Cultural Intelligence in UAE Workplaces & Emotional intelligence in Dubai workplace Business

Eslam Mobarak
Published 1 year ago on 28 September, 2023-862 views
Cultural Intelligence in UAE Workplaces and Emotional intelligence in Dubai workplace

Cultural intelligence in UAE workplaces is critical to effectively managing diversity in HR systems and multicultural workplaces in the UAE. Workplace diversity has evolved from a nice-to-have attribute to an essential component of a thriving business in today’s interconnected and globalized world. This is especially evident in the UAE, an emerging business hub that attracts talented individuals worldwide. However, along with the benefits of Cultural Intelligence in UAE workplaces, diversity brings with it its own set of challenges.


Cultural Intelligence in UAE Workplaces

Cultural intelligence is the ability to work effectively in culturally diverse situations. It encompasses understanding, respecting, and appreciating the various differences between people. HR departments are in charge of offloading Cultural Intelligence in UAE workplaces and creating an environment in which everyone, regardless of multi-cultural background, feels included, respected, and valued.

Cultural intelligence in UAE workplaces and HR management has undergone a significant shift as a result of technological advancements. Because of its ability to provide objective hiring procedures, transparent performance evaluations, and extensive education and development opportunities for all employees, an effective HR system in Dubai has become a reliable instrument for Cultural intelligence and diversity management. These systems play a critical role in maintaining a harmonious multicultural workforce by ensuring that employees from different cultures have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed within the organization.

Read more: Performance Management in UAE


Emotional Intelligence in Workplaces in Dubai

Emotional Intelligence in Workplaces in Dubai
Emotional Intelligence in Workplaces in Dubai

Technical skills alone are not enough to ensure success in today’s rapidly changing and diverse work environments. Emotional intelligence, in addition to knowledge and qualifications, is critical to workplace success. This is especially true in Dubai, a thriving, cosmopolitan city known for its cultural diversity and international business relationships.

The ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s emotions effectively, as well as navigate and manage interpersonal relationships empathetically, is referred to as emotional intelligence. It encompasses a wide range of critical skills, including self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.

Emotional intelligence in the workplace refers to the ability to “intelligently” think with one’s own and other’s emotions in order to intentionally and effectively achieve results for both the individual and the organization. These emotional intelligence skills aid in the development of strong connections with others, the resolution of disagreements, and the collaboration of coworkers.

Read more: Business Protocol in UAE


Concept of Emotional Intelligence in UAE

Understanding the concept of emotional intelligence in UAE workplaces has a clear impact on an employee’s productivity as a team member and manager because it relates to a wide range of today’s workplace variables, including productivity and performance, interpersonal effectiveness, leadership potential, sales performance, teamwork, customer service, and job satisfaction.

Managers can gain insight into their employees’ motivations and feelings about their work by considering their emotional intelligence, which goes beyond simple criteria such as effectiveness, timeliness, productivity, and goal achievement.

Dubai’s workforce is multicultural, with professionals from various countries and backgrounds blending together in one cosmopolitan city. Emotional intelligence becomes even more important in such a diverse environment. Professionals with high emotional intelligence can adapt to different cultural norms, understand and appreciate different points of view, and effectively work and communicate with people from various backgrounds with cross-cultural differences.

Take a look at: Positive Work Culture in UAE


Components of Emotional Intelligence in UAE Workplaces

Components of Emotional Intelligence
Components of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is particularly important because it is thought to have a significant impact on other intelligence, with a positive correlation between high MSC EIT (the Mayer-Salovey-Curaso emotional intelligence test used to measure emotional intelligence) and SAT scores (Brackett, Rivers, and Salovey 94).

One of the defining characteristics of talent and academic performance is the ability to control and analyze emotions and feelings. Furthermore, emotional intelligence improves a person’s mental and physical health and well-being. The following are the most important Emotional Intelligence Elements in UAE workplaces:

Self-Awareness at Workplace

One of the most important aspects of emotional intelligence is self-awareness. People who are self-aware at work can identify their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as understand and manage their emotions. In Dubai’s competitive work environment, self-awareness enables professionals to capitalize on their strengths, identify and improve on areas for improvement, and constantly develop their skills and abilities.

Self-regulation is also an important aspect of emotional intelligence that is required for success at work. Professionals with strong self-regulation skills are better able to deal with stress, remain calm under pressure, and make sound decisions in difficult situations. Due to the fast-paced and demanding nature of business environments in Dubai, employers place a high value on employees’ ability to manage emotions and remain composed.

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations

Motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic, is also important in achieving workplace success. Individuals who are emotionally intelligent are motivated by their own goals, persevere in the face of failure, and seek personal and professional development on a regular basis. Motivated employees can influence and inspire their coworkers, resulting in a positive and effective work environment.

Cultural Sensitivity in Dubai Workplaces

Empathy is especially important in Dubai’s workplace, where cultural sensitivity is valued highly. Empathetic people can understand and relate to their coworker’s emotions and thoughts, allowing them to build strong relationships and foster a positive workplace culture. Empathy promotes cooperation and improves overall employee engagement and satisfaction, which facilitates effective teamwork.

Social skills in UAE Workplaces

Social skills are critical for workplace success in Dubai, UAE. Professionals with strong social skills are more likely to succeed in networking, negotiating, and conflict resolution. Individuals with strong social skills can make valuable connections, form partnerships, and discover new business opportunities in a city known for its vibrant business environment and global networking opportunities.

Read more: Business Networking in UAE


Development of Cultural Intelligence in UAE Workplaces

Development of Cultural Intelligence
Development of Cultural Intelligence

The methodology and initial goal of the Development of Cultural Intelligence is to determine whether emotional intelligence has a relationship to the effectiveness of company leadership and employee commitment and motivation in UAE companies. In this case, the literature review provides background information on emotional intelligence as well as its reflection on current trends. Simultaneously, it emphasizes that employee satisfaction can be defined by improving their economic concepts through:

Elevate of Self-awareness

Take time to reflect on your own emotions and how they affect your behavior to increase self-awareness. The best ways to accomplish this are to be aware of your emotions, understand your thoughts, and observe your mental state in various situations. Determine your triggers and learn how to manage them.

Practice Sympathy

Put yourself in the shoes of others and try to understand their points of view. Sympathy allows you to not only fully understand your peers’ emotions but also allows you to accurately grasp your own emotions because you take the time to analyze and imagine your reactions and feelings in situations with others. Actively listen and respond with kindness and compassion.

Practice Self-Regulation

Learn how to control your emotions and reactions in stressful situations. Take deep breaths, be mindful, and ordinate yourself.

Effective and Regular Communication

Effective communication and genuine interest in others are required. Communicating your feelings to others and allowing them to open up about theirs in front of you is an excellent way for both of you to better understand each other’s emotions. It not only fosters a positive work environment, but it also facilitates the development of healthy relationships.

Asking for Feedback

Request feedback from coworkers, mentors, and supervisors. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to help you grow.

Read more: Leadership Development in UAE


Focus on Emotional Intelligence in Dubai Workplace

Emotional Intelligence in Dubai Workplace
Emotional Intelligence in Dubai Workplace

Dubai, as a global commercial hub, understands the value of emotional intelligence in fostering a thriving and inclusive workplace. By recognizing and emphasizing emotional intelligence, employers can create a pleasant work environment, increase employee engagement, and boost overall productivity.

According to a survey conducted by Robert Half, UAE, the world’s first and largest specialized recruitment consultancy and S & amp P 500 members, more than half (44%) of the UAE business leaders believe that emotional intelligence is more valuable than IQ in the workplace. Employees with high emotional intelligence are seen as more motivated and morale, as well as performing better in leadership roles, collaborating more effectively, and resolving conflicts more effectively.

Many companies in Dubai have taken proactive steps to recognize and promote this critical skill set among their employees in order to foster a pleasant work environment, increase employee productivity, and boost overall organizational success, including:

Training & Development Programs

Emotional intelligence training has been integrated into several learning and development programs in Dubai. These programs emphasize the development of self-awareness, communication, empathy, and conflict-resolution skills. Organizations strive to improve teamwork and overall performance by providing employees with tools to effectively manage their emotions.

Recruitment Process & Hiring Practices

As an indication of the importance of this skill, companies in Dubai are now evaluating applicants’ emotional intelligence skills during the hiring process. They may include behavioral interviews, situational judgment tests, or even psychometric assessments to assess applicants’ emotional quotient. By recruiting individuals with high emotional intelligence, organizations strive to develop a workforce that can adapt, collaborate, and thrive in a variety of workplace environments.

Leadership Development

Effective leadership necessitates a high level of emotional intelligence. Many Dubai-based businesses have implemented leadership development programs aimed at helping executives and managers improve their emotional intelligence. By developing emotionally intelligent leaders, organizations can inspire and motivate their teams while also creating a pleasant and effective work environment.

Employees Well-Being Programs

Many companies in Dubai are implementing comprehensive well-being programs because they recognize the link between emotional intelligence and employee well-being. These programs include activities such as mindfulness training, stress management workshops, and work-life balance support, all of which help to build emotional resilience and overall job satisfaction.

Read more: Cultural Awareness in UAE


What is the working culture like in Dubai?

Dubai’s work culture is characterized by long working hours and dedication. Professionals in Dubai frequently demonstrate a strong work ethic, going above and beyond the standard hours to complete tasks and achieve goals.

What is the cultural practice in the UAE?

Emirati culture is a synthesis of Arabian, Islamic, and Persian cultures, with influences from East African and Indian Subcontinent cultures. Islam has had a significant impact on local architecture, music, clothing, cuisine, and lifestyle.

How does the UAE promote cultural diversity?

The UAE has implemented a number of educational policies to ensure cultural diversity and ensure all children in the UAE have access to education as a result of inclusive education policies, including a policy on mandatory education in the UAE, regardless of gender, language, religion, or sociocultural background.

What is cultural intelligence in the workplace?

Cultural intelligence is defined by business professors P. Christopher Earley and Elaine Mosakowski as “an outsider’s seemingly natural ability to interpret someone’s unfamiliar and ambiguous gestures the way that person’s compatriots would”.


Companies in Dubai are realizing the importance of cultural intelligence in UAE workplaces building a positive workplace culture, increasing productivity, and promoting organizational success. Professionals with emotional intelligence elements such as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills are well-equipped to deal with the complexities of a multicultural work environment, form lasting bonds with coworkers, and achieve success in their positions.

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