Middle East Ms Pauline Nunan Regional Manager, Middle East pnunan@unimelb.edu.au Middle East Arabic and/or Islamic 1
Snapshot of ME Birthplace of major religions Judaism, Christianity and Islam Historical centre of important empires and earliest civilizations Mesopotamia, Babylon, Romans, etc. Arab League (MENA) 22 countries, many differences Diverse economies oil, gas, tourism, agriculture, etc 340 million people (similar to size of US) Large youth populations (65% under 30) Some have many migrant workers and other expatriates UAE has 80% Snapshot of ME Modern ME only defined after WW1 and redefined after WW2 Monarchies and ruling families common republics, but not democratic Legal systems different and lack certainty Resource issues Political instability in many countries Unemployment often high (25% youth, also females, and the wealthy) Languages generally Arabic, but Farsi in Iran and Turkish in Turkey 2
Old Dubai c. 1960s Dubai today 3
Education in ME Colonial era elites were educated, many remained illiterate Post colonial era emphasis on education, and regional literacy rates doubled from 1960 to 1995 Rapid changes: Saudi Arabia 1960-10% of males were literate; now approx 90% Education systems have emphasised rote learning Gulf states investing in far-reaching educational reforms - awareness that investing in human capital is necessary for continued economic development ME Students MENA Higher Ed enrolments 2008-9 2009-10 2011-11 UK (HESA) 19,325 23,605 26,060 US(Open Doors) 37,020 41,289 50,048 Australia (AEI) 8,613 11,399 12,486 Note: These are comparison estimates in that each set of figures may not be based on exactly the same countries 4
ME Students Sponsored Many MOE and other govt ministries - Saudi, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar Seeking capacity development in particular areas, universities, education systems, health, etc Administered or overseen by cultural attaches Often want to negotiate terms, expect discounts and make demands MOUs wanted but may not be followed through Agreements and demands sometimes difficult to fit into existing systems ME Students Self-funded expatriates International schools Post-grads seeking further qualifications Large number of expats are from South Asia 5
Overview - Iran Persian people NOT Arabs Political and religious aspects intertwined Young educated population who are non-religious want out. Largely self-funded, though some Ministry sponsored Education system produces excellent students (PhD scholarships) Status conscious and high aspirations Culturally fit well in Australia UN and Australian Sanctions related to nuclear industry creating problems Iran 6
Overview - Gulf States UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia Small countries, except for Saudi Young populations (median age often 20 or below) and large families Rapid economic growth in past 50 years Oil wealth not consistent in all countries/areas (e.g Oman, Dubai) Education systems generally very traditional (UGs often struggle) Growth of new universities and linkages (e.g. 70 unis in UAE) Push for more locals to enter workforce - Omanisation, Emiratisation, etc High school education may not meet Aust uni requirements need Foundation Studies unless educated in international schools Oman Oman 7
Oman Working in region Challenges Visas Unilateral MOE and other govt decisions Communication (emails v. phones, meetings) Dress codes Cultural differences (e.g. religious observance, gender, dress) Don t expect smooth sailing! 8
Culture Explicit language, gestures, clothes, architecture, literature, music Semi-explicit rules, laws Implicit values, assumptions, beliefs We view other people and cultures through our own particular cultural lens what we perceive as normal. Being effective means: Being prepared Being self-aware Knowing your choices Working in region Requirements Cultural/historical awareness +++ Patience Commitment Good agents 9
Market failure in ME Working in region Positives Hospitality Kindness and generosity Fascinating culture Rich history Perspective on Islam Increased dialogue and understanding 10
Saudi Arabia Additional Reading Alsanae, Rajaa Girls of Riyadh, Penguin, 2007 Written as a blog insight into the modern and conservative tensions of life in Saudi Arabia Hofstede, Geert Cultures and Organisations, Software of the Mind, McGraw Hill, 1997 Hofstede, Geert Cultures and Consequences, Sage, 2 nd ed., 2001 Both part of his extensive research based on IBM employees around the world Krane, Jim Dubai, the Story of the World s Fastest City, Atlantic, 2009 Describes the 50 year development of Dubai from poor village to wealthy city of skyscrapers; includes interesting insights into attitudes and culture. Lacey, Robert The Kingdom, Fontana, 1982 Lacey, Robert Inside the Kingdom, Random House, 2009 Update on Saudi Arabia written 30 years after The Kingdom, his earlier history of the country s development. Tatchell, Jo Diamond in the Desert, Hodder & Stoughton, 2009 Author grew up in Abu Dhabi in the 70 s-80 s and returns 30 years later- some good reflections and insights. Williams, Jeremy Don t They Know it s Friday? A Cross-cultural Guide for Business and Life in the Gulf, Motivate, rev. ed. 2010 Written after an extensive military and diplomatic career in the Gulf very informative. Lonely Planet Guides 11