Abstract:
This article explores the interplay of gender, cultural factors, Islamic
teachings and agency in explaining the barriers faced by women
entrepreneurs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Adopting social
constructionist and interpretative approaches, this article draws on indepth
interviews with 20 women entrepreneurs in the UAE to explore
the interplay between macro socio-cultural values using Hofstede’s
(2001) typology of cultural values and the barriers faced during their
entrepreneurial careers. The findings suggest a considerable sociocultural
impact: one that starts with family support and extends to the
huge spill-over effect on the business venture itself and on women’s
access to capital and business networks. They also highlight the role
that women’s agency, self-confidence and persistence are playing in
fostering the appetite of local women for entrepreneurship and overcoming
the toll of barriers. Overall, the findings suggest that the winds
of change, although mild, are nevertheless blowing through the UAE
and the Arab Middle East by extension. The significance of the impact
of culture on women entrepreneurs in the UAE and Middle East should
not be underestimated or ignored by policymakers seeking a better
understanding of women’s entrepreneurship in the Arab world.
