An Exploratory Case Study of the Development and Implementation of Employment Policies and the Impact of these Policies on Graduate Employability in the United Arab Emirates – Societal Change in Action.

Islam, Mohammed and Houghton, Ann-Marie (2025) An Exploratory Case Study of the Development and Implementation of Employment Policies and the Impact of these Policies on Graduate Employability in the United Arab Emirates – Societal Change in Action. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

This study examines employment policies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and their impact on graduate employability, within the context of substantive labour market and socio-economic changes. These changes, driven by national policies, are viewed through the lens of social practice theories, to better understand the societal factors at play. Graduate employability is largely viewed in the literature as the skills and abilities needed by graduates to meet labour market requirements. Little research has been carried out on the societal factors that affect employability strategy, especially within the UAE context. My research addresses this gap by using a single case study qualitative design. Drawing on twenty-five years’ experience of working on UAE graduate employability skills programmes, my research offers a unique perspective. I conducted interviews with key stakeholders and reviewed publicly available documents on UAE employment policies and graduate employability strategies. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with twenty stakeholders who represent policymakers, and leading Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) and employers. All stakeholders interviewed have an active role in UAE graduate employability strategies, and provided invaluable insights into UAE employment policies. A review of publicly available documents provided the all-important context for stakeholders’ responses and revealed that UAE employment policies have changed substantially over the last twenty years. The findings showed that multiple iterations of employment policy were in response to socio-economic factors, and these have had an impact on the UAE labour market and the lives of Emiratis and expatriates. Using Bourdieu’s framework and Positional Conflict Theory (PCT), this study provides a unique perspective of the UAE labour market and societal changes taking place. Drawing from these insights, my study provides recommendations for policymakers, HEIs, and employers on how they might build on their relationship, as Emiratis and expatriates navigate the labour market changes described in my study.