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Student Life in UAE

Updated on 05 January, 2024

Shivangi Mishra

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

Are you looking to study abroad in a land that combines cityscapes of the future and traditional Arabic culture? Living in UAE is a life of adventure for students. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a world-class education immersed in dynamic Middle Eastern culture for foreign learners. UAE offers state-of-the-art campuses, a vibrant multicultural atmosphere, and abundant entertainment opportunities. 

Things Int’l Students Must Know About Culture in UAE

UAE lifestyle is a blend of Arabian, Islamic, and Persian cultures. As an international student, you will find yourself fully immersed in the unique Arab and Islamic culture of the UAE. Islam and Bedouin customs have molded local Emirati values, emphasizing hospitality, family, and modesty in language and attire.  

Islamic cultural influence may be seen in many things with a traditional approach towards specific social norms. Even though Islamic culture is dominant in the UAE, the country has a diversified cultural pool.

Life in UAE for Indian students is comfortable. You will experience an environment that is both open and accepting.

A more well-rounded student life may be achieved by taking the time to learn about local customs and traditions, such as camel racing and desert dune bashing.

Languages Spoken in UAE

The United Arab Emirates is a melting pot of many languages, with the official language being Arabic. The Emiratis speak the Gulf dialect of Arabic, which is the official dialect of the language in UAE. 

As an international student, mastering essential Arabic words and manners can help you communicate politely with the people there. The unofficial second language of the United Arab Emirates, English, is necessary to get by in big cities and at universities where English is the primary language of instruction.

Due to the many expatriates living in the UAE, several different languages, particularly South Asian tongues, including Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, and Tagalog, are spoken.

Additionally, as an international student, you will see a lot of bilingual menus and signage that showcase the diversity of the UAE. As Arabic and English are widely spoken, the UAE is a desirable destination for international students.  

You may get a good language and cultural education by studying Arabic and honing your English while immersing yourself in the multicultural milieu of the United Arab Emirates.

UAE City Life

As an international student, you will have many great possibilities for residence and accommodation in the United Arab Emirates. The modern NYU Abu Dhabi campus and well-known locations like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque can be found in the capital, Abu Dhabi, a significant center of culture.

The world's tallest building (Burj Khalifa), beachside resorts, an infinite supply of restaurants, and shopping centers can all be found in Dubai, the UAE's glitzy commercial hub.

While Dubai provides the ambiance of a city flooded with tourists and futuristic technology, Sharjah and Ajman offer more of a laid-back atmosphere with low rentals. These two cities also have beachfront locations and artistic communities. Therefore, they are a fantastic destination for students. UAE education is top-notch as well.

Both Sharjah and Ajman are easy to navigate because of an efficient metro system and bus networks, along with an abundance of easily accessible taxis.  

Moreover, cities in the UAE are safe for students due to their low crime rates. For recreational purposes, you will find Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Northern Emirates the most exciting places. 

Each city in the UAE provides a different experience of the native way of life while having access to contemporary conveniences.

Social and Campus Life in UAE

As an international student living in UAE, you will find many social activities to explore. You will also meet people of various nationalities on campus and in the community for students in the UAE. 

The campuses also provide top-notch academic resources like labs and libraries and recreational spaces like fitness centers and cozy dormitories.  

You will also be able to participate in various activities like cultural performances that honor the UAE's diverse nature. You can join multiple student groups and clubs according to your interests.  

On the University campuses of the UAE, you can find peers from all over the world studying and pursuing their dreams with you. This multiculturalism will help you blend with new people and discover other cultures. That is the beauty of UAE education.   

The youthful population of this country and the UAE lifestyle guarantee a vibrant evening scene at dining establishments, retail centers, shisha cafés, and dance clubs off campus. Eating out is a popular social pastime, and many cities offer various international cuisines.

As a reflection of the UAE's warm hospitality, Emirati teachers frequently invite their students for dinner or weekend trips. 

UAE Lifestyle: Recreational Activities

UAE has plenty of fun recreational activities for its international students. There are countless alternatives for food, shopping, and entertainment at malls. Water sports, swimming, and sunbathing are all permitted on the beaches.

Events such as international concerts, theme parks, and films frequently occur. Rock climbing, hiking, and camping are options for outdoor lovers. You can also go on desert safaris to experience adventure while enjoying the view of falcons, ride camels, and more.  

There are also top-notch athletic events, museums, and cultural attractions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. There will never be a dull moment throughout your years in the UAE because of the abundance of leisure opportunities.

Weather in UAE

The UAE experiences a hot and sunny climate all year round. The summer months of April through September are exceedingly hot. During this time, the temperature can go up to 40 degrees centigrade. 

Winters in UAE are temperate and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees centigrade from December to March. For outdoor activities, this is the most enjoyable time of the year.  

There is hardly much rain; it primarily falls in the winter.

Expenses in UAE

As an international student, the cost of living will be one of the most crucial deciding factors in choosing a study abroad destination. In UAE, the tuition fees vary according to the universities. 

There are both public and private universities operating in the UAE, and on average, an international student can expect to pay between AED 5,500 to 28,000 (INR 1,24,689 to INR 6,34,783 as of November 2023) per academic year for undergraduate students. Postgraduate students must pay between AED 7,000 to 55,000 (INR 1,58,695 to INR 12,46,896 as of November 2023) per academic year.  

For accommodation, international students have two options – renting a flat or living in university housing. University costs between AED 2000 and AED 6000 (INR 45,341 to INR 1,36,025 as of November 2023) per semester, depending on the university.  

The price of food is affordable for students in the UAE. Meals can cost AED 30 (INR 680) in affordable restaurants. Grocery items like a packet of milk can cost AED 6 (INR 136), bread costs AED 5 (INR 113), and local cheese can cost AED 37 (INR 838).

Life in UAE for Indian students has a lot to offer. If you want to study abroad in a futuristic country with great opportunities, UAE is the destination for you. 

Read More About Study in UAE:

FAQs

What is the average cost of living in the United Arab Emirates?

The average cost of living in UAE is around AED 4255 (INR 96,464) per month, excluding tuition fees for an international student in the UAE.  

Is UAE a good place for international students?

UAE is one of the most famous destinations for international students with its multicultural and multilingual diversity and futuristic cityscapes. UAE lifestyle, too, is suitable for international students from all over the world.  

Did you find this article helpful?

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!

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