Living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – A Postgraduate Guide

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a fascinating country in which to study a Masters, combining tradition and glitz like few other places in the world. As well as being popular with sun-seeking tourists, the UAE is an increasingly cosmopolitan destination for postgraduates.

This page will help you get prepared for life as a Masters student in the UAE, covering everything from local customs and culture to accommodation, transport and living costs.

The UAE is comprised of seven emirates, but most international students will live and study in Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Sharjah. Abu Dhabi, the cosmopolitan capital of the UAE, is also considered a major cultural centre, with the Louvre opening a branch there in 2017. Other attractions in Abu Dhabi include Ferrari World – a must for the adrenaline-seeking Masters student!

Dubai, meanwhile, is home to some of the world’s premiere luxury resorts as well as its tallest building – the Burj Khalifa. Sharjah has plenty of world-class museums and galleries, and was chosen as the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2014.

Beyond those famous man-made islands, the UAE has some stunning natural scenery to experience. The Mangrove National Park, near Abu Dhabi, is a protected area with lots of biodiversity. The deserts of the Empty Quarter are ripe for exploration, whether by camel or quad bike.

Whatever your tastes, you’ll find something to savour in the UAE’s multicultural culinary scene. From imported Indian and Lebanese cuisines to local Emirati delicacies such as fareed (lamb stew), restaurants in the UAE cater for everyone.

Local etiquette

Alcohol can be bought in designated areas such as hotel bars and restaurants, as well as licensed shops. Non-Muslim residents require a liquor license to buy and consume alcohol, whether at home or in a bar. It’s illegal to be drunk in public. Alcohol is completely forbidden in Sharjah.

It’s important to dress modestly, whether you’re male or female, covering your shoulders and knees.

International students in the UAE can choose between university-owned accommodation or the private market.

There are plenty of benefits to university-owned housing, which is usually on-campus and the cheapest option. Universities work hard to make sure that these residences provide a positive and welcoming experience for international students, with facilities such as gyms, games rooms and lounges often included.

If you go for private apartment or studio, you’ll be able to choose from a wider range of accommodation in terms of location, but it will normally be more expensive.

These are some typical accommodation costs in the UAE:

• University accommodation — AED 5,000 (USD $1,360) per semester
• Private accommodation — AED 6,000 (USD $1,635) per month (according to crowdsourced data from Numbeo)

The cost of living in the UAE is comparable to that in Western European countries (although rent can be higher). On average, students studying in the UAE spend between AED 3,000 - AED 6,000 per month on living expenses.

Some typical student costs you’ll encounter include:

• Restaurant meal – AED 35 (USD $9.50)
• Cinema ticket – AED 45 (USD $12.25)
• Monthly travel pass – AED 300 (USD $81.70)

International students in the UAE can work on a part-time basis. You’ll need a work permit from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation, as well as sponsorship from your university.

You’ll usually need the following documents to complete your application:

• Your passport
• A letter of acceptance from your university
• Your student visa
• A passport-sized photo

There is a fee of AED 100 (USD $28) for this work permit.

If you’re studying at an institution in one of Dubai’s ‘creative clusters’, you can also apply for a part-time work permit to seek employment at one of the 4,500 companies located in these clusters.

Hopefully you should now have an idea of what to expect from student life in this thriving Middle Eastern country. Below are some more practicalities you should take into account when planning your postgraduate adventure in the UAE.

Health insurance

All international students in the UAE must be covered by some form of health insurance. This can be a fully comprehensive healthcare plan from your home country or a health insurance policy organised by your university in the UAE.

Banking

The fact that such a high proportion of the UAE’s population is foreign-born means that it’s relatively simple for international students to open a bank account here. You’ll be able to escape any charges that your home bank might levy on everyday purchases in the UAE, as well as finding it easier to administer any scholarships or other finances while studying abroad.

You’ll usually need to attend the local branch of your prospective branch in person with the following documents:

• Your passport
• A letter of acceptance from your university
• Your student visa
• Proof of address in the UAE (a tenancy agreement, for example)

Transport

You’ll probably arrive at one of the UAE’s three international airports. Dubai’s airport is the world’s busiest in terms of international passenger traffic.

If you don’t fancy renting or buying a car, intercity buses are the best way of travelling around the UAE, which doesn’t yet have a rail network. These buses are efficient, reasonably priced and air-conditioned.

Dubai has its own metro system, with Abu Dhabi and Sharjah planning their own light rail networks in the coming years. Buses and taxis are among the most convenient ways of travelling within the major urban areas of the UAE.