The United Arab Emirates and the Internet: cultural and social implications for higher education

Abstract

Electronic media such as the Internet promise to have a huge impact on educational institutions and information centres in the United Arab Emirates. While cost has not been a factor in the implementation of such networks in the Gulf region, social and cultural implications are likely to be profound. The utilization of such information technology needs to be closely allied with appropriate curriculum developments which incorporate cultural perspectives, language needs and the diverse skill levels of likely users in the newly emerging tertiary education sector in the UAE.