Abstract:

Purpose:
The aim of this research is to define UAE international aid programs cultural characteristics in comparison to international concepts and UAE aid program leadership practice.

Design/methodology/approach:
The research will use a conceptual methodology as the primary approach towards examining the UAE foreign aid, in terms of its history, present practices and future leadership style change compared to international concepts. This method can provide valuable information about different organizations that are associated with the UAE foreign aid.

Key Question:
(1) What are the UAE international aid program?
(2) What are the leadership styles?
(3) To what extent does it fit within the characteristics of the aid programs culture in comparison to the international culture concepts?

Findings:
The analysis of the data collected points at the importance of international aid in the UAE, and how it is becoming a major issue that the government is supporting. The UAE seems to have developed a very good sense of what it wants to accomplish through these organizations. As indicated by the management in the three different organizations, the interviewed indicated that they are willing to learn from foreign organizations and international organizations to better their methods in delivering the aid to the international community, especially during the hard economic times. As the UAE remain strong economically and committed to helping the needy in the world, and engaging in projects that will alleviate the suffering of the people throughout the world. The delivery of such aid is contingent on the readiness of the different countries to accommodate and adequately lead the program aid received.

Research limitations: This research is new in this area, which puts some limitations on its scope, its methods, and its results. Being new this research will probably face difficulties in getting the right information from the different participants, and maybe others will decline to be interviewed. Moreover, maybe some of the interviewees will not respond to some inquiries and prefer to be silent when it comes to certain policies.

Research implications:
Practical/managerial implications: The implications of this study on decision leaders and policy makers is going to be decisive, as it will definitely be used as one of the sources of regulations and future plans for UAE international aid. Future research will use this pioneer contribution to expand further into areas of policies of each organization, and the interactions between UAE organizations and field projects and international aid organizations.

Public policy Implications:
Originality/value: There is a lack of adequate research in UAE international aid. This research will cover an area that is not adequately understood by policy makers and the public as well. The applications of this research might open new doors to further research and interest in the area of international aid. Developing new models towards achieving better programs in terms of assistance, and making them more efficient.

Keywords:

UAE international aid, leadership, leaderships styles.