Social Media Presence in UAE : Conclusion

The most popular types of social media in United Arab Emirates are generally the same as those used
in other regions across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. These include social networks
(Facebook), video-sharing sites (YouTube), and micro-blogging sites (Twitter), among others. UAE
respondents were both generally skilled in the use of a variety of social media, and well aware of its
potential ethical and practical limitations. It has served as a vital source and vehicle for news,
information, business development, opinion sharing, cultural production, and entertainment. But
residents were also well aware of its potential as a platform for making business and government
practices more transparent, and its usefulness as a mobilizing platform for political change.
Further research is needed to determine the larger impact of social media, particularly on youth
and women in the UAE. Also, further research should be done to determine a more complete picture of
its benefits, liabilities, and potential in an area that maintains one of world's highest net migration rates.
In the UAE, and perhaps the Gulf region at large, social media has established its place as an
integral and interdependent actor in society.