SUAD Institutional Repository
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Your reference for the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi research output and research impact
Research outputs
821
Disciplines
9
Researchers
105
Recent Additions
- PublicationTHE GOLDEN VISA: ANATOMY OF MAKING A LONG-TERM HOME IN THE UAE(2022)While traditionally governed by the ‘kafala’ system of sponsorship for non-nationals, the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have diversified their visa portfolios in line with rising global trends and internal structural shifts. The launch of the Golden Visa in the UAE and its approximate equivalents across the GCC region has marked a historic shift in the way these countries approach their residents and non-national communities. Building this research on the back of the aspirations-capabilities nexus within the lifestyle migration theoretical corpus, I examine the short-term impact of the changing residency policies in the UAE on the Golden Visa recipients – medium- and high-skilled non-nationals from a variety of backgrounds and industries. In my research inquiry, I employ semi-structured interviews with twenty-five Golden Visa recipients. My research inquiry finds that, while it does not provide a structural break in the whole-of-life approach to non-residents’ life in the UAE, the Golden Visa does, indeed, act as an enabler of its recipients’ capabilities to fulfil their long-term aspirations and constantly (re)construct their desired life(style) in the country.
- PublicationCLARIFYING THE INFLUENCE OF THE EXPATRIATE SPOUSE: A UAE CASE STUDY(2016)In 2010 more than 200 million people were living abroad. In UAE alone over 70% of the population is comprised of expatriates. Though most make a global move planning to return to their home country, there are many factors which influence just how long a person stays living abroad. The focus of this paper is to understand how the spouse influences the expatriate’s length of stay in order to gain an understanding of what an organization might do to increase longevity, if so desired.
- Publication‘It’s probably safe’: Cultural insights and practical knowledge to shift Abu Dhabi towards tap water(2024)Plastic pollution on the rise and Abu Dhabi Emirate is piloting community initiatives to tackle it. In a country where bottled water consumption rates are among the highest in the world, despite safe tap water readily available, and where migrants continue to drive population growth, my research explores how cultural ethnicity and past practices could be leveraged towards plastic waste reduction goals. To capture data, an online, bilingual questionnaire was distributed through convenience methods. Quantitative analysis of 590 responses finds that having a filter at home replaces plastic bottled water by approximately 25% for drinking and 15% for cooking, showing promise for filters to support action against plastic pollution. Residents seek an affordable, fuss-free system that delivers personal health benefits with a refreshing taste; who influences the decision varies significantly by nationality. The study also found that past exposure positively influences ones perception of filtered tap water. Data is supportive of the notion that Abu Dhabi’s growing migrant population has potential to maintain or revive their tap water practice, potentially through a water filter initiative. It further lays groundwork for exploration of other pro-environmental habits while simultaneously providing insights that can be immediately applied to local action plans.
- PublicationAcademic Maze Runners of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi A Case study on Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Students FLE Intake AY 2017-2018-Cohort Analysis(2023)The present study investigates the various factors that impact student retention and timely graduation rates at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi-UAE. The research methodology employed in this study was the use of a mixed methods approach, which encompassed the analysis of both quantitative data and qualitative interviews. The study conducted a quantitative analysis on a specific group of 254 students who were admitted to the French Intensive Language (FLE) program during the academic year of 2017-2018. The observation of student enrollment status was conducted across many academic years in order to evaluate the progress of students and identify those who either dropped out or successfully completed their studies within the designated time frame (one year for the FLE program and three years for the bachelor's degree). The study employed chi-square tests to analyze the relationship between graduation rates and variables such as gender, age, nationality, and scholarship status. The key findings of the study revealed that male and adult learner students exhibited lower rates of timely graduation, whereas non-Emirati students shown higher rates of retention. The individuals who received conditional merit scholarships demonstrated greater rates of completing their three-year bachelors degree compared to students who received unconditional government funding. The findings of this study indicate that qualitative interviews conducted with a sample of seven graduates shed light on the influence of various individual characteristics, such as motivation, skills, and family support, on their ability to persist in their academic pursuits. Additionally, the study highlights the presence of institutional shortcomings, namely inadequate preparation for bachelor's degree programs, which emerged as significant impediments for these graduates. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the constraints in question did not have a direct causal relationship with the withdrawals. In general, a multitude of complex individual, societal, and organizational factors influenced the academic paths of students. The recommendations encompass many strategies to enhance institutional practices. These strategies involve the implementation of expanded tracking mechanisms for multi-year cohorts, the integration of grade and attendance data, conducting interviews with withdrawn students, and implementing targeted modifications to address specific institutional shortcomings.
- PublicationHigher Education and Sustainability: An exploratory Study in the UAE(2024)Sustainability is a topic of vast audience in the recent years, as countries and organization across the globe adopted sustainable principles to progress into sustainable development for a better future for all. As the emergence of the sustainable development goals of the United Nation has amplified the need to adapt to sustainable practices across all sectors. The education sector is no difference, with augmenting focus on the higher education institutions. As these institutions are perceived as leading bodies, change drivers, youth enablers and community influencers. This is due to the many achievements and development higher education institutions has accomplished in the topics of sustainability. Thus, this study is an exploratory study to review literature concerning the challenges and barriers associated with the implementation of sustainable practices in higher education institutions. Also to introduce the status of higher education system and the challenges associated with integration of sustainability in higher education in the UAE. To provide an appropriate recommendation for methods of accelerating the sustainability incorporation in higher education institution of the UAE.
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