Voices on Emiratization: the impact of Emirati culture on the workforce participation of national women in the UAE private banking sector

This paper presents research conducted into the impact of Emirati culture on the workforce participation of national women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) private banking sector. Beginning by exploring the concept of culture, the paper proceeds to frame such a concept as it pertains to diversity and gender in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. The UAE is then briefly examined from the perspective of gender, class, state and development, with regard to the workforce participation of indigenous females in the UAE private sector, and in particular the impact of Emirati culture upon such participation. The current status of Emiratization is reviewed, following which the UAE banking sector, and Emirati female labour force participation within this sector, are explored. The research rationale and study methodology is discussed, before an analysis of the data collected and the research conclusions and recommendations are then presented.