The purpose of this study is to explore possible motivational factors in academia at a large university in the Arabian Gulf. The study used a slightly modified questionnaire containing 37 attitudinal items developed by Sylvia and Hutchison [1]. A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed, and only 73 were received back (24.3% response rate). The study found that the most important items affecting the university professors' motivation are: sense of self-achievement and internal reward, cooperative work relationships among professionals, freedom in performing work tasks, the opportunity for presenting new ideas and development, and finally, the opportunity for promotion and going higher in the organization.