Developing Leisure Themes that Impact Happiness: Evidence from Emirati Women in the United Arab Emirates

HRMARS - This research work aims to develop leisure themes that impact happiness. The research was conducted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) among Emirati women, employing an exploratory sequential design approach that included focus groups (FGDs) followed by questionnaires. The research presents unique findings, as this area has not been thoroughly researched, highlighting the value and originality of this study. The leisure themes that were developed post data collection and analysis indicate a different approach to leisure among Emirati women, in comparison to other women across the globe. Further, this research fills the gap in the limited literature review available on leisure themes from the UAE. The implications of this study are that the findings enable decision makers and HR (Human Resources) departments to frame an enhanced level of well-being for their employees. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the leisure behavior of Emirati women in the UAE, particularly their involvement in different leisure activities to achieve happiness, through systematic data collection and analysis. Design/methodology/approach: The study identified and developed eleven leisure themes based on the findings from focus group discussions with 42 women residing in seven different emirates of the United Arab Emirates. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to elicit responses from 195 Emirati women on their involvement in leisure activities with relation to how these help women to achieve happiness. The data collected via a questionnaire were analysed using construct analysis modeling, which revealed that six themes had a high impact on the happiness of Emirati women. Findings: This study revealed that Emirati women focus more on personal/self-centric leisure themes to achieve maximum happiness. Passion and personal space were found to elicit high levels of happiness, whereas personal well-being, self-introspection, techno-entertainment, relationship building, and informal work relationships were found to elicit low levels of happiness. Research limitations/implications: The outcomes of this research will provide directions for further in-depth research in the UAE and other countries/cultures by academicians. Practical implications: The outcomes of the research would provide a direction to the policy makers of the Ministry of Happiness, UAE, to devise appropriate strategies to enhance the happiness of women in the country. Originality/value: This paper aims to be novel by developing leisure themes specific to Emirati women residing in the UAE and testing the impact of leisure themes on achieving happiness.