Date of Defense
12-11-2025 12:50 PM
Location
Room 1116, H1 Building
Document Type
Thesis Defense
Degree Name
Master of Governance and Public Policy
College
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department
Government and Society
First Advisor
Dr. Mohammed Aljanahi
Keywords
Family-Friendly Policies (FFPs); dual-earner parents; Work-Life Balance (WLB); Work Family Conflict (WFC).
Abstract
The Family constitutes the fundamental pillar of societies, fostering stability and driving progress. However, contemporary families in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) face increasing challenges due to the growing participation of women in the labor market. While this shift reflects significant social and economic progress, it simultaneously intensifies the pressures on parents to reconcile professional and family responsibilities. Moreover, the scarcity of family-friendly policies (FFPs) exacerbates these challenges even further. This study explores the lived experiences of working parents with young children in the UAE, examining how existing workplace arrangements facilitate or hinder family engagement. A qualitative research design was employed, using in-depth interviews with parents working in public, semi-governmental, and private entities. Additionally, a review of existing UAE laws and policies was conducted to examine the policies that support work-life balance (WLB) for working parents and identify areas for reform. The analysis reveals that current policies and work arrangements significantly influence parents’ ability to maintain WLB. Findings highlight the need for flexible work structures and consistency in implementing FFPs across sectors. By identifying the policies most valued by parents and highlighting the gaps that persist, this research contributes to a growing body of knowledge on FFPs in the UAE. It emphasizes the importance of developing supportive frameworks that promote both parental well-being and family cohesion, ultimately advancing social stability and sustainable development. The study addresses a critical gap in the literature and provides evidence-based recommendations for enhancing family-friendly workplace practices across sectors.
Included in
EXPLORING FAMILY-FRIENDLY POLICIES IN THE UAE
Room 1116, H1 Building
The Family constitutes the fundamental pillar of societies, fostering stability and driving progress. However, contemporary families in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) face increasing challenges due to the growing participation of women in the labor market. While this shift reflects significant social and economic progress, it simultaneously intensifies the pressures on parents to reconcile professional and family responsibilities. Moreover, the scarcity of family-friendly policies (FFPs) exacerbates these challenges even further. This study explores the lived experiences of working parents with young children in the UAE, examining how existing workplace arrangements facilitate or hinder family engagement. A qualitative research design was employed, using in-depth interviews with parents working in public, semi-governmental, and private entities. Additionally, a review of existing UAE laws and policies was conducted to examine the policies that support work-life balance (WLB) for working parents and identify areas for reform. The analysis reveals that current policies and work arrangements significantly influence parents’ ability to maintain WLB. Findings highlight the need for flexible work structures and consistency in implementing FFPs across sectors. By identifying the policies most valued by parents and highlighting the gaps that persist, this research contributes to a growing body of knowledge on FFPs in the UAE. It emphasizes the importance of developing supportive frameworks that promote both parental well-being and family cohesion, ultimately advancing social stability and sustainable development. The study addresses a critical gap in the literature and provides evidence-based recommendations for enhancing family-friendly workplace practices across sectors.