Title: Understanding the impact of cross-cultural friendships and residency status on multicultural attitudes: a UAE perspective

Authors: Nishtha Lamba; Fadhila Mohideen; Tisha Virani; Sachi Kariappa; Vineeta Aroz; Hafseena Bind Ashraf; Zainab Udaipurwala; Clea D'Souza; Somer Rodrigues; Ashley Paulson; Aishwarya Patil

Addresses: Middlesex University Dubai, Office 305, Block 16, Dubai Knowledge Park, P.O. Box 500697, Dubai, UAE ' Middlesex University Dubai, Office 305, Block 16, Dubai Knowledge Park, P.O. Box 500697, Dubai, UAE ' Middlesex University Dubai, Office 305, Block 16, Dubai Knowledge Park, P.O. Box 500697, Dubai, UAE ' Middlesex University Dubai, Office 305, Block 16, Dubai Knowledge Park, P.O. Box 500697, Dubai, UAE ' Middlesex University Dubai, Office 305, Block 16, Dubai Knowledge Park, P.O. Box 500697, Dubai, UAE ' Middlesex University Dubai, Office 305, Block 16, Dubai Knowledge Park, P.O. Box 500697, Dubai, UAE ' Middlesex University Dubai, Office 305, Block 16, Dubai Knowledge Park, P.O. Box 500697, Dubai, UAE ' Middlesex University Dubai, Office 305, Block 16, Dubai Knowledge Park, P.O. Box 500697, Dubai, UAE ' Middlesex University Dubai, Office 305, Block 16, Dubai Knowledge Park, P.O. Box 500697, Dubai, UAE ' Middlesex University Dubai, Office 305, Block 16, Dubai Knowledge Park, P.O. Box 500697, Dubai, UAE ' Middlesex University Dubai, Office 305, Block 16, Dubai Knowledge Park, P.O. Box 500697, Dubai, UAE

Abstract: With 80% of the population comprising of expatriates, the UAE presents itself as a unique place to explore multicultural attitudes. This study examines how cross-cultural friendships and residency status impacts young adults' socio-cultural development and social cynicism levels in the UAE. Two surveys measuring socio-cultural development and social cynicism were administered to dual samples consisting of 155 and 166 young adults. It was found that: 1) both number of cross-cultural friends and residency status did not impact participants' socio-cultural development; 2) that only residency status, not cross-cultural friendships, had a significant effect on social cynicism. Short-term expatriates showed the least social cynicism levels compared to long-term expatriates and locals. The findings challenge the emphasis on diversity for development and also show that short-term expatriates feel welcomed and do not feel threatened by the host culture in the UAE. This study expands knowledge on the growth of sustainable cities.

Keywords: cross-cultural friendships; socio-cultural development; social cynicism; multicultural attitudes; UAE.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2023.131683

International Journal of Sustainable Society, 2023 Vol.15 No.2, pp.205 - 224

Accepted: 06 Aug 2022
Published online: 26 Jun 2023 *