Majority in UAE optimistic about near future: Survey

Optimism rules and yet, a mix of UAE locals and residents need assistance in the areas of overall health, finances and employment issues, in connection to the yet-to-be-resolved USA-Iran-Israel war, according to an April survey done by the regional office of a subsidiary of a global healthcare and insurance company, formed in Connecticut (USA) 44 years back.

The “UAE Pulse,” which Cigna Healthcare-Middle East and Africa had collaborated with a “UAE-based global research firm registered with the Dubai Statistics Centre,” was “designed as a more timely, localised piece of research to understand how residents in the UAE were feeling during a specific period shaped by regional uncertainty, rising costs and changing expectations around work, family and well-being,” chief executive officer Leah Cotterill told Gulf Today on Friday.

“The goal is not just to report on trends, but to translate insight into practical actions towards healthier, more supportive workplaces, and enabling individuals and families to access the care and support they need earlier and more effectively,” Cotterill also said, when she differentiated the country-wide survey participated in by 380 persons, with the “Well-Being & Health Plus” the company yearly endeavours worldwide.

“Well-being is not static. The support people need today may look different from what they needed a few years ago. Importantly, the findings do not just inform what we do, they also provide employers, Human Resources leaders and decision-makers with practical insights to better understand the evolving needs of their people,” she explained.

Cotterill continued: “This helps them shape more relevant well-being strategies, equip employees with the right support, and ultimately strengthen their ability to attract and retain talent while improving engagement and productivity.”

The 380 respondents were asked either by email, telephone interviews, and face-to-face interactions concerning mental well-being, financial confidence, family life, workplace culture, social connection and pressure management through which appropriate “preventive care, mental health support, employee assistance programmes, and digital access to care” are blueprinted.

Men and women participated equally.

Thirty were Emiratis, 114 Arab expatriates, 190 Asians, and 30 Westerners and other ethnicities.

Those from Dubai were 152, 133 from Abu Dhabi and 95 from Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

Nearly 190 have been UAE residents for over 10 years, 304 married and living with spouse, and 285 have children.

Majority were from the 36 to 45 age group at 152.

Ages 24 to 35 and 36 to 45 were at 114 each.

Such were the categories, said Cotterill, “because well-being can look very different depending on someone’s stage of life and personal circumstances. Younger residents may be more focused on career progression, financial confidence and social connection. Older residents may be thinking more about family stability, long-term planning and health.”

Derived from the 380: 300 (79%) are optimistic about the near future despite the current situation; 338 (89%) feel physically safe in the UAE; 315 (83%) feel emotionally safe; 327 (86%) feel at home in the UAE; 300 (79%) tend to bounce back or recover after hardships; 182 (48%) plan to remain for more than 10 years; 171 (45%) feel able to manage cost pressures with rising costs.

Moreover, “family well-being is the strongest pillar at 80%, financial well-being is the weakest, rated at 53%. Workplace well-being was rated at 69% among working respondents although only 56% feel positive about job security.

For Cotterill, the conclusions are “encouraging. One of the clearest takeaways is that well-being needs to be understood more holistically. It is very positive to see residents in the UAE reporting strong levels of safety, belonging, optimism and family support, particularly during a wider regional uncertainty.”

“The findings show that resilience should not be mistaken for the absence of pressure. Pressure points were also clear particularly around financial well-being, stress, sleep and job security. We would hope to see continued strength in the areas where the UAE is already performing well, while also seeing progress in the areas where people need more practical support.”