Factors that influence the high percentage of women enrolled in engineering in the UAE and preparing for careers in the oil and gas industry

The low percentage of women studying engineering around the world is well known. Despite many efforts, the number of women enrolled in engineering programmes in Western countries remains low. In the Middle-Eastern Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC), a different picture emerges. There has been significant progress in the GCC over the past 10 years in women enrolling in STEM programmes, especially engineering. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the percentage of women enrolled in engineering programmes at ranked universities reached 44.5 percent in 2017. At the Petroleum Institute (PI) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the percentage of female students surged in 2015-2016 to surpass that of male students. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that influenced the female students at the PI in their choice to enrol in an engineering programme, and to later pursue a career in the oil and gas industry. Also explored was their motivation, expectations and support they receive. Several factors emerge. These include government support, industry needs and the motivation of young women to serve their country.