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This study aims to examines the cross-cultural perceptions and satisfaction of international tourists visiting Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, focusing on how cultural backgrounds influence destination image and tourist experiences.

A qualitative, interpretivist approach was adopted, with semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 international tourists between November 2021 and March 2022. A non-probability purposive sampling was used to select participants who had previously visited key attractions in Abu Dhabi. Thematic analysis was applied to extract key insights.

The findings underscore the pivotal role of Schwartz’s universal values and cultural beliefs in shaping tourist perceptions and satisfaction. Distinct differences emerged among cultural groups: Asian tourists demonstrated a greater awareness of Abu Dhabi’s attributes, while Western tourists often held preconceived notions influenced by comparisons with Dubai. Tourists reported overall satisfaction with Abu Dhabi’s cultural and environmental offerings, but also highlighted gaps in marketing and infrastructure that could enhance destination appeal.

This study contributes novel insights to the relatively underexplored domain of cross-cultural tourism in the Middle East. By exploring the dynamic interplay between cultural values and tourist perceptions, it offers actionable recommendations to enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as a global tourism hub, bridging gaps between academic literature and industry practices.

This paper aims to examine characteristics of emerging market small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) decision makers in their entry to exporting. What prior experience is significantly related to an export orientation? How influential are factors that would both aid and inhibit exports? What about the decision to not initiate exporting.

In total, 319 surveys were collected from managers in South India for quantitative and qualitative analysis. Structural equation modelling was used to test the model.

Fluency in English was the only significant managerial characteristic associated with a positive perception of export benefits. Education and export experience were not significant strategic factors. SMEs who only serve their domestic market were not averse to exporting but were satisfied with the performance of their home markets. Once deciding to export, use of export intermediaries helped them to move towards presence in multiple markets. None of the inhibiting costs or constraints involved with exporting, other than labour, transportation differentials and export controls, were significantly influential in the export decision process. However, exports were favourably influenced by perceptions of the firms’ quality, pricing, selection and business relationships.

The value of export intermediaries and government agencies is clearly indicated from this study. Such providers could use these findings to target decision makers and assist in overcoming objections to branching out beyond a domestic-only strategy. One strategy option is to establish a strong market presence in the home state and then “export” to adjoining states. The findings might be generalised to other emerging markets as well.

Export entry decision-making is an under-researched area in emerging markets.