This study uses the Entrepreneurial Event theory as the basis for examining the effects of regional factors on entrepreneurial intent, with focus on perceived desirability. As such two major antecedents of age and culture are examined to ascertain whether they create a moderating effect on entrepreneurial intent. In addition two other factors of family support and gender related attitude toward risk are tested in order to establish their moderating effects on the research question. Data was gathered from a sample of 232 participants who indicated having a propensity for opening their own business in the near future. The sample was selected at random, and it represented a highly diverse population inhabiting UAE. The findings indicated that there existed only slight to no correlation between the moderators and entrepreneurial intent in the region of the study. The findings unexpectedly deviated from the previous empirical data on entrepreneurial intent. This was mainly attributed to the unique characteristics of the regional population, from which the research sample was selected.
Keywords: Culture, Gender, attitude toward risk, entrepreneur family member, entrepreneurial intent, regional influences
