Local Values, Global Standards: Understanding Aviation Safety Culture in the Middle East Region

Authors

• Ernest N. Ogbozor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityFollow
• Jules Yimga, Embry Riddle Aeronautical UniversityFollow
• Nicholas DeGarmo, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityFollow
• Kathrine Lopez, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityFollow
• Hana Marz, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityFollow
• Michael Chrisman, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityFollow
• Cedric Leon, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityFollow
• Joao Souza Dias Garcia, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityFollow
• Harrison Debrah, The Boeing - Global Safety & Regulatory Affairs – Middle East & AfricaFollow
• Mariateresa Sestito, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityFollow
• Albert Obi, Prantheon, LLCFollow
• Chidinma Chidoka, Howard UniversityFollow

Abstract

This study examines the role of national cultural determinants in shaping aviation safety culture across the Middle East. Employing an exploratory research design that integrates a literature review and structured safety culture surveys, it analyzes how national, organizational, and traditional values influence safety attitudes, communication practices, and reporting behaviors. While the Middle Eastern countries, such as UAE and Qatar possesses advanced aviation infrastructure and regulatory systems, persistent Arab cultural norms, including deference to authority, collective responsibility, and avoidance of public blame, continue to shape safety management and organizational learning. The preliminary findings indicate that these values promote discipline, cooperation, and moral accountability, but may also limit openness and the development of a just culture, both of which are essential for proactive safety management. The study argues that strong aviation safety systems in the region depend on adaptive leadership, culturally responsive training, and institutional mechanisms that reconcile local value systems with global safety governance frameworks.

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety (BCAAS) Seed Grant and the Faculty Innovative Research for Science and Technology (FIRST) Grant. 

Scholarly Commons Citation

Ogbozor, E. N., Yimga, J., DeGarmo, N., Lopez, K., Marz, H., Chrisman, M., Leon, C., Souza Dias Garcia, J., Debrah, H., Sestito, M., Obi, A., & Chidoka, C. (2026). Local Values, Global Standards: Understanding Aviation Safety Culture in the Middle East Region. International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace, 13(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.58940/2374-6793.2092