DUBAI — Most Emiratis expect high salaries for less work, want to start working at top positions and are often late to work, according to findings of a research by Dubai Women’s College (DWC) students. This was revealed at the sixth Current Issues Forum 2009 by the first year Higher Diploma Business and IT DWC students on Sunday.

‘Emirati expectations at work: Realistic or not?’ was one of the 53 research topics that examined and discussed challenges faced by Emiratis in the UAE private and public sector. Students also tackled a number of issues including the impact of the recession on UAE’s banking and corporate sector, implications of unemployment, the need for protection of migrant labourers and domestic workers, unfair labour practices in the UAE and GCC and increasing crime and suicide cases due to the recession in the two-day forum that ends today.

“Most UAE nationals want high salaries and less work and want to start at high positions. These expectations are not realistic. Many of them also do not take their jobs seriously and are rarely punctual,” said Fatma Al Matrooshi, who studies and works at a bank as well. “In government sectors, they start at high positions and stay in the same rank for 10 years, unlike the private sector. That will not help them improve their skills. The private sector, on the other hand, will not recruit people on high positions. Also, due to their (local workers) demands, a number of companies are scared of hiring Emiratis,” said Fatima Al Asiri, who also juggles college and work. “They have to learn new things, especially in these times,” she added.

The way forward for locals was to take their jobs seriously, have ‘realistic’ expectations and ensure they were punctual at work, said the students who based on their research from articles in the media, Tanmia and Kipp reports. Fatma Hamad, who started working as a receptionist at Dh5,000 and later graduated to work as an administrator at a salary of Dh10,000 said she had come a long way since her first job. “We have to move step by step in our careers and be paid according to our skills. Many are overpaid despite their lack of knowledge or experience. I feel more experienced, confident and proud of my accomplishment as I have earned my way up in my work,” said Hamad, who is pursuing her diploma while working.

Students also said the UAE should reduce dependence on domestic workers and do their chores on their own because of the large percentage of the domestic worker population, impacting the country’s language and the physical abuse inflicted on workers.

“We found that about five per cent of the UAE’s population is made up of domestic workers, which is more than half of the Emirati population of about eight per cent. Many are made to work long hours, not paid proper salaries and often have to meet the demands of large families,” said Alia Al Shehhi, one of the students. Fatma Ali, who also worked on the project, said policies need to be put in place to stop abuse, ensure salaries are paid on time and also mandate weekly holidays for workers. Dr Howard Reed, Director of DWC, said these topics researched by students were not exactly taboo. “These cannot be taboo in educational systems. We have to equip these young ladies to be responsible, educated people to ensure good decisions are made when they join the UAE workforce,” he said.

preeti@khaleejtimes.com