Now in its 12th edition, the Annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey is one of the most important pieces of research produced in the Middle East and North Africa that offers unique insight into the attitudes and aspirations of the region’s biggest demographic.

This survey is done for three reasons: Our first inspiration was to deliver valuable evidence-based insights on what defines the region – its youthful demographic. When we began our annual survey in 2008, the region was known for being data-poor on its important market segment, and the survey has filled this gap.

Our second belief was to fund the survey entirely ourselves, ensuring its independence and credibility. We have lived by that belief as we built and nurtured this initiative.

Thirdly, we wanted to provide the key findings of the survey, freely on this website giving governments, the private sector and civil society across the world critical information and analysis by global experts to inform decision-making and policy formation.

The 12th Annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey 2020 was conducted by international research firm PSB to explore attitudes among Arab youth in 17 states in the Middle East and North Africa. The study, covering 4,000 young Arabs aged 18 to 24, was conducted in two parts.

The Main Survey was conducted in 17 Arab states between January 19 and March 3, 2020, before the COVID-19 crisis impacted the region. 3,400 face-to-face interviews were conducted by professional interviewers. The interviews were completed in Arabic and English.

This year, the survey reincluded Syria, after nine years, and newly added Sudan to the sample. Margin of error is +/- 1.7% for the total sample and larger for sub-groups.

The COVID-19 Pulse Survey interviews were conducted between August 18 and 26, 2020, nearly six months after the completion of the main fieldwork of the 12th Annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey to understand the impact of COVID-19 on Arab youth and to validate the results of the Main Survey. Fieldwork took place shortly after the Beirut explosion, potentially having an impact on the perceptions and attitudes of Lebanese youth.

In all, 600 face-to-face and online interviews were conducted in Arabic and English among young Arab nationals of six countries in the region. Margin of error for the COVID-19 Pulse Survey is +/- 4.0% for the total sample and larger for sub-groups.

Top 10 Findings

MIGRATION
Nearly half of young Arabs have considered leaving their country; one-third are more likely to emigrate due to COVID-19.

PROTESTS
Hopeful for change, young Arabs in strife-hit nations support anti-government protests and COVID-19 could lead to more political unrest.

CORRUPTION
Tackling government corruption is a top priority for Arab youth; majority say corruption still present despite the pandemic.

DEBT
The number of young Arabs in personal debt is rising, and household debt has increased since the pandemic.

JOBS
Unemployment is a top issue and young Arabs are looking beyond traditional jobs; COVID-19 has made finding a job more difficult.

IDENTITY
Religion is central to the personal identity of young Arabs, more so than family or nationality.

GENDER RIGHTS
Most young Arab women say they have the same rights as men, but their work and family responsibilities are increasing since COVID-19.

MODEL NATIONS
For the ninth year running, the UAE remains the top country to live in and emulate.

FOREIGN RELATIONS
Saudi Arabia, UAE and US are seen as the three rising powers in the region.

DIGITAL GENERATION
Young Arabs are increasingly embracing the digital revolution; use of online platforms has surged since the pandemic.

Read Full Report

Copyright © 2020 ASDA’A BCW
Image: Arab Youth Survey
Publication date: October 5, 2020

See surveys of previous years here.

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