Al Bhatti
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April 21, 2015
7th annual Arab Youth Survey launched
UAE tops the survey fourth year running as the most preferred country to live in among Arab youth
The UAE remains the top country that most Arab youth would like to live in, the seventh annual Arab Youth survey found for the fourth year running.
The Arab youth surveyed also said they see the UAE as a model country that they would like their countries to emulate.
The results of the ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey were revealed on Tuesday during a press conference held in Dubai.
The survey, which was conducted on 3,500 Arab youth aged 18 to 24 from 16 countries by Penn Schoen Berland, aims to understand the Arab world’s dynamics through the eyes of its youth.
When asked to name a country anywhere in the world where they would like to live, Arab youth, who took part in the survey, chose the UAE as their top choice for the fourth year running ahead of 20 other countries.
The United States came in second by 15 per cent. Germany and Canada followed at 10 per cent.
Likewise, when asked to think about which country they would like to emulate the most, almost a quarter (22 per cent) consider the UAE a model nation, followed by the United States (15 per cent), Germany (11 per cent), Canada (8 per cent) and France (8 per cent).
The UAE was the only Arab country in the top five choices identified by Arab youth.
The report attributed the popularity of the UAE to the country’s strong economic outlook and status as a safe haven.
According to the International Monetary Fund, the economy of the UAE is also expected to grow 3.5 per cent in 2015 and 2016 in spite of falling oil prices.
The report also noted that the UAE is known as a country where young Arabs are encouraged to reach their full potential across a broad spectrum of industries from technology start-ups to the arts and finance, in a culture they are familiar with.
Unemployment: a major concern among Arab youth
Concern about unemployment continues to weigh heavily on Arab youth, with almost one in three (29 per cent) citing it as the biggest obstacle facing the region.
When asked to comment on how concerned they are about unemployment, the majority (81 per cent) say they are “concerned”.
The issue is particularly worrying for youth in non-GCC countries where 84 per cent are concerned, compared with 73 per cent in the six GCC states.
Only one in three (33 per cent) of youth outside the GCC is confident in their government’s ability to tackle the issue of unemployment, a significant difference compared to the GCC at 68 per cent.
The report read, “High unemployment rates continue to be a pressing concern for the region as its youth population grows. Overall unemployment rates differ significantly across the region from as low as 11 per cent in Kuwait to over 30 per cent in Morocco, according to United Nations data.”
Meanwhile the Middle East and North Africa needs to create 80-100 million jobs by 2020 to maintain its current unemployment rates, according to the World Bank.
Starting their own business
The survey saw positive trends when it came to youth’s desire to start their own business.
Nearly two in five (39 per cent) young Arabs are looking to start a business within the next five years, with technology and retail being the most popular sectors.
When asked to suggest what national governments should do to further encourage entrepreneurship, one third (32 per cent) say they should encourage affordable lending. They cite improving available training and education (26 per cent) as the second most pressing measure followed by reducing regulation and red tape (19 per cent).
7th annual Arab Youth Survey launched | GulfNews.com
-----------------------------------------------------
April 21, 2015
Arab youth are uncertain if democracy could ever work
Views on democracy vary significantly from country to country
When asked whether they agree or disagree with the statement: “Democracy will never work in the region”, 39 per cent of the Arab youth surveyed agree that it will never work, 36 per cent think it could work while the remaining 25 per cent said they were unsure.
Sunil John, CEO of ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller, said the conflicting views on democracy in the Middle East are reflected by the fact that when asked to name the biggest obstacles facing the region, just 15 per cent cite “lack of democracy”.
He said this is a significant decrease from 2011 when “living in a democracy” was the most important desire for 92 per cent of Arab youth polled.
Views on democracy vary significantly from country to country.
Youth in Yemen are most sceptical about it (61 per cent agree that democracy will never work), followed by Qatar (60 per cent), Saudi Arabia (59 per cent), Oman (52 per cent) and Tunisia (46 per cent).
The five countries most optimistic about democracy are:
Kuwait (58 per cent disagree that democracy could never work)
Iraq (48 per cent)
Libya (42 per cent)
UAE (44 per cent) and Palestine (36 per cent).
The report attributed the lack of confidence among Arab youth with the waning of the Arab Spring’s legacy.
In 2015, just 38 per cent agree that the Arab world is better off following the Arab Spring, compared with 54 per cent in 2014, 70 per cent in 2013, and 72 per cent in 2012.
Arab youth are uncertain if democracy could ever work | GulfNews.com
------------------
April 21, 2015
UAE top choice of residence for Arab youth
Arab youth surveyed said they see UAE as a model country they would like their countries to emulate
The UAE remains the top country that most Arab youth would like to live in, the 7th annual Arab Youth survey found for the fourth year running. The Arab youth surveyed also said they see the UAE as a model country that they would like their countries to emulate.
The results of the ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey were revealed on Tuesday during a press conference held in Dubai.
The face-to face survey, which was conducted on 3,500 Arab youth aged 18 to 24 from 16 countries by Penn Schoen Berland (PSB), aims to understand the Arab world’s dynamics through the eyes of its youth.
“Why youth? 60 per cent of the Arab world’s population is under the age of 25. The 200 million Arab youth are going to have a large role in changing the future,” said Jeremy Galbarth, CEO of Burson-Marsteller, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “We started this survey in 2008 because we understand how important it is to access data in this area, especially with the limited research done in the region. Such a survey will help policymakers make decisions,” he said.
When asked to name a country anywhere in the world where they would like to live, Arab youth, who took part in the survey, chose the UAE as their top choice for the fourth year running ahead of 20 other countries.
The United States came in second by 15 per cent. Germany and Canada followed at 10 per cent.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, tweeted about this finding saying: “These findings are not only a source of pride for us, it is also a growing experience that we lived and it is available to anyone who wants to study our journey and benefit from it.”
Likewise, when asked to think about which country they would like to emulate, almost a quarter (22 per cent) of the respondents consider the UAE as a model nation, followed by the United States (15 per cent), Germany (11 per cent), Canada (8 per cent) and France (8 per cent).
The UAE was the only Arab country in the top five choices identified by Arab youth.
“It is no surprise that the UAE came on top,” said Jordanian 20-year-old Saif Al Deen Khalil. “Most of my young relatives in Jordan want to work and live in the UAE. It is mainly because the UAE brings the best of both worlds. It has all the opportunities available in the West and at the same time, it is a Muslim and Arab country that preserves its traditions and values.”
Palestinian Mais Kanan, 23, also said it is expected that the UAE would come on top as it is one of the few Arab countries that is safe and free of turmoil.
“UAE is the country to look up to, it is flourishing and what I like the most about the UAE is that it shows Islam in a positive light.”
Unemployment: a major concern among Arab youth
Unemployment remains a key concern among Arab youth, said Jay Leveton CEO of PSB, the polling firm, which conducted the survey.
When asked to comment on how concerned they are about unemployment, the majority (81 per cent) of the youth said they are “concerned” and almost one in three (29 per cent) cited it as the biggest obstacle facing the region.
The issue is particularly worrying for youth in non-GCC countries where 84 per cent are concerned compared to 73 per cent in the six GCC states.
Only one in three (33 per cent) of youth outside the GCC are confident in their government’s ability to tackle the issue of unemployment, a significant difference compared to the GCC at 68 per cent.
The report read, “Overall unemployment rates differ significantly across the region from as low as 11 per cent in Kuwait to over 30 per cent in Morocco, according to United Nations data.”
Meanwhile, the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) needs to create 80-100 million jobs by 2020 to maintain its current unemployment rates, according to the World Bank.
Starting their own business
In the context of unemployment and future prospects, the survey posted positive trends when it came to youth’s desire to start their own business.
Nearly two in five (39 per cent) young Arabs are looking to start a business within the next five years, with technology and retail being the most popular sectors.
Leveton said Arab youth are confident that they can start their own business and this percentage is higher than any country in the world.
When asked to suggest what national governments should do to further encourage entrepreneurship, one third (32 per cent) say they should encourage affordable lending.
They cite improving available training and education (26 per cent) as the second most pressing measure followed by reducing regulation and red tape (19 per cent).
UAE top choice of residence for Arab youth | GulfNews.com
--------------------------
April 21, 2015
Arab Youth Survey: Most Arab youth want to live in UAE
UAE remains a popular choice and 'model nation' for Arab youth, according to Arab Youth Survey
The UAE remains the top country that most Arab youth would like to live in, the 7th annual Arab Youth survey found for the fourth year running.
The Arab youth surveyed also said they see the UAE as a model country that they would like their countries to emulate.
The results of the ASDA’A Burson- Marsteller Arab Youth Survey were revealed on Tuesday during a press conference held in Dubai.
The survey by Penn Schoen Berland was conducted on 3,500 Arab youth aged 18 to 24 from 16 countries. It aims to understand the Arab world’s dynamics through the eyes of it's youth.
When asked to name a country anywhere in the world where they would like to live, Arab youth, who took part in the survey, chose the UAE as their top choice for the fourth year running ahead of 20 other countries.
The United States came in second by 15 per cent. Germany and Canada, both followed at 10 per cent.
Likewise, when asked to think about which country they would like to emulate, almost a quarter (22 per cent) consider the UAE as a model nation, followed by the United States (15 per cent), Germany (11 per cent), Canada (8 per cent) and France (8 per cent).
The UAE was the only Arab country in the top five choices identified by Arab youth.
The report attributed the popularity of the UAE to the country’s strong economic outlook and status as a safe haven.
According to the International Monetary Fund the economy of the UAE is also expected to grow 3.5 per cent in 2015 and 2016 in spite of falling oil prices.
The report also read that the UAE is known as a country where young Arabs are encouraged to reach their full potential across a broad spectrum of industries from technology start-ups to the arts and finance, in a culture they are familiar with.
Arab Youth Survey: Most Arab youth want to live in UAE | GulfNews.com
-----------------------------
April 21, 2015
Television still king for Arab youth
From boycotting brands for a cause to viewing energy price drop as a temporary issue, Arab youth reveal resilience and foresight
The 7th annual Arab Youth Survey shed light on many aspects of the aspirations and ambitions of Arab youth across 16 countries. From boycotting brands for a cause to choice of digital media for news to viewing energy price drop as a temporary issue, the respondents revealed a high degree of resilience and foresight. Here are some quick encapsulations of some of the top 10 findings of the survey.
Digital media and Arab youth: Television is still king
Almost eight in ten (77 per cent) young Arabs said they own a smartphone and almost five in six (82 per cent) said they are daily internet users.
The report says that this shows that the Arab youth are a truly digital generation.
However, despite the rise of internet and smartphone access, the survey found that television remains the most popular source of news (60 per cent).
News from online sources came second with 40 per cent and news from social media sources followed with 25 per cent — significantly more than newspapers and radio.
The influence and reach of social media continues to grow, with 91 per cent saying they visit social media channels at least once a week.
Networks such as Facebook and Twitter are fast becoming major sources of information for youth with two-fifths (41 per cent) saying they use Facebook to share interesting news articles with their family and friends.
Smartphones now make up the vast majority of all phones shipped in the GCC, according to International Data Corporation. The GCC is one of the biggest users of social media per capita in the world with youth turning online for drama, comedy, sports and news.
Brands, countries of origin and boycott
Arab youth do not rule out boycotting country-associated brands for a cause. They consider a brand’s country of origin before purchasing a product, with those in the GCC more conscious than their peers in non-GCC countries.
Almost half (44 per cent) of the respondents say a brand’s country of origin matters to them, compared with 52 per cent who say it does not.
Across the Arab world, one in three (32 per cent) would boycott a brand for political reasons while just one in five (21 per cent) youth would never support the boycott of a brand for political reasons.
Nearly half (46 per cent) are unsure but do not rule out using their purchasing power as a political tool. Youth in GCC countries are more likely to boycott a brand than their peers in other non-GCC countries.
The report read: “Growing internet penetration, together with the rise of social media, has exposed Arab youth to more global issues, sensitising them even more to global brands and political issues. Boycotts, however, are not a recent phenomenon. During times of conflict, many Arabs have shunned specific products or brands for political reasons.”
Outlook on future: Still optimistic
Arab youth are aware of the present issues facing the region but remain cautiously optimistic about the long-term future, with youth in the GCC particularly positive, the report found.
When thinking about the last five years, three in five (57 per cent) believe their country is heading in the right direction while 35 per cent say things have gone in the wrong direction.
Youth in the GCC are significantly more optimistic than their peers in other parts of the Arab world. Eighty-one per cent of Gulf youth believe things in their country are going in the right direction compared with 57 per cent in North Africa and only 29 per cent in the Levant.
However, in general, the prospects for the future garnered a hefty overall 67 per cent vote for best days being ahead of them, while just 26 per cent said their best days are behind them.
Even in the Levant, which continues to grapple with political and economic instability, 57 per cent believe their best days are ahead compared with 34 per cent who say their best days are behind them.
Regional allies: Saudi Arabia seen as top ally
When asked to think about their country’s biggest ally, Arab youth cited Saudi Arabia for the fourth year running and continue to view the UAE and United States as their biggest supporters in the region.
One in three (30 per cent) consider Saudi Arabia their biggest ally, while 23 per cent cite the United States and 22 per cent the UAE. Qatar ranks fourth (16 per cent) followed by France (11 per cent).
The report read that Saudi Arabia, which has started to assert itself more in the region in response to US foreign policy, is viewed as a top ally in 12 Arab countries (all but Tunisia, Iraq, and Libya) while the influence of US and UAE is more limited to the GCC countries.
Outside the GCC, only Iraq, Morocco, and Jordan view the US as one of their top three allies while outside the GCC, Iraq and Egypt consider the UAE among their top allies. Saudi Arabia has been growing increasingly assertive following Washington’s drive to conclude the framework agreement with Iran on the nuclear issue and its recent cautionary approach in the Middle East.
Falling energy prices: Temporary drop
The majority of Arab youth, particularly in the Opec countries, are concerned about the falling energy prices, but most also believe the drop is temporary.
Crude oil has declined around 50 per cent since last June amid a global oversupply, particularly shale oil in the US, and weakening demand growth.
More than half of Arab youth are “concerned” (52 per cent) about falling energy prices as the cost of oil continues to decline. Thirty-seven per cent say they are not concerned, while 10 per cent “don’t know”.
Unsurprisingly, the level of concern is higher in Opec countries like Kuwait, where 90 per cent of the youth say they are concerned, followed by Libya (84 per cent), Algeria (75 per cent) and Iraq (64 per cent).
When asked to think about the negative impact falling energy prices will have on them, three in five (64 per cent) expect it will have a negative effect on the economy on them personally, and those who expect it to have an effect on the entire Arab world (60 per cent).
Television still king for Arab youth | GulfNews.com
7th annual Arab Youth Survey launched
UAE tops the survey fourth year running as the most preferred country to live in among Arab youth
The UAE remains the top country that most Arab youth would like to live in, the seventh annual Arab Youth survey found for the fourth year running.
The Arab youth surveyed also said they see the UAE as a model country that they would like their countries to emulate.
The results of the ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey were revealed on Tuesday during a press conference held in Dubai.
The survey, which was conducted on 3,500 Arab youth aged 18 to 24 from 16 countries by Penn Schoen Berland, aims to understand the Arab world’s dynamics through the eyes of its youth.
When asked to name a country anywhere in the world where they would like to live, Arab youth, who took part in the survey, chose the UAE as their top choice for the fourth year running ahead of 20 other countries.
The United States came in second by 15 per cent. Germany and Canada followed at 10 per cent.
Likewise, when asked to think about which country they would like to emulate the most, almost a quarter (22 per cent) consider the UAE a model nation, followed by the United States (15 per cent), Germany (11 per cent), Canada (8 per cent) and France (8 per cent).
The UAE was the only Arab country in the top five choices identified by Arab youth.
The report attributed the popularity of the UAE to the country’s strong economic outlook and status as a safe haven.
According to the International Monetary Fund, the economy of the UAE is also expected to grow 3.5 per cent in 2015 and 2016 in spite of falling oil prices.
The report also noted that the UAE is known as a country where young Arabs are encouraged to reach their full potential across a broad spectrum of industries from technology start-ups to the arts and finance, in a culture they are familiar with.
Unemployment: a major concern among Arab youth
Concern about unemployment continues to weigh heavily on Arab youth, with almost one in three (29 per cent) citing it as the biggest obstacle facing the region.
When asked to comment on how concerned they are about unemployment, the majority (81 per cent) say they are “concerned”.
The issue is particularly worrying for youth in non-GCC countries where 84 per cent are concerned, compared with 73 per cent in the six GCC states.
Only one in three (33 per cent) of youth outside the GCC is confident in their government’s ability to tackle the issue of unemployment, a significant difference compared to the GCC at 68 per cent.
The report read, “High unemployment rates continue to be a pressing concern for the region as its youth population grows. Overall unemployment rates differ significantly across the region from as low as 11 per cent in Kuwait to over 30 per cent in Morocco, according to United Nations data.”
Meanwhile the Middle East and North Africa needs to create 80-100 million jobs by 2020 to maintain its current unemployment rates, according to the World Bank.
Starting their own business
The survey saw positive trends when it came to youth’s desire to start their own business.
Nearly two in five (39 per cent) young Arabs are looking to start a business within the next five years, with technology and retail being the most popular sectors.
When asked to suggest what national governments should do to further encourage entrepreneurship, one third (32 per cent) say they should encourage affordable lending. They cite improving available training and education (26 per cent) as the second most pressing measure followed by reducing regulation and red tape (19 per cent).
7th annual Arab Youth Survey launched | GulfNews.com
-----------------------------------------------------
April 21, 2015
Arab youth are uncertain if democracy could ever work
Views on democracy vary significantly from country to country
When asked whether they agree or disagree with the statement: “Democracy will never work in the region”, 39 per cent of the Arab youth surveyed agree that it will never work, 36 per cent think it could work while the remaining 25 per cent said they were unsure.
Sunil John, CEO of ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller, said the conflicting views on democracy in the Middle East are reflected by the fact that when asked to name the biggest obstacles facing the region, just 15 per cent cite “lack of democracy”.
He said this is a significant decrease from 2011 when “living in a democracy” was the most important desire for 92 per cent of Arab youth polled.
Views on democracy vary significantly from country to country.
Youth in Yemen are most sceptical about it (61 per cent agree that democracy will never work), followed by Qatar (60 per cent), Saudi Arabia (59 per cent), Oman (52 per cent) and Tunisia (46 per cent).
The five countries most optimistic about democracy are:
Kuwait (58 per cent disagree that democracy could never work)
Iraq (48 per cent)
Libya (42 per cent)
UAE (44 per cent) and Palestine (36 per cent).
The report attributed the lack of confidence among Arab youth with the waning of the Arab Spring’s legacy.
In 2015, just 38 per cent agree that the Arab world is better off following the Arab Spring, compared with 54 per cent in 2014, 70 per cent in 2013, and 72 per cent in 2012.
Arab youth are uncertain if democracy could ever work | GulfNews.com
------------------
April 21, 2015
UAE top choice of residence for Arab youth
Arab youth surveyed said they see UAE as a model country they would like their countries to emulate
The UAE remains the top country that most Arab youth would like to live in, the 7th annual Arab Youth survey found for the fourth year running. The Arab youth surveyed also said they see the UAE as a model country that they would like their countries to emulate.
The results of the ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey were revealed on Tuesday during a press conference held in Dubai.
The face-to face survey, which was conducted on 3,500 Arab youth aged 18 to 24 from 16 countries by Penn Schoen Berland (PSB), aims to understand the Arab world’s dynamics through the eyes of its youth.
“Why youth? 60 per cent of the Arab world’s population is under the age of 25. The 200 million Arab youth are going to have a large role in changing the future,” said Jeremy Galbarth, CEO of Burson-Marsteller, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “We started this survey in 2008 because we understand how important it is to access data in this area, especially with the limited research done in the region. Such a survey will help policymakers make decisions,” he said.
When asked to name a country anywhere in the world where they would like to live, Arab youth, who took part in the survey, chose the UAE as their top choice for the fourth year running ahead of 20 other countries.
The United States came in second by 15 per cent. Germany and Canada followed at 10 per cent.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, tweeted about this finding saying: “These findings are not only a source of pride for us, it is also a growing experience that we lived and it is available to anyone who wants to study our journey and benefit from it.”
Likewise, when asked to think about which country they would like to emulate, almost a quarter (22 per cent) of the respondents consider the UAE as a model nation, followed by the United States (15 per cent), Germany (11 per cent), Canada (8 per cent) and France (8 per cent).
The UAE was the only Arab country in the top five choices identified by Arab youth.
“It is no surprise that the UAE came on top,” said Jordanian 20-year-old Saif Al Deen Khalil. “Most of my young relatives in Jordan want to work and live in the UAE. It is mainly because the UAE brings the best of both worlds. It has all the opportunities available in the West and at the same time, it is a Muslim and Arab country that preserves its traditions and values.”
Palestinian Mais Kanan, 23, also said it is expected that the UAE would come on top as it is one of the few Arab countries that is safe and free of turmoil.
“UAE is the country to look up to, it is flourishing and what I like the most about the UAE is that it shows Islam in a positive light.”
Unemployment: a major concern among Arab youth
Unemployment remains a key concern among Arab youth, said Jay Leveton CEO of PSB, the polling firm, which conducted the survey.
When asked to comment on how concerned they are about unemployment, the majority (81 per cent) of the youth said they are “concerned” and almost one in three (29 per cent) cited it as the biggest obstacle facing the region.
The issue is particularly worrying for youth in non-GCC countries where 84 per cent are concerned compared to 73 per cent in the six GCC states.
Only one in three (33 per cent) of youth outside the GCC are confident in their government’s ability to tackle the issue of unemployment, a significant difference compared to the GCC at 68 per cent.
The report read, “Overall unemployment rates differ significantly across the region from as low as 11 per cent in Kuwait to over 30 per cent in Morocco, according to United Nations data.”
Meanwhile, the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) needs to create 80-100 million jobs by 2020 to maintain its current unemployment rates, according to the World Bank.
Starting their own business
In the context of unemployment and future prospects, the survey posted positive trends when it came to youth’s desire to start their own business.
Nearly two in five (39 per cent) young Arabs are looking to start a business within the next five years, with technology and retail being the most popular sectors.
Leveton said Arab youth are confident that they can start their own business and this percentage is higher than any country in the world.
When asked to suggest what national governments should do to further encourage entrepreneurship, one third (32 per cent) say they should encourage affordable lending.
They cite improving available training and education (26 per cent) as the second most pressing measure followed by reducing regulation and red tape (19 per cent).
UAE top choice of residence for Arab youth | GulfNews.com
--------------------------
April 21, 2015
Arab Youth Survey: Most Arab youth want to live in UAE
UAE remains a popular choice and 'model nation' for Arab youth, according to Arab Youth Survey
The UAE remains the top country that most Arab youth would like to live in, the 7th annual Arab Youth survey found for the fourth year running.
The Arab youth surveyed also said they see the UAE as a model country that they would like their countries to emulate.
The results of the ASDA’A Burson- Marsteller Arab Youth Survey were revealed on Tuesday during a press conference held in Dubai.
The survey by Penn Schoen Berland was conducted on 3,500 Arab youth aged 18 to 24 from 16 countries. It aims to understand the Arab world’s dynamics through the eyes of it's youth.
When asked to name a country anywhere in the world where they would like to live, Arab youth, who took part in the survey, chose the UAE as their top choice for the fourth year running ahead of 20 other countries.
The United States came in second by 15 per cent. Germany and Canada, both followed at 10 per cent.
Likewise, when asked to think about which country they would like to emulate, almost a quarter (22 per cent) consider the UAE as a model nation, followed by the United States (15 per cent), Germany (11 per cent), Canada (8 per cent) and France (8 per cent).
The UAE was the only Arab country in the top five choices identified by Arab youth.
The report attributed the popularity of the UAE to the country’s strong economic outlook and status as a safe haven.
According to the International Monetary Fund the economy of the UAE is also expected to grow 3.5 per cent in 2015 and 2016 in spite of falling oil prices.
The report also read that the UAE is known as a country where young Arabs are encouraged to reach their full potential across a broad spectrum of industries from technology start-ups to the arts and finance, in a culture they are familiar with.
Arab Youth Survey: Most Arab youth want to live in UAE | GulfNews.com
-----------------------------
April 21, 2015
Television still king for Arab youth
From boycotting brands for a cause to viewing energy price drop as a temporary issue, Arab youth reveal resilience and foresight
The 7th annual Arab Youth Survey shed light on many aspects of the aspirations and ambitions of Arab youth across 16 countries. From boycotting brands for a cause to choice of digital media for news to viewing energy price drop as a temporary issue, the respondents revealed a high degree of resilience and foresight. Here are some quick encapsulations of some of the top 10 findings of the survey.
Digital media and Arab youth: Television is still king
Almost eight in ten (77 per cent) young Arabs said they own a smartphone and almost five in six (82 per cent) said they are daily internet users.
The report says that this shows that the Arab youth are a truly digital generation.
However, despite the rise of internet and smartphone access, the survey found that television remains the most popular source of news (60 per cent).
News from online sources came second with 40 per cent and news from social media sources followed with 25 per cent — significantly more than newspapers and radio.
The influence and reach of social media continues to grow, with 91 per cent saying they visit social media channels at least once a week.
Networks such as Facebook and Twitter are fast becoming major sources of information for youth with two-fifths (41 per cent) saying they use Facebook to share interesting news articles with their family and friends.
Smartphones now make up the vast majority of all phones shipped in the GCC, according to International Data Corporation. The GCC is one of the biggest users of social media per capita in the world with youth turning online for drama, comedy, sports and news.
Brands, countries of origin and boycott
Arab youth do not rule out boycotting country-associated brands for a cause. They consider a brand’s country of origin before purchasing a product, with those in the GCC more conscious than their peers in non-GCC countries.
Almost half (44 per cent) of the respondents say a brand’s country of origin matters to them, compared with 52 per cent who say it does not.
Across the Arab world, one in three (32 per cent) would boycott a brand for political reasons while just one in five (21 per cent) youth would never support the boycott of a brand for political reasons.
Nearly half (46 per cent) are unsure but do not rule out using their purchasing power as a political tool. Youth in GCC countries are more likely to boycott a brand than their peers in other non-GCC countries.
The report read: “Growing internet penetration, together with the rise of social media, has exposed Arab youth to more global issues, sensitising them even more to global brands and political issues. Boycotts, however, are not a recent phenomenon. During times of conflict, many Arabs have shunned specific products or brands for political reasons.”
Outlook on future: Still optimistic
Arab youth are aware of the present issues facing the region but remain cautiously optimistic about the long-term future, with youth in the GCC particularly positive, the report found.
When thinking about the last five years, three in five (57 per cent) believe their country is heading in the right direction while 35 per cent say things have gone in the wrong direction.
Youth in the GCC are significantly more optimistic than their peers in other parts of the Arab world. Eighty-one per cent of Gulf youth believe things in their country are going in the right direction compared with 57 per cent in North Africa and only 29 per cent in the Levant.
However, in general, the prospects for the future garnered a hefty overall 67 per cent vote for best days being ahead of them, while just 26 per cent said their best days are behind them.
Even in the Levant, which continues to grapple with political and economic instability, 57 per cent believe their best days are ahead compared with 34 per cent who say their best days are behind them.
Regional allies: Saudi Arabia seen as top ally
When asked to think about their country’s biggest ally, Arab youth cited Saudi Arabia for the fourth year running and continue to view the UAE and United States as their biggest supporters in the region.
One in three (30 per cent) consider Saudi Arabia their biggest ally, while 23 per cent cite the United States and 22 per cent the UAE. Qatar ranks fourth (16 per cent) followed by France (11 per cent).
The report read that Saudi Arabia, which has started to assert itself more in the region in response to US foreign policy, is viewed as a top ally in 12 Arab countries (all but Tunisia, Iraq, and Libya) while the influence of US and UAE is more limited to the GCC countries.
Outside the GCC, only Iraq, Morocco, and Jordan view the US as one of their top three allies while outside the GCC, Iraq and Egypt consider the UAE among their top allies. Saudi Arabia has been growing increasingly assertive following Washington’s drive to conclude the framework agreement with Iran on the nuclear issue and its recent cautionary approach in the Middle East.
Falling energy prices: Temporary drop
The majority of Arab youth, particularly in the Opec countries, are concerned about the falling energy prices, but most also believe the drop is temporary.
Crude oil has declined around 50 per cent since last June amid a global oversupply, particularly shale oil in the US, and weakening demand growth.
More than half of Arab youth are “concerned” (52 per cent) about falling energy prices as the cost of oil continues to decline. Thirty-seven per cent say they are not concerned, while 10 per cent “don’t know”.
Unsurprisingly, the level of concern is higher in Opec countries like Kuwait, where 90 per cent of the youth say they are concerned, followed by Libya (84 per cent), Algeria (75 per cent) and Iraq (64 per cent).
When asked to think about the negative impact falling energy prices will have on them, three in five (64 per cent) expect it will have a negative effect on the economy on them personally, and those who expect it to have an effect on the entire Arab world (60 per cent).
Television still king for Arab youth | GulfNews.com
