Mapping the Landscape of Sentiment Analysis Research in the United Arab Emirates: A Scientometric Review (2013-2023)

Avadhesh Kumar Patel; Ghouse Modin; Nabeesab Mamdapur

Avadhesh Kumar Patel Junior Research Fellow, Department of Library and Information Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh. India
Ghouse Modin Research Scholar, Department of Library and Information Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, 575018, Karnataka. India
Nabeesab Mamdapur New Product Development and Research Department, Synthite Industries Private Limited, Kolenchery, 682311 Kerala. India

Abstract

This scientometric study examines sentiment analysis (SA) research output from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) between 2013 and 2023, using data from Scopus. A total of 243 publications were analyzed with tools like VOSviewer, Biblioshiny, and MS Excel to assess publication trends, collaboration networks, author productivity, institutional contributions, and keyword co occurrence. Findings reveal steady growth in UAE-based SA research, peaking in 2022 with 56 publications and an annual growth rate of 78%. K. Shaalan of the British University Dubai emerged as the most prolific author, while Zayed University, British University, and the University of Sharjah were the top contributing institutions. The UAE showed strong international collaboration, especially with the UK, Pakistan, and India. Open access publications received significantly higher citations, underscoring the importance of accessibility. Co-citation analysis identified K. Shaalan and N. Habash among the most influential UAE affiliated researchers, while globally, E. Cambria and B. Liu were frequently cited. Keyword analysis highlighted core themes, including “Sentiment Analysis,” “Social Networking,” “Machine Learning,” and “Natural Language Processing.” Despite a moderate correlation (r = 0.46) between publications and citations, the UAE’s growing scholarly impact in SA particularly in Arabic language processing and pandemic related sentiment studies demonstrates its emerging role in this interdisciplinary field. The study concludes by affirming the UAE’s increasing research visibility and collaborative strength in global SA scholarship.