The Lived Experiences of Expatriate Workers within the United Arab Emirates

This study identifies specific factors which contribute to lower levels of organizational commitment for non-UAE nationals. This exploratory study utilized a qualitative phenomenology interview method. This qualitative study method examines the lived experiences of expatriate workers employed within the UAE through interviews. These interviews employ a heuristic approach throughout their analysis. All interviews conducted for this study utilized a semi-structured interview format. All participants in this study self identified as American. Additionally, social demographic data such as age, business sector, family size and years employed within the UAE. This data was collected prior to the interviews. This study’s findings credited lower levels of organizational commitment reported by expatriates’ as the result of prolonged experiences of distinctiveness, othering and weathering. The consequence of these experiences of social categorizing was the resulting feelings of high levels of dissatisfaction with their decision to work and live in the UAE. The final portion of this study recommend a number of interventions designed to reduce the expressed dissatisfaction in the areas identified by the expatriate workers interviewed for this study. Subsequently, the findings from these interviews contributed to the development of policy recommendations intended to support, sustain and retain non-UAE nationals.