Arabic: Survey Says! – January 2020

The more we learn about our audience the better we can serve them. The Arab world population is about 400 million—two thirds of which are under the age of 30—half under the age of 24. This young generation is the largest bracket that experiences the greatest and fastest changes during their lifetime.

According to Arab Youth Survey, these are the top 10 findings about the Arab youth:

1. Religion: Young Arabs say religion plays too big of a role in the Middle East and religious institutions need to be reformed. Half of young Arabs say religious values are holding the region back. However, many say religion is losing its influence, particularly outside the Gulf countries.
2. Government Role: Arab youth have high expectations of what governments should provide. Economic issues, namely rising cost of living and unemployment, are the dominant concerns among young Arabs.
3. Education: The majority of young Arabs are concerned about the quality of education they receive. Many of them, especially in the Levant, feel their country’s education system does not prepare them for the jobs of the future.
4. Foreign Relations: Saudi Arabia and the US are seen as increasing their influence on the Arab world more than any other countries.
5. Conflicts: Young Arabs view ongoing geopolitical conflicts within the region among the top obstacles facing the Middle East. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict remains a real source of concern for many young Arabs.
6. Model Nations: The UAE is the top model nation for the eighth year running, with two in five young Arabs saying they would like to live in the UAE. Young Arabs are drawn to the UAE by job opportunities and salary packages, as well as safety and security.
7. Drug Use: Young Arabs, particularly in the Levant and North Africa, say drugs are easy to get in their country. Many young Arabs, especially in the Levant, say drug use among youth is on the rise in their country. Arab youth view peer pressure as the top driver of drug use; many also point out to stress relief and boredom.
8. Mental Health: One-third of young Arabs say they know someone suffering from mental health issues. A majority, particularly in the Levant, say quality medical care of mental health issues is difficult to access in their country. Half of Arab youth say there is a stigma around seeking medical care for mental health issues.
9. E-Commerce: The number of young Arabs shopping online has spiked significantly over the past year. Clothing, meals and electronics are the key drivers of e-commerce among young Arabs. Half of young Arab online shoppers, particularly in the Gulf States, prefer to pay by card rather than cash.
10. Media Consumption: Over the past five years, social media has become the dominant source for news among Arab youth, while online news portals are now on par with TV. More young Arabs get their daily news on Facebook or online than TV news channels. Among young Arabs, social media is trusted more than traditional media. Nine in ten young Arabs use at least one of the major social media channels daily (Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter). Facebook is by far the most dominant social medial channel in North Africa and the Levant, while Gulf States youth are more likely to say WhatsApp is the most important social media channel.

That is why we are expanding our social media platforms in 2020. It is the 20/20 vision!