Life for Foreigners in the UAE
The UAE offers an excellent lifestyle. Due to the high number of foreign expatriates living and working in the UAE, the UAE society is a unique blend of cultures and people. The discovery of oil in the mid 20th century drastically changed the UAE’s economy, making it one of the wealthiest nations in the Muslim world. This congenial socio-economic environment has led to the UAE being an attractive destination for expatriate workers.
The UAE’s easy and tolerant lifestyle has also been a major factor in attracting foreign investment. With a large foreign expatriate population, the UAE is the most socially liberal country in the Middle East. The attitude towards women is liberal and many women, both foreign and local, pursue successful careers in the emirates. Nevertheless, religion has played an important and influential role in shaping the society and culture of the UAE. Islam is the official and majority religion and pervades almost every aspect of life. Laws, education, food, clothing and daily routines are strongly influenced by Islam. Culture has an influence on everyday life and the emirati business culture, and understanding this is the first step to conducting a successful business in the UAE.
Safety
The United Arab Emirates is virtually a crime-free country. With one of the lowest crime rates in the world, the UAE is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world.
Driving and Public Transport
The car is the most popular method of transport in the UAE, as public transport between the individual emirates is limited to several bus lines only. Driving is on the right side of the road. Short-term visitors from most countries may drive a car in the UAE provided they have an international driving licence. Depending on their nationality, expatriate residents are either allowed to change their driving licence for a UAE licence without any tests or are required to take tests which consist of a theoretical and a driven part. Roads are mostly dual-carriageway, well-signed and in good condition. Due to the construction boom in most parts of the UAE, road maps get out of date very quickly, however. Speed cameras are used extensively.
Large cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai have a public transport system based on buses. The Dubai Metro, a light rail system, has begun operations and will continue to expand in 2010. Smaller cities have very basic public transport systems, usually limited to school buses. Air-conditioned taxis can be hailed on the
street or pre-booked by telephone.
Health
Medical facilities in the UAE are mostly of a high standard. Both public and private options are available. All residency visa holders are issued a Health Card which must be presented on visiting any health centre or hospital. Each emirate has at least one public hospital, usually more. Public hospitals provide services free of charge to the holders of the Health Card. Most medicines are readily available in pharmacies and supermarkets. Tap water is generally safe to drink but bottled water usually tastes better. No special vaccinations are required for the UAE and the danger of malaria is low.
Leisure Activities
Contrary to expectations in a desert country, there are many parks in the UAE. The cities are very green with well-kept gardens and parks. Dogs are not allowed in most parks and on many beaches. Some parks and beaches are designated for families only or have ladies and children only days. Almost every emirate has its Heritage Village where traditional housing and crafts are on display. There are zoos in Al Ain, Dubai and Sharjah and several marine aquariums. Every emirate also has at least one museum, usually located in the former fortress of the ruling family. Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah have several museums each. Cinemas can be found in all emirates. As there are not many film studios in the Arab world, most movies shown are American, European or Indian made movies. Abu Dhabi and Dubai often host concert and festivals featuring international guest stars.
Sport Activities
There are many opportunties for sport activities in the UAE. Top sporting venues (both indoor and outdoor) and a favourable climate ensure that the activities continue throughout the winter season. Sports play an increasingly important role in the UAE’s efforts to develop tourism, and facilities throughout the country are being upgraded or newly constructed.
With the coastline on both the Gulf and the Indian Ocean and a hot climate, the country is an ideal location for water sports. The emirates on the Gulf coast are blessed with long stretches of sandy beach where residents take part in sports such as sailing, jet-skiing, surfing, swimming and kite surfing. Snorkelling and diving are hugely popular within the region. Many residents and visitors enjoy the UAE’s East Coast, which also provides a wealth of exotic fish and coral.
UAE residents are able to take full advantage of the country’s parks and recreational grounds where football, basketball and cricket matches are a favourite pastime, while the desert and mountain areas outside the cities provide a rough, rugged terrain for more adventurous trips. It would be extremely difficult to pinpoint a sport that is not enjoyed in the UAE as there are always new centres, clubs and associations being established around the country. There is even an indoor ski slope in Dubai. Golf has become very popular and several world-class golf clubs have been built in the UAE. Horse and camel races take place on Thursdays and Fridays in the cooler winter months.
Shopping
Goods from all over the world come to the UAE and the choice is endless, from traditional souqs and small shops to the huge shopping malls in every emirate. Due to the low customs tariffs and no taxes, prices are very competitive. There are large duty-free shops at all airports. Some shops may be closed in the early afternoon and most shops are closed on Friday, at least in the morning. Several international and domestic supermarket chains operate in the UAE, including Carrefour from France and Spinneys from Australia.
Restaurants
The choice of restaurants is huge in the UAE. With expatriate communities from some 150 countries of the world, the UAE can offer food from almost any cuisine anywhere in the world. Standards of hygiene are very high: even simple restaurants are clean as inspections are frequent and the penalties severe. Lebanese, Arabic and Indian dishes are the most common, but European and Japanese cuisine is also frequent. All major multinational chains have a presence in the UAE: from McDonalds to Starbucks. Except in Sharjah, which prohibits drinking alcohol in public completely, there are bars in all larger hotels. However, there are no pubs and bars outside the hotels and restaurants outside the hotels usually do not serve any alcoholic drinks.
Media
More than 40 television stations and 26 radio stations broadcast from the UAE. Some stations aim at a certain language group or nationality. In addition, signals from foreign television and radio stations can be received via terrestrial or satellite networks. There are some 10 daily newspapers and over 160 magazines published in the UAE. Again, some of these periodicals are aiming at certain language groups or nationalities. Foreign press is readily available at newspapers stands and in shopping malls and bookshops. Access to broadband internet is available almost everywhere in the UAE.
Related Links
www.expatfocus.com/expatriate-uae
