Introduction
In our article on ‘Living in the GCC’, we emphasised points like:
- local strengths in valuing family, faith, peace, brotherhood, tolerance and hospitality
- the importance of showing respect for the Islamic faith
- the value of learning some Arabic
- respectful behaviour in public such as covering shoulders and knees and avoiding public displays of affection
When you turn to ‘Living in the UAE’, we can point you to actions you can take to make the most of your time and experience in the country.
Get to know the History
It was 1966 when Sheikh Zayed became ruler of Abu Dhabi and 2nd December, 1971 when the first six emirates agreed to enter into a union to be called the United Arab Emirates. The seventh, Ras al-Khaimah (RAK) soon joined them. So, the modern story of this young country started. The events of the 1960s, when oil was discovered in Abu Dhabi, and the 1970s, when the political union was formed, merit their own deep study. And there is also a rich history going back to the Paleolithic era and wetter weather conditions. There are sites from the stone age and evidence of the movement of caravans across great distances. There is a cycle of trade in the region that came to the UAE every year, in the centuries before Islam. There is the first Islamic era followed by centuries of local industry, trade with a global reach and battles for Dominion involving the Portuguese, Dutch and English. With each realm of study, you learn more about the UAE today: where customs come from, why ideas are important, and what matters deeply.
Get to know the Places
Living in the UAE means visiting each emirate. Nobody can avoid the great cities, of course, with their skyscrapers, museums, hotels, restaurants and entertainment centres. But the variety available outside the cities and beyond the modern era is fabulous too. Trips to Hatta, Al Ain, RAK, Khor Fhakkan, Dibba and Liwa offer different insights into the culture and the past. They open up views to the beauty of the Musandam fjords, to the north in Oman, and to the beguiling deserts in the sprawling Western region. There are dunes, wadis, beaches, creeks, islands and wildlife parks.
Get to know the Culture and the Religion
It is quite possible to live and work in Dubai or Abu Dhabi without getting to experience the UAE and Arab culture. But it is in conversation and interaction that deeper understanding comes. Ramadan often proves the very best time to mix more and learn about the culture. We recommend that every teacher finds early opportunities to share a coffee and some story telling with their Arab colleagues on the school staff. Learn about the families, the life and the politics of the different countries in the region. Contrast those to the UAE with its own national differences. What does a legacy of pearl-diving and Bedouin roaming mean for the culture today? What traditions remain? What lines of the Quran hold special meaning, and why?
Living in the UAE means that you are a visitor and through your visit, you can choose to be a learner as well as a teacher.
Living and Working in Dubai
In our article on ‘Living in the GCC’, we emphasised points like:
- local strengths in valuing family, faith, peace, brotherhood, tolerance and hospitality
- the importance of showing respect for the Islamic faith
- the value of learning some Arabic
- respectful behaviour in public such as covering shoulders and knees and avoiding public displays of affection
In ‘Living in the UAE’, we pointed to the value of exploring the history, places, culture and religion.
The advice that we can give you to Living and Working in Dubai includes:
- Enjoy the sun and sea because this city runs right up the coast
- Explore the history of global trade, souqs, textiles, spices and precious metals in old Dubai
- Go carefully with your purse into the massive expanse of world class shopping in the Malls
- Enjoy the clubs and bars with as much moderation as you can summon
- Take the Marina walk, enjoy the trams and then the metro uptown
- Go carefully on those huge Friday brunches in the top-rated hotels
- Get plenty of exercise daily to avoid putting on those extra kilos
Extra things to watch for:
- Get your visa, bank account and your Emirates ID quickly, with your school’s help, or you’ll find it hard-going at first
- Taxis are reasonably priced and mobile access to your next ride is very good
- Check your employer has medical insurance in place for you
- Remember never to drink and drive
Living and Working in Abu Dhabi
In our article on ‘Living in the GCC’, we emphasised points like:
- local strengths in valuing family, faith, peace, brotherhood, tolerance and hospitality
- the importance of showing respect for the Islamic faith
- the value of learning some Arabic
- respectful behaviour in public such as covering shoulders and knees and avoiding public displays of affection
In ‘Living in the UAE’, we pointed to the value of exploring the history, places, culture and religion.
The advice we can give you to Living and Working in Abu Dhabi includes:
- Enjoy the sun and sea because this city is surrounded by water
- Explore the city, the modern museums, the stunning Mosque and the wildlife park
- Go carefully with your purse into the massive expanse of world class shopping
- Enjoy the clubs and bars with as much moderation as you can summon
- Take the Corniche walk, enjoy the cycle routes and room for jogging and running
- Go carefully on those huge Friday brunches in the top-rated hotels
- Get plenty of exercise daily to avoid putting on those extra kilos
Extra things to watch for:
- Get your visa, bank account and your Emirates ID quickly, with your school’s help, or you’ll find it hard-going at first
- Taxis are reasonably priced and mobile access to your next ride is very good
- Check your employer has medical insurance in place for you
- Remember never to drink and drive.
