Traditions & Culture:  The Culture of the United Arab Emirates is part of the culture of Eastern Arabia. Emirati culture is a blend of  Arabian, Islamic, and Persian cultures, with influences from the cultures of East Africa and the Indian Subcontinent. Islam has had a prominent influence on local architecture, music, attire, cuisine, and lifestyle. 

The traditional Bedouin lifestyle still plays a significant role in UAE culture, and hospitality is considered a cornerstone of Emirati culture. The Emirati dress is a symbol of national identity, and men wear the Kandura and the headscarf, while women wear the Abaya and the headscarf.

Food: The Emirati diet is a mixture of a Bedouin diet (meat and camel milk), a fishermen’s diet (fish), and a farmer’s diet (dates). These foods, along with key spices, such as cinnamon, saffron, and turmeric, form the basis of both historical and modern Emirati cuisine. Popular dishes include harees, fouga, kabsa, and luqemat. One of the best national dishes is stuffed camel cooked slowly over a pit of burning charcoal. Harees is also a national specialty; it is a porridge-like dish often served during Ramadan or during large celebrations like weddings. It is made with wheat, meat (or chicken), and salted water.

Safety: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a safe and stable country, making it an ideal place for international students to study abroad. The UAE government has a low crime rate, which means that students can feel secure and safe while living and studying in the UAE.

In addition to its low crime rate, the UAE also has a stable political environment. the UAE has a safe and secure environment for international students, with low crime rates and strict regulations. This makes it a welcoming place for international students, and it is a great place to study abroad for students who are looking for a diverse and inclusive environment.

Welfare: UAE government and universities have student support systems in place and you can access these. Every university also will have a Students Union where you can seek support.  There is specialist mental health support, hardship funding, and general welfare support. Several universities offer scholarships and financial assistance programs to support international students. The country has a Ministry of Education and a Higher Education Affairs department that oversee the quality of education and welfare of international students

Health: The UAE also offers health insurance for all international students, covering medical treatment, emergencies, and accidents. The country has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides high-quality medical services to all residents, including international students. 

Transport:  The public transportation system in the UAE – particularly the three hubs, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah – is state-of-the-art, efficient, and clean. The government controls most public transportation in the UAE – the buses, taxis, water taxis, and the metro. In Dubai, the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has the operations of public taxis, the Dubai Metro, the water transportation system, buses, and the Dubai Tram, under its purview.

• Trains: The UAE does not have conventional rail transport. The Dubai Metro was inaugurated in 2009.
• Buses: Buses in the UAE are safe, efficient, and clean, and drivers are trained in the skills of driving advanced vehicles. They are all equipped with air-conditioners, including the bus stations. For traveling from emirate to emirate, buses are the cheapest and most popular form of public transport.
• Taxis: Taxis are still the most preferred public transport option in the UAE. The public taxis are efficient and clean, and fares depend on the duration of your ride.
• Car-sharing services and Uber: Uber and Careem are the two major app-based taxi services in the UAE. Uber operates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while Careem operates also in Sharjah and Ajman. Unlike the public taxis, fares can go slightly up during peak hours and on certain days of the year, such as New Year’s Eve or during Eid.