Title: Navigating work-life balance: the journey of western female flexipatriates in the UAE

Authors: Rizwan Tahir

Addresses: Department of Business and Management, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Dubai Campus, Dubai, UAE

Abstract: This study investigates the work-life balance (WLB) challenges Western female flexipatriates face in the UAE, extending border theory beyond its traditional Western contexts. Compared to traditional expatriates, flexpatriates undertake short-term international assignments without permanent relocation. The UAE's unique socio-cultural and professional environment presents opportunities and challenges for these women to achieve satisfactory WLB. Through qualitative research, the study examines the strategies these women employ to balance professional responsibilities and personal lives, emphasising the impact of cultural differences. The findings contribute to international business, transnational management, and global human resource management domains, offering insights for practitioners and academics on the importance of adapting to diverse cultural norms for success in international business.

Keywords: flexpatriates; work-life balance; WLB; women professional; border theory; UAE.

DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2025.149849

Middle East Journal of Management, 2025 Vol.12 No.6, pp.725 - 745

Received: 21 Mar 2024
Accepted: 23 Aug 2024
Published online: 14 Nov 2025 *

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