A Study on micro women entrepreneurs in UAE

Abstract

Nurturing entrepreneurial activity in growing economies is vital as it leads to improved economic efficiencies. The role of women entrepreneurs in the economic development is very crucial. The major objective of the study is to understand issues and challenges being faced by micro level women entrepreneurs in the UAE region, including their educational and training requirements. A sample of 200 micro women entrepreneurs from all the Emirates were identified through convenient sampling method, but only 121 (60.5% response rate) micro women entrepreneurs have responded from five Emirates (e.g., Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah, Ajman, and Abu Dhabi). There were no responses from the other two Emirates (e.g., Ras-Al-Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain), as the micro women entrepreneurs under the study were not interested to participate in the survey. It was found that the micro women entrepreneurs under the study from the UAE are facing majorly two major challenges, viz: (i) Cost of Operations and (ii) Competition. As far as the ‘Cost of Operations’ are concerned, the major component goes to cost of rentals and leased accommodations. From the study, it was also observed that they completely lack knowledge and awareness on competitive strategy. It was also found that the micro women entrepreneurs under the study have no formal education and training on business management (or) entrepreneurial process. The study was original and carried out in UAE region in all the Emirates. It has some implications on Government policies with regard to micro women entrepreneurs.