Viewing Habits and Patterns of Ramadan Television Programs Among the Community of the United Arab Emirates: A Field Study of a Sample of University Students
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The objective of the study was to analyse the viewing habits and patterns of Ramadan television programs among university students in the United Arab Emirates, with a focus on the impact of technological advancements on their consumption of media content. Employing a descriptive survey methodology, it utilized an electronic questionnaire that included a purposive non-probability sample of 151 university students in the UAE. The study yielded the following results: 1. A decline in traditional television viewing in favor of digital platforms such as “Shahid” and “Watch It,” with 58% of students spending less than two hours watching, while 30% do not watch at all. 2. Stable viewing rates during Ramadan and outside of it, with 70% continuing to watch television during the holy month. 3. An increase in viewing hours during Ramadan, where the percentage of those watching for less than an hour rose to 46% compared to 28% outside of Ramadan. 4. The preferred viewing times were between 9 PM and midnight (46%), followed by periods before and after iftar. 5. The favored channels were predominantly Emirati, such as Abu Dhabi, Sama Dubai, Dubai, and Emirates. 6. Dramatic series topped the list of the most viewed programs (45%), followed by heritage programs (18%). 7. Motivations for viewing included acquiring knowledge (37.1%), passing time (21.9%), and alleviating boredom (15.9%). 8. The challenges faced by students included family visits (37.7%), community events (21.9%), and scheduling conflicts with university lectures (18.5%). 9. The evaluation of television programs was moderate for 42.4% due to repetition, whereas 31.1% regarded them as strong, and 14.6% considered them very strong. 10. The most favored television program among the sample was “Al-Sharah,” followed by “Awlad Badia Al-Atawila,” with entertainment value and the subject matter being the prominent reasons for preference.
Authors: Yahia Benlarbi, Samira Belghitia, Khalid Dirar, Areen Alzoubi
Institutions: Liwa University, University of Al Dhaid
Language: English
Subfield: Communication
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416631719