DUBAI, UAE (25 November 2013): The UAE is an attractive destination for graduates to live and work, according to the inaugural Qudurat Student Wave study released today by Aon Hewitt, the global talent, retirement and health solutions business of Aon plc (NYSE: AON), in partnership with Dubai International Academic City (DIAC).
Over 2,300 students, which included both UAE nationals and expatriates from 15 academic institutions in the UAE, took part in the research, making it one of the most comprehensive studies in the region.
72% of the students surveyed said they intended to stay and work in the UAE after graduating. One out of every two transnational expatriates – individuals who specifically came to the UAE to pursue their higher education – also said they would like to stay and work in the UAE.
The study is part of a pioneering research initiative known as Qudurat, meaning 'Capabilities' in Arabic. It focuses on understanding the personal strengths, preferences and expectations of students with an emphasis on understanding what drives and motivates national talent in the world of work.
The UAE is a wealthy country with plenty of growth, largely down to its exports of natural resources such as petroleum and natural gas. The country has been spending billions on its infrastructure, particularly in the emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with both becoming tourist destinations in their own rights.
International students are currently not allowed to work part-time in the UAE, but you can transfer your study permit to a work visa if you get a job after graduation.
The study, by Aon Hewitt and Dubai International Acadmeic City, found that 72 per cent of the 2,300 students polled said they intended to stay and work in the emirates after graduating.
Half of all transnational expatriates – individuals who specifically came to the UAE to pursue higher education – said they want to stay and work in the UAE.
"The Middle East is a unique labour market – policy makers, business leaders and HR professionals must 'localize' their strategy and approach to work within this context," said Dr. Markus Wiesner, CEO, Aon Hewitt Middle East.
"The findings from the study will help employers understand the key engagement drivers for the new generation of national and expatriate talent entering the workforce and help derive an attractive value proposition to recruit, retain and engage university graduates in the future."
The study also supported the widely-held belief that Emirati students favour the public sector for their career, with 53 per cent of them opting to work in the government sector.
Just 7.6 per cent of UAE nationals said they would like to work in the private sector, with 3.6 per cent opting to become entrepreneurs, while 53 per cent would engage in futher studies.