Dubai, UAE: In a workplace as diverse as the UAE, technical knowledge alone may not be enough to succeed. The ability to understand different communication styles, cultural expectations and ways of working is increasingly becoming an important part of career readiness.
This is the perspective shared by Dr. Roma Raina, Head of Corporate Alliance & Partnerships at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai, in a recent Fast Company Middle East article titled “Is cultural intelligence a key skill to thrive in the UAE’s diverse workplace?”
The article explores how cultural intelligence can influence the way professionals communicate, lead, collaborate and respond to feedback in multicultural organisations. Dr. Roma brings an important higher education perspective to the discussion by focusing on students who are preparing to make the transition into the corporate world.
For universities, this raises an important question: Are students being prepared only to secure their first job, or also to succeed once they enter the workplace?
At MAHE Dubai, career readiness is approached as more than interview preparation or CV building. Through employer engagement, internships, career guidance and placement-focused initiatives, students are exposed to the expectations of diverse professional environments before graduation.
This becomes particularly important in the UAE, where workplaces often bring together professionals from multiple nationalities and cultural backgrounds. A student may enter an internship and interpret direct feedback as criticism, while the supervisor may simply view that communication style as normal and efficient. In another setting, one employee may openly challenge ideas while another may prefer to listen before contributing. Understanding these differences can have a significant impact on how young professionals adapt, collaborate and perform.
Dr. Roma also highlights the role of individuals who naturally become “cultural bridges” within organisations. These employees help teams navigate misunderstandings, adapt communication and understand different perspectives. While this work may often go unnoticed, it represents an increasingly valuable professional capability.
This perspective closely connects with MAHE Dubai’s approach to placements and career preparation. For students searching for a university with best placements in Dubai, the conversation should go beyond simply asking about a placement rate. Career outcomes are also shaped by how prepared students are to work with others, communicate professionally, adapt to unfamiliar situations and navigate multicultural teams.
MAHE Dubai’s Career Services initiatives therefore focus on helping students build both professional and interpersonal capabilities. Through employer interactions, career workshops, interview preparation, internships and industry exposure, students gain a better understanding of workplace expectations before they begin their careers.
The Fast Company Middle East feature reflects a wider shift in how career readiness is being defined. A strong placement ecosystem can help students access opportunities, but skills such as cultural intelligence, adaptability and communication can help them make the most of those opportunities once they enter the workplace.