The UAE is a very exciting and rewarding location to live and teach in. Each Emirate has a different culture and lifestyle so do spend time researching into what one is right for you.

 

Background
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a sovereign state in Western Asia. It is situated in the southeastern region of the Asian continent, and in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It overlooks the Arabian Gulf on the north and northwest, borders the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the west and south and the Sultanate of Oman to the southeast.
It is a federal elective constitutional monarchy formed from a federation of seven Emirates;

 

• Abu Dhabi (which serves at the capital)
• Ajman
• Dubai
• Fujairah
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Sharjah
• Umm Al Quwain

 

Each Emirate holds different cultures and traditions.

 

Each Emirate of the UAE is ruled by a separate royal family, but the Emir of Abu Dhabi is the country's president and head of state, while the Emir of Dubai serves as the nation's prime minister.

The UAE is a thriving part of the world that is playing an increasingly significant role in both international business and tourism. In some cities within the region, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, significant investment has been made into the infrastructure and opulent skyscrapers and hotels now characterise these areas.

When moving to the UAE, expats are often drawn to the most well-known cities – Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In a 2020 survey, out of 73 countries ranked for their Quality of Living, the United Arab Emirates took the 25th spot. With the stunning “The World Island” artificial archipelago and Burj Khalifa to visit in Dubai, or the Emirates Palace and Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi, there are amazing activities, cultural attractions and a thriving expat community to enjoy in both.

However, this results in a slight over shadowing of the other Emirates. Please do take time to read into the less well known Emirates as they may offer you a more suitable and desirable package to your preferences and needs. Emirates like Fujairah and Ajman can offer some similar experiences as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but at a fraction of a price. If you are looking to save more, or live on a stricter budget then the less well known Emirates may be more suitable.

Culture and Religion

Arabic is the official language of the UAE although English is widely spoken and understood. A number of other languages are widely spoken due to the UAE holding a large expatriate community which include Persian, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali and Chinese. The expat community, which makes up for almost 50% of the total population, allows national habitants to be knowledgeable in and open to different religions and cultures. The majority of expats are drawn here as a result of the tax-free lifestyle on offer and for those on an international wage the standard of living is very high. Private education facilities, fantastic shopping and numerous entertainment options make this an interesting and enjoyable place for all, from adventuring solo to raising your family.

UAE Emirates are predominantly Sunni Muslims and all social and political matters are driven by Islamic law. However, the UAE is tolerant to other religions and accords religious freedom to the expatriate population. These religions primarily include Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism and Buddhism.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is the largest mosque in the Gulf. Non-Muslims can visit it or any other mosque, provided they comply with the appropriate dress code and other relevant instructions.

Cost of Living in The UAE

The currency in the UAE is called ‘Dirham’ (Dh.), also referred to as Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). There is a wide variety in the cost of living in the UAE, depending on where in the Emirate you stay, and which individual Emirate you live in. Dubai is filled with a buzzing night life and action, but comes at a higher price. Sometimes, a quieter Emirate, with still plenty to offer, is more suitable to your budget. It really depends on how much you're wanting to save, or spend, during your time in the UAE.

One of the biggest benefits to expatriates of living in the UAE is the low taxation and this has a positive impact on the cost of a number of items, including vehicles, electronic goods and local produce. Utilities are also slightly cheaper here than they are in many countries as a result of government subsidies on electricity, water and gas.

 

If you're travelling with family, or plan to start a family in the UAE, it is good to be aware that schools and kindergartens are only free to locals. Expats have to pay fees both for kindergartens and schools. The cost of an annual education in a preschool or school educational institution depends, first of all, on the popularity and reputation of the institution.

Education

One of UAE’s highest priorities has always been education and continues to this date. New educational initiatives are being launched at all educational levels. Additionally, some of the world’s best universities are creating programmes in the UAE, thus attracting talented students from all over the world.

Economy

The UAE has one of the most open economies in the world. This tradition of welcoming business and trade goes back to early Gulf history, when ships sailed to India and along the coast of East Africa as far south as Mozambique.

The UAE continues to be a strategic hub, with business-friendly free zones and a rapidly growing economy. The country has experienced significant economic growth. Average GDP growth over 2000 to 2006 in the UAE was about 8.4 percent—the highest in the Gulf Cooperation Council, which averaged 6.5 percent.

The GDP for 2019 was US$421 billion. This reflects the rich natural resources in the UAE, which has 10 percent of the total world supply of oil reserves and the world’s fifth largest natural gas reserves.

As a mainstay to the economy, oil and natural gas exports now account for about 38 percent of total UAE gross domestic product. In addition to being an important supplier of energy, the UAE is now becoming an increasingly relevant consumer of energy. The UAE will continue its long tradition of responsible energy stewardship as it develops and diversifies its economy, accelerates the development of additional hydrocarbon reserves and contributes to the development and implementation of alternative energy sources.

Food

Cuisine in the UAE emanates from a rich history of changing civilisations. Since much of the Emirates lies on the coast of the Persian Gulf, fish and seafood is very much a mainstay of the UAE diet.

Muslims do not eat pork but most other meats are used in the cuisine with a preference for lamb, goat and chicken.

A national speciality is stuffed camel which is an ancient Bedouin recipe modified over the years. It involves stuffing the interior of the animal with sheep, goats and chickens then, traditionally, cooked slowly over a pit of burning charcoal for up to 24 hours.

One of the most frequently eaten foods is Sharwarma which is spit roasted meat or mixed meats served with a variety of ingredients such as tabbouleh, tahini, hummus, pickles, cucumber or tomato. It can be served on a plate or in a Taboon bread (flatbread).

The cuisine is augmented with various spices and ingredients including: cloves, saffron, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg or almonds, pine nuts, dates and sultanas. Kabsa is a popular recipe that involves a number of rice dishes with meats and vegetables containing various spices and ingredients.

Harees is a beloved dish which is often served during Ramadan and the Eid festivals. The recipe involves cracked wheat and meat which is slow cooked and has the consistency of porridge.

Maqluba is another favourite dish which incorporates meat, rice and vegetables which is cooked in one pot and turned over after cooking so that the bottom layer now appears at the top. It is served with a simple salad and yogurt or another sauce such as Tahini.

There are enough catering establishments in the United Arab Emirates where you can eat diverse and delicious food every day without worrying about cooking yourself. Dinner for two in a good restaurant costs 150-200 dirhams.

If we are talking about lunch in inexpensive establishments (the equivalent of a domestic canteen), then the price for one is unlikely to be higher than 30 dirhams, and in McDonalds or other type of fast food you will be fed for around 25 dirhams.

Local time

The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT and there is no daylight saving. Hence, when it is 12.00 midday in Abu Dhabi, it is 3am in New York, 8am in London, 10am in Johannesburg, 1.30pm in New Delhi, and 6pm in Sydney (not allowing for any summer time-saving in those countries).