Emirati youth more optimistic - survey

Emirati youth are among the most optimistic in the Middle East about their future, according to the inaugural Asda'a Burson-Marsteller Arab youth survey. It also revealed that Arab youth optimism surpasses that of their Western peers. The survey, based on the views of 1,800 young people between the ages of 18-24, was carried out in six Middle East states - the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar - and three Western nations namely the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany. Among the Middle East states surveyed, 65 per cent of Saudi youth, 60 per cent of Jordanian youth and 57 per cent of Emirati youth feel their country is heading in the right direction. Mark Penn, Global CEO of Burson-Marsteller, told Gulf News that many of the survey's findings came as a big surprise. He said: "Arab youth are not just looking at one element of their daily lives, they are looking at their overall long-term future. The factors contributing to their positive attitude include the environment they grew up in, education and the opportunities they have." The rising cost of living and overall economic outlook is the overriding concern for both groups, they are both similarly worried about their ability to live in a good area and stay in touch with their family. But the survey also shows a huge contrast between Arab and Western youth when examining the importance of religious belief. Some 68 per cent of Arab youth say religion defines them as a person compared to just 16 per cent in the West. Findings: Differing opinions Western youth are generally pessimistic about the future, while Middle East youth are optimistic. Nine per cent of Arab youth say the loss of traditional values and culture is the greatest challenge facing the world today, while Western youth view the same as only moderately important. Asked whom they look up to, 30 per cent of Arab youth cited government leaders compared to just nine per cent in the West. Source: Gulfnews