Life in UAE for International Students: Things to Know Before Study in UAE

Known for its cosmopolitan culture and great infrastructure, UAE is ideal for studies in many ways. With a lifestyle to match countries like the US, UAE offers cost-effective living. If you can be sensitive to the culture of the place, studying in UAE could be quite an experience.

When it comes to academic courses, the UAE offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Many globally acclaimed universities have established their branches in the UAE. Also, many educational reforms are being highlighted and brought by the government over there for upgrading the higher education standard. The Emiratis are generous in providing financial support to many private institutions so as to attract students from abroad to study there.

Initially, UAE witnessed most of its local students going abroad to pursue higher education in topmost study locations such as Australia, North America, Europe, etc, due to the non-availability of a quality higher education. It was just one-way traffic. It was only a few years back when international students started flowing in for studies in UAE after it enhanced the quality of education due to various initiatives which the government took.

According to a report published by Khaleej Times in April 2022, in January 2021, the UAE government planned to provide longer-term residence visas to students coming from abroad for studying. This was a game changer.

It should be noted that an increase of 50% has been witnessed in the number of Indian students enrolled in degree courses in the UAE since 2011.

The cost of living in UAE revolves around various factors, namely -

Accommodation facilities: Take accommodation seriously if you are planning to study in UAE. Real state is at its peak in UAE and it has become even more New York like. Due to massive commercial development, the costs of residential buildings have gone up manifold. The influx of foreign workers in the UAE has increased considerably due to the surge in businesses. Consequently, it has increased the demand for living spaces and flats, villas, and living quarters have become a scarce resource in UAE.

Food: It is affordable in UAE for all levels of remuneration. The cost of food products is high, especially in downtown areas. Water is expensive across all the countries. Local wine and other beverages are manufactured or imported from nearby Middle Eastern countries.

Transportation: Infrastructure is one of the strong points of the UAE. Roads are wide in some parts of the city, but can be narrow in the older localities. The traffic movement is controlled, but you can face traffic jams every now and then.

Manage your finances: As compared to Europe or other Asian countries, in UAE expenses of a student is very less. Here you can also get a recognized certificate and quality education with great experience of multi culture.

Dress Code: With the prevalence of Islamic culture what you wear is of utmost importance. In places like Dubai you can see a mix of modern and traditional dresses. However, in smaller cities it’s better to stick to traditional attire.

Safety parameter: UAE is a safe country as it has low crime rate. It cannot be said that crime does not occur but incidents are very rare.