The Emirati Personality and the System of Social Values A Field Study

Abstract
Objectives : This study aims to examine the Emirati personality and its associated system of social values. It lies at the intersection of national personality studies and value system research. It is among the first studies to attempt to connect individual personality traits with the broader framework of social values. Method: The study employed a survey methodology using a questionnaire tool, applied to a sample of 253 individuals from the Emirate of Sharjah.
Results: Key findings indicate that the Emirati personality strongly emphasizes passing down certain social values to future generations, foremost among them family cohesion and kinship ties, which ranked highest at 86.33%. Honesty and integrity emerged as the most important moral values upheld by the Emirati personality. The study also highlighted the widespread presence of tolerance in Emirati society, as well as a strong culture of dialogue, with 70.8% affirming its prevalence. Volunteerism was another notable value, with 52.32% of participants reporting active involvement based on personal experience.
Regarding challenges, the study found that 59.82% identified social media as a major threat to the Emirati personality and its value system. Other key concerns included the influence of foreign cultures, especially those promoting unrestrained freedom, as well as drug addiction. Conclusion: The study recommends further research on the Emirati personality, the evolving value system, and emerging cultural challenges.
Keywords: National Character- The Emirati Character – values – social values