getting 7000 per month with no benefit. And if someone demand 22 k or more , what's value you will be adding to the organization, you are just learning and understanding the work environment.
I'm UAE national completing 9 years in private sectors, if they call working till 5 or 7 , I will advise them to try multinational companies where sometimes you have to work till 6 am in the morning. Welcome to IT World.
Fresh graduates should focus on their career development and not don't compare themselves with others. You are in learning curve with no experience”