Algeria Bahrain Egypt Iraq Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Libya
Morocco Oman Palestine Qatar Saudi Arabia Tunisia UAE Yemen
arabyouthsurvey.com asdaabm.com bm.com psbresearch.com #arabyouthsurvey
“We want to embrace modern values.” A White Paper on the Findings of the ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey 2014 Published in 2014 by ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller This White Paper can be obtained from the ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey website: www.arabyouthsurvey.com Copyright © 2014 ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller www.asdaabm.com All rights reserved No part of this document may be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission of ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller and ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey logos are trademarks of ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller. Other company, product and service names may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
Algeria Bahrain Egypt Iraq
Contents
Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Libya
Morocco Oman Palestine Qatar
2 Letter from the CEO 4 Survey Methodology 6 Top Ten Findings 8 In-depth Insights 28 Demographic Data 29 About Us
Saudi Arabia Tunisia UAE Yemen
2
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Letter from the Chief Executive officer
The substantial investment in this thought leadership platform demonstrates our firm belief in the principle of evidence-based communications.
Arab Youth Survey 2014
Every year ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller conducts the Arab Youth Survey because we understand how important it is to access reliable data here in the Middle East, where research is often limited. The substantial investment in this thought leadership platform demonstrates our firm belief in the principle of evidence-based communications.
The aim of this annual survey, now in its sixth year, is to present evidence-based insights into the attitudes of Arab youth, providing public and private sector organisations with data and analysis to inform their decisionmaking and policy formation. Our first study in 2008 evaluated the hopes and aspirations of 1,500 Arab youth between the ages of 18 and 24 years in six countries; Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan. This year’s edition is a cross section of the opinions of 3,500 young Arabs in 16 countries across the Middle East and North Africa, with insights into the young people of Palestine included for the first time. In the six years since we started the Arab Youth Survey, the region has witnessed dramatic technological, social and political changes, much of which are evident in the findings that we have produced. After decades of living under oppressive dictatorships, thousands of citizens took to the streets to demand change and in doing so toppled two leaders in Egypt, and a further two in Yemen and Tunisia, removed Muammar Gaddafi from power in Libya and plunged Syria into civil war with an enormous loss of life. In the intervening years we have seen Egyptian citizens take part in the country’s first democratic election in decades, only to see the newly appointed president overthrown within the year; we have witnessed Libya continue to grapple with rebel fighters who openly and regularly defy the new state; Tunisia endure months of crisis and Syria enter its third year of civil war.
3
Though thousands of young citizens have taken to the streets to demand change, many more are using the internet and social media platforms to voice their opinions. As the online world becomes an intrinsic part of Arab society, the youth of today are fast becoming the 24-7 social network generation. Youth in Saudi Arabia, which boasts the highest Twitter and YouTube usage per capita of any country in the world, are using sites such as Twitter to demand social change while citizen journalism continues to play a key role in driving the world’s outlook on the ongoing conflict in Syria. The ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey is an important snapshot of what is happening in the region. One of our top findings in our 2010 survey, for example, was that the single most important priority for young people was living in a democratic society.
Three years after the Arab Spring, we are starting to see the optimism felt during the revolutionary years wane and an increasing emphasis on the "here and now" and the role of national governments. Similarly, it is evident in this year’s findings that more youth are turning to social networks as they gain increasing trust in the blogosphere. As the region continues to evolve so does the ambitions of the region’s youth. The ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey provides an insight into their hopes and beliefs in what is a defining era for the Arab world. We hope that the results of the 6th Annual ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey are informative and that the research will continue to further constructive dialogue on realising the hopes and aspirations of this important demographic – the region’s 200 million youth.
Sunil John Chief Executive Officer ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
4
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Survey Methodology The 6th Annual ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey 2014 was conducted by international polling firm PSB to explore attitudes among Arab youth in 16 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. PSB conducted 3,500 face-toface interviews between December 2013 and January 2014 with Arab men and women in the age group of 18 to 24.
Respondents, exclusively nationals of each of the surveyed countries, were selected to provide an accurate reflection of each nation’s geographic and socio-economic make-up. The gender split of the survey is 50:50 male to female. The margin of error of the 6th Annual ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey 2014 is +/-1.8%.
The aim of this annual survey, now in its sixth year, is to present evidence-based insights into the attitudes of Arab youth, providing public and private sector organisations with data and analysis to inform their decision-making and policy formation.
There were 200 respondents for each country represented in the survey, except for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt with 300 respondents each, and Iraq with 250 and Palestine with 150.
The survey is the most comprehensive of its kind covering the six Gulf Cooperation Council states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE), Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia and Yemen. The survey did not include Syria due to the civil unrest in the country. Participants were interviewed in-depth about subjects ranging from the political to the personal. Topics explored included the concerns and aspirations of Arab youth, their views on the economy and the impact of the Arab Spring, their media consumption habits, and attitudes towards traditional values and the people who influence them.
The geographic location of respondents was also taken into account by PSB when developing the fieldwork methodology – with, for example, 40% of UAE respondents in Abu Dhabi, 40% in Dubai and 20% in Sharjah. Saudi respondents were drawn from three of the country’s regions; Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam; Palestine’s youth from the West Bank and Gaza; Oman’s youth from Muscat and Batinah; Lebanese youth from Beirut, Saida, and Tripoli; Tunisian youth from Tunis, Sfax and Soussa; Iraqi youth from Baghdad, Irbil and Basrah; Egyptian youth from Cairo, Alexandria and Mansoura, and so on across each country. When analysed, this geographic spread provides a more accurate national picture than findings based solely on the responses of those living in capital cities.
Original 2008-10 countries UAE
Oman
Qatar
Bahrain
KSA
Kuwait
Egypt
Jordan
Lebanon
Abu Dhabi 40%
Muscat 50%
Doha 55%
Manama 100%
Riyadh 40%
Kuwait City 20%
Cairo 50%
Amman 50%
Beirut 60%
Dubai 40%
Batinah 50%
Al Rayyan 45%
Jeddah 40%
Al Hawalli 30%
Alexandria 25%
Irbid 25%
Saida 20%
Dammam 20%
Al Ahmadi 20%
Mansoura 25%
Zarqa 25%
Tripoli 20%
N=300
Sharjah 20%
N=200
N=200
N=200
N=300
N=200
Farwaniya 30%
N=300
N=200
N=200
Arab Youth Survey 2014
New in 2011 New in 2012
New in 2013
New in 2014
Iraq
Tunisia
Libya
Algeria
Morocco
Yemen
Palestine
N=250
N=200
N=200
N=200
N=200
N=200
N=150
Baghdad (50%)
Tunis (50%)
Tripoli (50%)
Algiers (50%)
Casablanca (25%)
Sanaa (50%)
West Bank (50%)
Irbil (25%)
Sfax (25%)
Benghazi (25%)
Oran (25%)
Fes (25%)
Al Hudaydah (25%)
Gaza (50%)
Basrah (25%)
Soussa (25%)
Misrata (25%)
Constantine (25%)
Rabat (25%)
Ta’izz (25%)
Marrakech (25%)
5
6
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Top 10 Findings What do 200 million Arab youth have to say about their future? 1
2
A growing number of Arab youth are embracing modern values, while family, friends and religion continue to shape their opinions and influence their lives
Youngsters are confident in their national governments’ ability to deal with a wide range of issues. Confidence in the long term impact of the Arab Spring is dropping
A growing number of Arab youth are adopting modern values as digital technology reshapes behaviour and attitudes. However, family, friends, parents and religion still have the most influence on youngsters and their outlook on life.
Arab youth are confident in their governments’ ability to deal with a wide range of issues including living standards, economic stability and unemployment but the positive momentum felt during the Arab Spring is declining.
4 Arab youth believe that civil unrest is the biggest obstacle facing the region
The majority of Arab youth believe that civil unrest is the biggest obstacle facing the Middle East and will define the region’s ability to thrive in the future.
5 entrepreneurial spirit is HIGH and a growing number of young arabs would like to work IN the private sector
More Arab youth are likely to start a business than in previous generations. Though the government sector remains a popular choice, an increasing number of young Arabs would like to work in the private sector.
3 Rising living costs and unemployment are the biggest concerns for youth across the Middle East
For the fourth year running, Arab youth cite the rising cost of living as their biggest concern, closely followed by anxiety about unemployment, which has been steadily rising year-on-year.
6 The UAE is the country that most Arab youth would like to live in and is seen as a model for their country to emulate
For the third year running, the UAE remains the most popular country to live in and the country Arab youth would most like their country to emulate.
Arab Youth Survey 2014
7
Arab youth consider their country’s biggest allies to be regional neighbours such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE rather than TRADITIONAL western COUNTRIES
When asked to think about their country’s biggest ally, Arab youth are choosing their GCC neighbours over traditional western countries as Gulf governments’ political weight grows in prominence.
10
Television is the most popular source of news for the sixth year running, but a growing number of young Arabs are turning to online and social networks to get their news
Television remains the most dominant source of information for the sixth consecutive year but a growing number of Arab youth are going online to get their news.
8 Arab youth are increasingly concerned about obesity and lifestyle diseases and do not believe that healthcare IN THEIR COUNTRY is improving
Concern about obesity and diabetes is rising but many young Arabs believe that healthcare in their country has not improved in the last 12 months.
7
9
An overwhelming majority of young Arabs believe they are entitled to subsidised energy costs, while concern about climate change is low across the region
Nearly 70% of young Arabs believe they are entitled to subsidised utilities and petrol, and while concern about climate change is rising, it ranks significantly behind other issues in terms of priority.
3,500 face-to-face interviews Arab youth in the age group of 18-24 years Sample split 50:50 male/female
8
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
In-depth Insights
1 A growing number of Arab youth are embracing modern values, while family, friends and religion continue to shape their opinions and influence their lives A rising number of Arab youth are adopting modern values as digital technology reshapes behaviour and attitudes. Nearly half of all youth polled (46%) agree with the statement “Traditional values are outdated and belong in the past; I am keen to embrace modern values and beliefs”, compared to only 17% in 2011.
As Arab youth become more global citizens, a growing number believe traditional values are no longer relevant and are keen to embrace a more modern outlook. In 2011, just 17% of youngsters said traditional values are outdated, rising to 35% in 2012 and 40% in 2013. Attitudes towards modernity are similar across the region with 44% of respondents in the Gulf and 46% in the other Arab nations believing that traditional values belong in the past. The significant shift in attitude comes amid a rise in social media consumption, smart phone penetration and exposure to new ideas and beliefs through international media and travel. Though preference for traditional values is declining, youth are still turning to their family, parents, friends and religion for advice and counsel. When asked to consider who is the biggest influence on their lives and their outlook on life, two thirds (67%) of young Arabs cite their parents, followed by 58% family, 56% religion and 46% friends. While there is no doubt that family, religion and friends continue to play a leading role in young people’s lives their influence is falling while external influences are rising. When asked for the first time this year how much influence social media/bloggers and TV celebrities have on their outlook on life, more than a third (35%) cite social media and almost one in five (19%) mention TV celebrities, indicating the growing importance of the internet on youth. Community leaders, music and sports are also playing a more central role in youths’ lives with influence from community leaders rising from 33% in 2013 to 38% and pop stars from 16% to 20%.
The significant shift in attitude comes amid a rise in social media consumption, smart phone penetration and exposure to new ideas and beliefs through international media and travel.
Arab Youth Survey 2014
Which of the following is closest to your view? 17
2011 2012 2013 2014
83 35
65 40
60 46
54
Traditional values are outdated and belong in the past. I am keen to embrace modern values and beliefs. Traditional values mean a lot to me, and ought to be preserved for generations to come.
values and beliefs by country 2014
46
43
49
46
43
45
43
40
45
50
45
46
51
44
45
49
46
44
46
54
57
51
54
57
55
57
60
55
50
55
54
49
56
55
51
54
56
54
Among All
Egypt
Jordan
Kuwait
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Oman
Iraq
Tunisia
Libya
GCC
Non GCC
Lebanon Bahrain
Algeria Morocco Yemen Palestine
Traditional values are outdated and belong in the past. I am keen to embrace modern values and beliefs. Traditional values mean a lot to me, and ought to be preserved for generations to come.
How far would you say each of the following influence you and your outlook on life? (% Very influential) 73 67
69
66 58
56 49
46 33
38
35 28
32
29
32
30 31
31 29
30
26 19
Parents
2013
Family
Religion
Friends
Community leaders
2014 Base: Rebased to remove “Don’t know”
Social media/ bloggers
Music
Media
Politicians/ Government leaders
Authors/ writers
Business leaders
22
Sports figures
16
20
Pop stars
19 TV celebrities
9
10 ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
In-depth Insights
2 Youngsters are confident in their national governments’ ability to deal with a wide range of issues. Confidence in the long term impact of the Arab spring is dropping Arab youth are confident in their national governments’ ability to deal with a wide range of issues including living standards, economic stability and unemployment, as regional governments adopt more inclusive policies in the wake of the Arab Spring. Across the region, more than two thirds (68%) are either ‘very’ or ‘somewhat confident’ in their ability to deal with the rising rates of unemployment while similar numbers are optimistic about their ability to deal with war (67%) and enhance living standards (66%).
Confidence is also high in governments’ ability to tackle population change (64%), economic stability (67%) and terrorism (61%). Though optimism is high across a broad spectrum of issues, youth are less confident about long term issues. Over half of youngsters (58%) are ‘not very’ or ‘not at all’ confident in their government’s ability to address wealth creation, while a similar number (57%) are uncertain about the ability to tackle environmental issues. While conviction in their national governments’ policies is growing, a rising number of youth are starting to lose confidence in positive outcomes from the Arab Spring. They are more doubtful than last year that the Arab Spring will have a positive impact on their lives, as regional governments - such as Egypt, Tunisia and Libya - struggle to cope with the transition of power after their leaders were toppled. In 2014, just over half (54%) agree ‘a lot’ with the statement “Following the uprisings across the Arab world, I feel the Arab world is better off”, significantly down from 70% in 2013 and 72% in 2012. Confidence in the long-term impact of the Arab Spring is also dropping with almost three out of five youth (58%) in 16 countries agreeing with the statement “As a result of the uprising, I feel I will be better off in five years”, compared to three quarters (74%) in 2013 and 71% in 2012. Youth in the Gulf States, where governments have introduced huge spending packages to tackle issues such as unemployment and housing, are more confident than their counterparts in non-Gulf countries. When asked to consider whether or not their country of residence is heading in the right direction following the Arab Spring, 71% of youth in the GCC cite “right direction” compared to 55% in non-GCC states. Arab youths’ confidence in their nations’ ability to tackle issues is likely to be some comfort to regional governments, which are under pressure to deal with a range of socio-economic challenges and to meet the expectations of their citizens following the wave of protests during the Arab Spring. The GCC countries have boosted their public expenditure by up to 60% since 2008 to focus on increasing salaries, providing social aid and creating jobs for nationals in a bid to avoid discontent.
Arab Youth Survey 2014 11
How confident are you in your national government’s abilities to deal with the following issues? 22
20
12
17
31
16
18
18
14
36
31
38
24 13
18
28
31
63 35
Living standards
67 32
Economic stability
Very confident
War
30 Unemployment
Somewhat confident
29 Population change
29 Health
25
23
17
19
21
20
26
28
27
68 31
24
23
35 21
66
34
29
Urbanisation Scarcity of resources
Not very confident
19
25
20
Political stability
Nuclear proliferation
26
20
21
24
23
21
Poverty
Climate change
Wealth creation
30
25 Terrorism
58 25
61 26
32
22 57
36
32
32
Not at all confident
How far do you agree or disagree with the following? Following the uprisings across the Arab world, I feel the Arab world is better off 2012 2013 2014
72
24
70
24
54
34
4 7 11
As a result of the uprising, I feel I will be better off in five years 2012 2013 2014 Agree a lot / somewhat
71
24 74
58 Disagree a lot / somewhat
17 26
Don’t know
Arab youths’ confidence in their nations’ ability to tackle issues is likely to be some comfort to regional governments, which are under pressure to deal with a range of socio-economic challenges and to meet the expectations of their citizens following the wave of protests during the Arab Spring.
5 10 16
12 ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
In-depth Insights This is in line with the last three years, in which almost identical levels of respondents said they were very concerned in 2013 (62%) and 2012 (63%) just slightly up from 57% in 2011. Youth are more concerned about the rising cost of living than they are about their national economy, opportunities for women and the threat of terrorism.
3
Concern about rising living costs is evenly split across the Arab world with 63% of respondents in GCC - where inflation is expected to rise this year - saying they are ‘very concerned’ compared to 62% in the remaining Arab countries surveyed. Young people in Bahrain and Morocco are the most concerned about living costs (67%) while young citizens in Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Oman, Yemen and Palestine are equally concerned (all 61%).
Rising living costs and unemployment are the biggest concerns for youth across the Middle East Arab youth cite the rising cost of living as their greatest concern as inflationary pressures rise across the region, increasing the need for government stimulus. Across the 16 countries polled, more than three in five (63%) are very concerned about rising living costs.
With rising unemployment rates across the Arab world, it will come as little surprise that youth cite unemployment as their second biggest concern. Higher wages and favourable working hours have resulted in a disproportionate number of citizens working in the public sector but a surge in population has left many governments unable to keep up with demand for these jobs. Across the region, nearly half (49%) are concerned about the issue, demonstrating a steady increase over the last four years, up from 44% in 2013 and 2012 and 42% in 2011, in line with growing unemployment rates. Concern about unemployment is strongest in the non-GCC countries, where governments are struggling to provide jobs for their growing populations with 55% citing it as their biggest concern. Though still high at 39%, youth in the Gulf are less concerned than their counterparts in the rest of the Arab world, their oil-rich governments providing some reassurance. Egyptian youth are the most concerned about unemployment at 62%, followed by Algeria (59%), Jordan (56%), Iraq, Tunisia, Libya (55%) and Lebanon (54%).
Concern ABOUT KEY ISSUES-GCC/NON-GCC split How concerned would you say you are about each of the following issues? (% Very concerned) Rising cost of living GCC Non-GCC
Unemployment 63 62
GCC Non-GCC
39 55
Arab Youth Survey 2014 13
CONCERN about key issues? How concerned would you say you are about each of the following issues? (% Very concerned) (Top 5)
Rising cost of living
National economy * 57
49 63
Opportunities for women
62
40
63
43
Unemployment
43 42
49
44
Threat of terrorism
44
46
49 2011
2012
2013
2014
47 48
* New category in 2014
concern ABOUT the rising cost of living by country 4
3
4
4
5
5
5
8
8
8
10
9
7
12
25
27
27
22
24
26
22
63
61
61
64
62
62
All
Egypt
Jordan
Kuwait
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Very concerned
Somewhat concerned
4
4
3
4
6
2
2
3
2
8
9
9
3
4
7
9
11
12
30
26
20
24
29
28
30
22
25
25
61
61
62
67
64
63
63
62
67
61
61
UAE
Oman
Lebanon
Bahrain
Iraq
Tunisia
Libya
Algeria
Morocco
Yemen
Palestine
8
6
7
4
14
21
16
23
24
17
27
18
4 5
Not very concerned
Not at all concerned
Concern about unemployment by country 4
20
3
4
18
16
18 24
10
8
9
24
24
21
12
25
9
28
24 29
26
6
8
22
21
12 27
18 32
26
29
6
26
3
9
19 22 19 22
49
62
56
38
42
39
36
34
54
46
55
55
55
59
47
50
55
All
Egypt
Jordan
Kuwait
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Oman
Lebanon
Bahrain
Iraq
Tunisia
Libya
Algeria
Morocco
Yemen
Palestine
Very concerned
Somewhat concerned
Not very concerned
Not at all concerned
14 ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
In-depth Insights
4 Arab youth believe that civil unrest is the biggest obstacle facing the region When asked what they believe to be the biggest obstacle facing the Middle East, more than half (55%) of Arab youth agree that civil unrest will define the region’s ability to thrive in the future. This year’s results show a steady rise over the last three years with 44% citing civil unrest as the biggest obstacle in 2013 up from 41% in 2012. Civil unrest is considered the biggest obstacle after lack of democracy, threat of terrorism and lack of strong leadership. Outside of the GCC, much of the region continues to experience political turmoil as Syrian violence spills into neighbouring countries and Egypt grapples to contain the popular uprisings that have plagued the country since Hosni Mubarak was toppled in 2011.
That said, concern is evenly split between GCC and non-GCC countries, both at 55%. It is felt most strongly in Tunisia, which has struggled to contain civil unrest and form a new government in the wake of the Arab Spring, with three in five (62%) respondents citing it as the biggest obstacle facing the region, and least in Qatar and Libya, at 50%. Across the 16 countries polled, lack of democracy is widely viewed as the second biggest obstacle with almost two in five (38%) citing it as the biggest impediment to the region, down from 43% in 2013 and 41% in 2012. The last few years’ results indicate a significant shift in terms of priorities for Arab youth. In 2009, nearly 100% of young people in six Arab countries said living in a democratic country was either very or somewhat important to them, ranking democracy as a priority ahead of being paid a fair wage and living in a safe neighbourhood. Though the importance of “living in a democratic country” is falling, youth are placing an increasing emphasis on the “here and now” and the role of government, with 30% citing lack of strong leadership as the third biggest factor affecting the region’s ability to prosper, up from 19% in 2013. Fear of terrorism in the wake of the regional political turmoil that continues to affect much of the region is also rising, ranked joint third, with 30% of Arab youth citing it as one of their biggest concerns, up from 21% in 2013 and 2012. Youth in Libya and Oman (21% and 24%) are the least concerned about terrorism while those in Palestine (35%), Qatar (34%) and Bahrain (34%) are the most worried.
Though the importance of “living in a democratic country” is falling, youth are placing an increasing emphasis on the “here and now” and the role of government, with 30% citing lack of strong leadership as the third biggest factor affecting the region’s ability to prosper, up from 19% in 2013.
Arab Youth Survey 2014 15
Biggest obstacles facing the middle east What do you believe is the biggest obstacle facing the Middle East? (Top 5) 55
41
44
41
43 38 30 21 21
Civil unrest
2012
2013
2014
Lack of democracy
30
28
18 19
Threat of terrorism
Lack of strong leadership
* New category in 2014
* Rise of the Muslim B rotherhood and Islamist movements
top two obstacles-GCC/non-GCC SPLIT What do you believe is the biggest obstacle facing the Middle East? (Top 2) Civil unrest
Lack of democracy
GCC
55
Non-GCC
55
GCC Non-GCC
38 38
Outside of the GCC, much of the region continues to experience political turmoil as Syrian violence spills into neighbouring countries and Egypt grapples to contain the popular uprisings that have plagued the country since Hosni Mubarak was toppled in 2011.
16 ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
In-depth Insights
5 Entrepreneurial spirit is high and a growing number of young Arabs would like to work in the private sector Entrepreneurial spirit across the Arab world is high as access to higher education improves skills of young Arabs, and governments and banks provide much-needed funding to help set up private companies. Following decades of reliance on the public sector for employment, more youth are keen to start their own company with two thirds (67%) of youth agreeing that people of this generation are more likely to start a business than in previous generations. The split is fairly equal across the Arab world with 66% agreeing with the statement in the Gulf and 68% in non-GCC countries.
While favourability towards the private sector is steadily rising in the Gulf amid extensive government-backed programmes, it is declining in the non-Gulf states as economies are static or shrinking and private sector jobs become more difficult to find. Favourability towards the private sector rose to 31% in the GCC, up from 24% in 2013 and 19% in 2012. In contrast, preference towards the private sector in the non-GCC countries was 31% in 2014 up from 28% in 2013 and 36% in 2012. Unemployment in the Middle East is twice the global average with women and youth bearing the brunt of joblessness. While the unemployment rate across all age groups was 11.3% last year, a total of 28.1% of youth and 19.3% females were unemployed in the Middle East, according to the International Labour Organization. The Middle East and North Africa needs to create 80-100 million jobs just to maintain current unemployment rates, according to the World Bank. Governments, burdened by rising unemployment rates and growing populations, are encouraging more citizens to establish their own small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), recognising their role in creating much needed job opportunities. For example, the UAE has said it is looking at ways to provide SMEs with funding outside its banking system while Jordan is fostering an environment for technology entrepreneurs by investing through privately managed funds. In parallel to the growth in entrepreneurial spirit, a rising number of youth are favouring private sector employment over working for the government. Regional governments have embarked on a range of programmes aimed at encouraging more citizens to enter the private sector. Saudi Arabia, the most active country in terms of labour reforms, introduced the Nitaqat system, which rewards companies that provide jobs to a higher percentage of Saudi nationals, in 2011. The raft of measures being adopted across the region appear to be having a positive effect on the way youth view employers with three in ten (31%) across all 16 countries saying they would like to work for a private company, up from 26% in 2013 and 28% in 2012. Though government is still the preferred employer for many, preference is declining, with around two in five (43%) of all young Arabs citing the public sector as their preferred employer, down from 46% in 2013 and 55% in 2012.
Arab Youth Survey 2014 17
Entrepreneurship by country Do you feel people of this generation are more likely to start a business than in previous generations? 12
12
10
21
18
18
67
71
Among All
Egypt
Yes
No
11
12
13
13
22
20
20
20
65
67
68
67
66
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Oman
16
15
16
20
20
20
71
64
64
Jordan
Kuwait
Qatar
Lebanon Bahrain
14
16 16
26
12
6
10
16
27
20
66
70
59
69
72
Iraq
Tunisia
Libya
8
14
14
12
21
21
66
68
GCC
Non GCC
21 24
62
71
Algeria Morocco Yemen Palestine
Don’t know
Work sector preference-GCC/NON-GCC SPLIT Would you prefer to work in government or for the private sector? (% Private sector and % Government sector) Government
Private Sector
64
50
46
43
36
43 43 31 24
31 28
19 GCC
2012
2013
Non-GCC
GCC
Non-GCC
2014
Though government is still the preferred employer for many, preference is declining, with around two in five (43%) of all young Arabs citing the public sector as their preferred employer, down from 46% in 2013 and 55% in 2012.
18 ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
In-depth Insights
6 The UAE is the country that most Arab youth would like to live in and is seen as a model for their country to emulate When asked to name a country, anywhere in the world, where they would like to live, Arab youth continue, as they did in 2013 and 2012, to cite the UAE as their top choice ahead of 20 other countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Germany. Across the 16 countries polled, two in every five (39%) young people would like to live in the UAE, up from three in ten (31%) in 2013. Youngsters in Qatar are the most favourable towards the UAE with 42% of youngsters citing it as the country they would most like to live in while respondents in Tunisia (30%), Bahrain (33%) and Lebanon (33%) are also favourable towards the UAE.
Likewise, when asked to think about what country they would most like their home country to emulate, the same percentage (39%) of all respondents cite the UAE. This is felt most strongly by young people in Algeria (46%), Bahrain, Qatar and Iraq (42%). The popularity of the UAE is likely a reflection of the country’s strong economic outlook and status as a safe haven amid the regional political turmoil. The Gulf state, the Arab world’s second largest economy with a GDP of nearly $390bn, is expected to grow 4.5% in 2014 on the back of a number of factors including its successful bid to host Expo 2020. Its moderate government coupled with the ease of doing business has placed the country in a unique position to be able to attract foreign direct investment. The country’s commitment to female empowerment, investment in the arts and cultural scene through projects such as Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, the growing arts and culture sector investment in Dubai and positioning of Sharjah as the cultural capital of the Arab world have singled it out as a beacon of inspiration to young people in the region. The Gulf state is the happiest Arab country and the 17th happiest in the world, according to 2013 World Happiness Report, commissioned by the United Nations. UAE nationals ranked the highest out of all 16 countries in terms of optimism about the future of their country with almost seven in ten (69%) agreeing with the statement “I feel optimistic about what the future holds for my country” compared to just more than half (55%) overall. Young Emiratis are also the most confident about their future prospects with half (50%) believing they have more opportunities now than they did a year ago, compared to two in five (40%) overall. While preference towards the UAE continues to grow, favourability towards most non-Arab countries has declined. Just 14% of youngsters cite France as the country they would most like their country to emulate (down from 17% in 2013) while 10% cite Turkey (down from 16% in 2013) and 7% China (down from 13% in 2013). Favourability towards the United States, however, increased to 25% from 16% the previous year.
Arab Youth Survey 2014 19
Model nations Which country in the world, if any, would you like to live in? 39
2014
21 14
UAE
2013
United States
13
Saudi Arabia
13
France
Qatar
31
UAE
18
16
France
United States
16
14
Turkey
Saudi Arabia
Desired country to emulate Which country in the world, if any, would you most like your country to be like? 39
2014
25 14
UAE
2013
United States
10
France
Turkey
7 China
30 17
UAE
France
16
16
United States
Turkey
13
China
20 ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
In-depth Insights
7 Arab youth consider their country’s biggest allies to be regional neighbours such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE rather than traditional western countries
When asked to think about their country’s biggest ally, Arab youth are choosing their GCC neighbours over traditional western countries as Gulf governments’ political weight grows in prominence. Arab youth cite four of the Gulf’s six member states in their country’s top five allies with more than a third (36%) saying Saudi Arabia is their country’s biggest supporter, followed by the UAE (33%), Qatar (25%) and Kuwait (25%). The United States is the only western country to feature in the top five allies at 22%. The split across the Arab world is similar with the same percentage of respondents in the GCC and non-GCC countries citing Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait. There are only minor variants towards Qatar and the United States with 24% of GCC respondents citing Qatar as their biggest ally compared to 26% in the non-Gulf countries, and 21% of Gulf respondents choosing the United States and 22% in non-Gulf states. Gulf governments are starting to play a more prominent role in the Arab world, having been increasingly pressured to take a position in a region where political turmoil has bought down regimes in neighbouring countries and threatened to harm national security. Regional issues such as the Arab Spring, which stemmed from internal factors rather than external influences, coupled with western allies’ decisions not to intervene in issues such as the Syrian civil war, is signaling an end of the traditional model of foreign relations with a prominent western nexus.
Regional issues such as the Arab Spring, which stemmed from internal factors rather than external influences, coupled with western allies’ decisions not to intervene in issues such as the Syrian civil war, is signaling an end of the traditional model of foreign relations with a prominent western nexus.
Arab Youth Survey 2014 21
Country’s biggest allies Who would you say is your country’s biggest ally? 35
37 36 33 33 33
32
30 25
25 24 25
22 19 18
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Among all 2012
Among all 2013
Qatar
Kuwait
United States
Among all 2014
biggest allies-GCC/NON-GCC split Who would you say is your country’s biggest ally? (Top 5) 35 35
33 33
24
26
25 25 21
Saudi Arabia
GCC
UAE
Non-GCC
Qatar
Kuwait
22
United States
22 ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
In-depth Insights
8 Arab youth are increasingly concerned about obesity and lifestyle diseases and do not believe that healthcare in their country is improving
As the Middle East grapples to contain rising rates of lifestyle diseases, a growing number of Arab youth are becoming more concerned about health. For the second consecutive year, Arab youth cite obesity as their biggest health issue with more than a quarter (26%), up from 12% in 2013, saying they are more concerned about being overweight than they are about diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Regional governments, particularly in the Gulf, are spending millions of dollars to tackle obesity and lifestyle diseases as levels reach epidemic proportions. Oil wealth and high household incomes have prompted a surge in overeating and poor diets, which has led to an explosion of obesity and lifestyle-related illnesses. Three out of the ten countries where diabetes is most prevalent in the world are the Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar, according to the International Diabetes Federation. Across the Arab world, youngsters cite diabetes as their second biggest health concern with around one in six (17%) saying it is the biggest issue in terms of health, up from 11% in 2013. Concern about cancer is also rising, with 14% saying it is their biggest health issue, a small rise year-on-year. While concern about health issues is on the increase, decades of reliance on foreign healthcare has left many young Arabs skeptical about the level of healthcare they receive in their home country. When asked to describe the current state of healthcare available in their country in the last 12 months, two thirds (66%) believe it has either stayed the same or got worse. The split between GCC and other Arab countries is almost identical, with 66% in the Gulf countries and 67% in the non-Gulf countries saying it has not improved or worsened.
While concern about health issues is on the increase, decades of reliance on foreign healthcare has left many young Arabs skeptical about the level of healthcare they receive in their home country.
Arab Youth Survey 2014 23
Health issues Which of the following health issues concerns you most? 28
26
20
17 12
14
11
11
11 10 2
Obesity
2013
Diabetes
Cancer
Heart disease
3
Other
I am not concerned about health issues
2014
Healthcare services-GCC/NON-GCC SPLIT In the last year do you feel that the healthcare in your country has‌? Among All GCC Non-GCC Improved
34
52
14
34
52
14
33 Stayed the same
53
Got worse
Three out of the ten countries where diabetes is most prevalent in the world are the Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar, according to the International Diabetes Federation.
14
24 ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
In-depth Insights
9 An overwhelming majority of young Arabs believe they are entitled to subsidised energy costs, while concern about climate change is low across the region The majority of Arab youth believe they are entitled to reduced-cost fuel, despite subsidised programmes threatening economies and encouraging prolific use of precious energy reserves. When asked about whether or not they think energy, electricity and transport fuel such as gasoline and diesel should be subsidised by their government, three quarters (74%) of respondents agree while just one in four (26%) believe they should pay the market rate.
The split between GCC and all other Arab countries is similar with 73% believing they should be entitled to subsidised fuel in the GCC and 75% in all other countries. The cost of energy is heavily subsidised across the region, giving little incentive to citizens to reduce their energy consumption and as a result the Arab world is amongst the least energy-efficient markets in the world. The rise in population growth and artificially low energy prices has seen many countries ramp up their investment in renewable and nuclear energy in recent years. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan have embarked on extensive nuclear energy plans to cope with rising demand. Jordan was forced to lift its fuel subsidies in 2012 to reduce its budget deficit, a move that sparked public protests, which many other regional governments fear. Saudi Arabia last year launched a public campaign to build public opinion on the need to review subsidised energy pricing, especially to industry. Similarly, concern about climate change appears to be low across the region. When asked what they think is the biggest challenge facing the Middle East today, climate change and the environment ranks at the bottom of a choice of 27 categories. Just 6% of all youth polled believe climate change is the biggest challenge facing the region.
The cost of energy is heavily subsidised across the region, giving little incentive to citizens to reduce their energy consumption and as a result the Arab world is amongst the least energy-efficient markets in the world.
Arab Youth Survey 2014 25
Energy subsidies BY COUNTRY Do you think energy, electricity and transport fuel such as gasoline and diesel should be subsidised by your government? 26
30
26
25
25
25
26
32
22
31
27
26
28
22
21
23
22
27
25
74
70
74
75
75
75
74
68
78
69
73
74
72
78
79
77
78
73
75
Among All
Egypt
Jordan
Kuwait
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Oman
Iraq
Tunisia
Libya
GCC
Non GCC
Yes
Lebanon Bahrain
Algeria Morocco Yemen Palestine
No
BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE MIDDLE EAST Which of the following would you say is the biggest challenge facing the Middle East today? Rising cost of living
51
National economy
40
Corruption in government and public life
37
Pan-Arab economy
32
Israel Palestinian conflict
27
Personal debt
23 23 22 22 21 20 19 19 19 18 17 17
Unemployment The loss of traditional values and culture Threat of terrorism Human rights Unrest in Syria Standards of living Crime / law and order The gap between the rich and the poor Opportunities for women Road safety Impact of the events of the Arab Spring
15 15 15
The quality of education Shortage of affordable housing Rise of Islamist movements/role of Islam in political life
13
Lack of political franchise/right to vote
11 11 10 10 9
Shortage of good quality health care Access to clean water Increasing militarisation and/or nuclear proliferation in the Middle East Reliable electricity supply Censorship/lack of press freedom Climate change and the environment
6
26 ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
In-depth Insights
10 Television is the most popular source of news for the sixth year running, but a growing number of young Arabs are turning to online and social networks to get their news Television remains the primary source of news for three quarters (75%) of the region’s youth for the fifth consecutive year, cementing its position as the most popular choice of news media. The popularity of television has been steadily increasing over the last three years, after peaking at the height of the Arab Spring in 2011 (at 79%) rising from 72% in 2013 and 62% in 2012.
Though television retains its top position, a growing number of young Arabs are sourcing their news online amid a growth in smartphones, which has produced a generation that is online 24-7. As more youngsters go online to seek their news, the number opting to read newspapers is declining. While three in five (59%) of youngsters cite online as their preferred platform of choice, three in ten (31%) say newspapers. The popularity of social media is also gaining traction as access to internet via smartphones and tablets grows, with 29% saying they get their news from sites such as Facebook and Twitter, just up from 28% in 2013. As online influencers and bloggers gain in prominence, so too has trust in social media risen with two in five youth (39%) now believing social media to be the most trusted source of news, up from just more than one in five (22%) the previous year and just one in ten (9%) in 2012. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are ranked first and third globally in terms of smartphone penetration, both at over 70%. Saudi Arabia - where the youth account for 20 million among the country’s 27.34 million people - is the biggest consumer of YouTube content per capita and one of the world’s most active Twitter users, while young people across the region are adopting smartphones at a rapid rate. In line with global trends, the popularity of radio and magazines is declining across the Arab world as youngsters move online. While two in five (41%) respondents across the region said their primary source of news was radio in 2010, just 7% say the same in 2014. While trust in radio and magazines both rose slightly in 2014, it remains significantly low for both media at just 2% for radio and 1% for magazines. Trust in television rose slightly in 2014 to 43% from 40%, though remains significantly below the 60% peak in 2011. While still high by global standards, the percentage of Arab youth who say they update themselves on news and current affairs on a daily basis has not yet surpassed the peak seen in 2012. Nearly half (47%) of young Arabs update themselves on news and current affairs on a daily basis, up from 46% the previous year but down from 52% in 2012.
Arab Youth Survey 2014 27
NEWS SOURCES Where do you get your news?
76 79
72
75 65
62
59 59 47
62
51 42
41 32
31
28 29
34
Television
2010
Online
2011
2012
2013
31
20
Newspapers
29 15 14 16
Social media
25
21
17
10 6 7
Friends and family
Radio
6 8 7
Magazines
2014
Trusted news sources In your opinion what is the most trusted source of news? 60 52
49 40
43
39 26
22
19
18
9 Television
2010
9
Social media
2011
2012
2013
14 4
Newspapers
1
3
3
1 2
1 2
Radio shows
0 1
Magazines
2014
NEWS consumption How often do you update yourself on news and current affairs? 2011 2012 2013 2014 Daily
18
22
22
15
52 46
2-3 times a week
Once a week
11
19 15
47 Nearly every day
6 10
13 18
Once every 2-3 weeks
Once a month
6 9
7 Never
12
6 4
3 3
8 5 9
2
8
28 ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
GCC, LEVANT AND NORTH AFRICA: ECONOMIC, DEMOGRAPHIC AND IT INDICATORS Country
Population (million)
GDP-PPP (USD billion)
Contribution of Oil to GDP (%)
Youth unemployment (15 to 24 yrs) (%)
Internet Users (million)
Internet Penetration Rate (%)
Facebook Users (million)
Facebook Penetration of population (%)
27.34
927.8
45
28.3
14.7
54
7.8
28
UAE
8.26
381
25
12.1
7.02
85
4.26
51
Qatar
2.05
198
50
1.3
1.8
88
1.14
55
Kuwait
3.25
173.4
50
11.3
2.56
79
1.38
42
Oman
3.31
95
45
15
2.1
63
0.84
25
1.3
35
11
28
1.14
88
0.52
40
GCC Saudi Arabia
Bahrain
Levant and the other Middle East Iraq
32.57
210
90
20
7.9
25
6.4
19
4.43
64.3
NA
17
2.7
61
1.9
43
6.5
40
NA
29
3.5
54
2.65
40
4.48
7
NA
27
1.5
33
1
23
26
61.6
25
33
4.4
17
1.4
5
Egypt
86.9
551.4
NA
24.8
38.2
44
18.6
21
Algeria
38.8
284.7
30
28.4
5.8
15
4.32
11
33
180
NA
18.6
18.1
55
5.25
16
Tunisia
10.9
108.4
NA
42.3
4.5
41
3.4
31
Libya
6.24
87.9
80
30
1.18
19
1.6
25
Lebanon Jordan Palestine Yemen
North Africa
Morocco
NOTE: Source for Population, GDP and Youth Unemployment figures is: Global Finance Country Economic Reports, UAE Ministry of Economy, Kuwait News Agency, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Trading Economics; Source for Internet: Internet World Stats and World Banks; Source for Facebook: Social Baker, Allin1social.com & Internet World Stats; Source for data on Palestine: Palestine Central Bureau of Statistics Population figures are largely fair estimates given the lack of scientific and timely census in most countries, and are estimates for 2013; the internet penetration and Facebook penetration rates in the region have been revised based on the new population figures available
Arab Youth Survey 2014 29
Established in 2000, ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller is the region’s leading public relations consultancy, with 11 fully-owned offices and 10 affiliates across the Middle East and North Africa. A WPP company within the global BursonMarsteller network, ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller is a member of the MENACOM Group. The agency provides services to governments, multinational businesses and regional corporate clients through its seven practices in the sectors of Technology, Finance, Healthcare, Energy & Environment as well as Consumer Marketing, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. The firm’s services include reputation management, digital communications, media relations, media monitoring & analysis, market research, design services and event management. asdaabm.com
Burson-Marsteller, established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and programme execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, reputation and crisis management, advertising and web-related strategies. BM’s seamless worldwide network consists of 75 offices and 85 afiliate offices, together operating in 110 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Group, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), the world’s leading communications services network. bm.com
MENACOM, part of WPP and Y&R Group, with headquarters in Dubai, is the Middle East and North Africa region’s leading communications conglomerate. The group includes, in addition to ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller, advertising agencies Young & Rubicam, Intermarkets and Partnership; direct marketing specialists Wunderman; media specialist firm MEC; and interactive firm Tattoo. With over 900 employees in its network of 37 offices, MENACOM provides marketing communications services in 12 countries across the Middle East and North Africa.
Penn Schoen Berland (PSB), a member of Young & Rubicam Group and the WPP Group, is a global research-based consultancy that specialises in messaging and communications strategy for blue-chip political, corporate and entertainment clients. PSB’s operations include over 200 consultants and a sophisticated inhouse market research infrastructure with the capability to conduct work in over 90 countries. The company operates offices in Washington, D.C., New York, London, Seattle, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dubai, Beijing, Austin and Denver, which are supported by an in-house fielding capability and are fully equipped to provide the complete creative solutions PSB clients need. psbresearch.com