Study in UAE - Living in UAE

Social Scene

There are many activities to pursue in United Arab Emirates, from desert safaris and mountaineering to parasailing, and sea tours. Sports fans can enjoy time on some of the best golf courses in the world, before retiring to the beach to lay in the sand and absorb breathtaking scenery.

On underwater adventures, scuba divers may encounter sea creatures like dolphins, and tropical fish, while floating over breathtaking coral reefs.

Dining seaside while listening to the serene sounds of the ocean is a relaxing way to spend the evening. International cuisine to suit every palate is offered at International restaurants throughout the UAE.

Shopping at modern shopping malls, souks, and individual retail stores is a great way to spend the day. Dubai is dubbed as the “shopping capital of the Middle- East,” and it's retailers offer a variety of merchandise from high-fashion, gold and jewellery, carpets and handicrafts, electronics and more. Don't forget the Dubai Shopping Festival (www.mydsf.ae) from January to February and Dubai Summer Surprises (www.mymodhesh.com) from July to August.

Horses have always played a central role in traditional life in Arabia, however modern horse racing with local jockeys as well as top jockeys from overseas, has taken off dramatically over the past decade. Race meetings are held weekly during the winter at one of the UAE’s four race courses. The Dubai World Cup (www.dubaiworldcup.com) is the world’s richest horse race, is held in spring each year at the well-appointed Nad al-Sheba race course. Other races in the World Cup festival include the UAE Derby, the Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians, The Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Sheema Classic, Dubai Golden Shaheen and Godolphin Mile.

Sand Skiing is a novel and exciting experience, sand skiing has been attracting a keen band of supporters both in the Emirates and abroad. The only equipment you will need is a snowboard. Popular venues are the large dune on the road between Dubai and Hatta and the enormous dunes. Trips to the latter must be organized by one of the local tour operators who will also provide instruction.

From pleasure and leisure activities for relaxed moments, to high adrenaline sports for days that need a boost of excitement, United Arab Emirates has the ultimate things to do list.

Residents and visitors can dress however they like, but a good amount of respect for local customs is appreciated. UAE nationals usually wear their traditional dress. For men this is the dishdasha or khandura, a white full-length shirt-dress. It is worn with a white or red checkered headdress known as a gutra. In public, women wear the black abaya, a long black robe that covers their normal clothes and they also wear a headscarf.

Normally photography is acceptable and expected, but like anywhere, it is polite to ask permission before photographing people. It is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. Photographs of government buildings, military installations, ports and airports should not be taken.

Arabic cuisine comprises many types of cooking from countries like Morocco, Egypt, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and more.

Alcohol is served in licensed premises like restaurants and bars. It is also served in a few recreational clubs. Shisha pipes are smoked at most establishments. They are traditional water pipes that use flavored tobaccos like strawberry or apple. Shisha is usually enjoyed while sitting at a café or restaurant.

Transportation

Cars take up the largest part of the transportation in UAE. Cars are divided into two types: own car or taxis. Buses are next and finally motorcycles. UAE does not have a railway system as of yet.

Taxis
Using taxis is the best way to go around UAE if you don’t have your own car. It is easy, simple and taxis do go from one emirate to another with only simple fare. The table below contains official taxi fare prices for Sharjah and Ajman emirates:

Dubai Taxis and Buses
The most popular taxi/bus stand in Dubai is the Deira Taxi/Bus Stand. Taxis and buses travel to every emirate in the UAE. Dubai Transport Corporation (DTC) took over the taxi/bus stand in 1997, which was previously being run by station-wagon cab owners that were not very clean or comfortable. The travel rates are given below.

Sharjah Taxis
There are no official taxis in Sharjah, but there are areas where taxis stop to take individuals who want to travel to or from Sharjah. The main taxi area in Sharjah is in Rolla. People from Ajman who want to go to Dubai will normally stop in Rolla to change taxis to continue on to Dubai, and the same way around.

Ajman Taxi Stands
Similar to Sharjah, there are some locations where taxis will come to take people, such as Al Manama Street.

Public Bus Transportation
Dubai is the only city, which has a public bus transportation system. It is very reasonably priced (AED 1 to AED 4). The buses are air-conditioned, and there are separate areas for women.

Motorcycles
Motorcycles are generally used by courier services, as motorcycles have no problems getting through traffic jams to insure fast delivery, but the use of motorcycles are very rare, one reason is because of the weather in UAE.

Accommodation

Institution Accommodation Facilities
Most of the institutes have segregated, conveniently located and cost-effective accommodation facilities. The accommodation fees vary from institute to institute.

Accommodation type and fees vary:

AED 4,725/- per term (shared) to AED 7,000/- per term (single)

AED 15,000/- per year (private room with bath & kitchenette) to AED 4,500/- per year (semi-private room without private bath & kitchenette)

AED 1,300/- per month, shared-basis, inclusive of accommodation, food and transportation

Note: Bus transportation is usually available for student-housing residents at no charge.

Private Rental Market
Many furnished and unfurnished apartments are available throughout the Emirates. When you rent a unit in a private building you will have to sign a rental agreement or lease that specifies your rights and responsibilities and those of the property owner and his agent.

GoDubai.com

Dubai News Furnished Apartment Listing

Health Care

United Arab Emirates has high quality medical care and residents should not have trouble getting treatment if they need it. Both private and government run hospitals offer excellent care.

There are no particular health risks for residents. No inoculations are needed to travel within United Arab Emirates. During the summer months drinking plenty of water, eating salty foods, and using sun-block are suggested.

Hospital Emergency Numbers
American Hospital: +971 4 336-7777 (www.ahdubai.com)
Rashid Hospital: +971 4 337-4000 (www.dohms.gov.ae)
Welcare Hospital: +971 4 282-7788 (www.welcarehospital.com)
Al Amal Hospital: +971 4-344-4010
Al Dowall Private Hospital: +971 4 221-2484
Al Maktoum Hospital: +971 4 222-1211
Al Wasl Hospital: +971 4 324-1111
Belhoul Intern Hospital Center: +971 4 345-4000
Iranian Hospital New Dubai Hospital: +971 4 344-0250
New Dubai Hospital: +971 4 271-4444

Centers and Clinics
Al Borj Medical Centre: +971 4 345-4666
Al Zahra Private Medical Centre: +971 4 331-5000
Dubai London Clinic: +971 4 344-6663
Dr. Akel's General Medical Clinic: +971 4 344-2773
Dr. M S Ahmadi Clinic: +971 4 344-5550
Dubai Physiotherapy Clinic: +971 4 349-6333
General Medical Centre: +971 4 349-5959
Jebel Ali Medical Centre: +971 4 881-4000
Manchester Clinic: +971 4 344-0300
New Medical Centre: +971 4 268-3131
Lifeline Medical Group: +971 4 396-3444

*There is always a 24-hour pharmacy open in Dubai, as they rotate for 24 hour duty. Call +971 4 223-2323 for information on practicing pharmacies for that day/night.

Most pharmacies have regular opening hours from 08:30 to 13:30 and 16:30 to 22:30 Saturday to Thursday. On Fridays opening hours are from 16:30 to 22:30 and on Friday mornings, some may open from 09:00 to 13:00.

Emergency Contacts

The following is a list of emergency telphone numbers from within UAE:
Police : 999
Fire : 997
Ambulance : 998 or 999

Etisalat (Telephone Company)
Directory Inquiry: 181
Fault Reporting: 170
General Information: 101
Website: www.etisalat.co.ae
Online bill inquiry and bill payment: www.e4me.co.ae

Taxi
Al Ghazal Transport : 800-2121 (Toll free number)
Dubai Transport : +971 4 208-0808