UAE FAQ: Culture, Safety, and Day-to-Day Life

What religions are practiced in the UAE?

Islam is the official religion of UAE. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is particularly spectacular, and they welcome visitors for self-tours, and also offer free guided tours, every day except Friday.

In the major cities, there are Roman Catholic, Protestant, and/or Orthodox churches that serve the expatriate community.

In Abu Dhabi, some churches include: St. Joseph's Cathedral Abu Dhabi (Catholic); St. Paul's Church - Mussafah (Catholic); St. Andrew's Church (Anglican); the Evangelical Community Church of Abu Dhabi; St. Stephen's Syrian Orthodox Church; and St. George Orthodox Cathedral.

In Dubai, some churches include: St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dubai; St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Jebel Ali (Catholic); Holy Trinity Church (Anglican); St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral, Dubai; St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church; the United Christian Church of Dubai (evangelical) and the Arab Evangelical Church of Dubai, which are based at the Dubai Evangelical Church Centre; and the Dubai City Church.

Can I bring a Bible with me to Abu Dhabi?

Yes.

Will I be safe in the UAE?

There is relatively little crime in UAE. The level of violence is far less than one would find in a city of comparable size in the United States or Canada. Generally, Western people say they feel safe.

How would I contact my country's embassy or consulate in the UAE?

Abu Dhabi is the name of the capital city of the UAE and is one of the seven Emirates of UAE (the other emirates are: Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah).

As the capital city, Abu Dhabi is home to all of the government ministries and foreign embassies, including those of the United States and Canada.

Dubai, as a major city and port of entry, is the site of many consulates, including those of the United States and Canada.

What if I feel that I need to leave due to the international situation?

All of our client hospitals were very concerned for the physical and emotional wellbeing of staff in the wake of September 11. Regular meetings were held to provide staff with updated information. Also, staff members can always contact their embassy or consulate for updates on the international situation and their government's recommended response. Following September 11, the vast majority of employees decided to stay and "wait it out" and those who wanted to leave did so.

What sort of clothing will I wear while I am away from work?

It is recommended that non-Muslim men and women dress in conservative, loose-fitting clothing. And, although occasional Western tourists are seen wearing "short" shorts and sleeveless shirts, this is considered to be disrespectful to Emirati Muslim society. (Note: Shorts can be worn, however, they should be conservative to show respect.) Women do not have to wear an abaya or veil.

Will I be able to wear my bikini bathing suit while I am at the beach?

Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have public beaches and private beaches. Expatriate women do wear their bathing suits/bikinis at at most beaches in UAE.

In Abu Dhabi, for example, the corniche has several large public beach areas: one is for women only, one for families only (i.e., women can go without families — men can't), and one is mixed (any/all people can go).

What languages are spoken in the UAE?

The official language is Arabic. English is commonly spoken, and Hindi and Urdu are also spoken by many of the expatriates who live there. English is the language of operation of all hospitals and translators are available for communicating with patients who do not speak English.

Can I drive a car?

Both men and women are permitted to drive in UAE. Visitors to the UAE can drive as long as they have an international driver's license and passport. Citizens of certain countries (not the USA or Canada) must also have an International Drivers Permit (IDP).

Those working in the UAE and holding residency status, must apply for a UAE driver's license. To apply for a UAE driver's license, you will also need to present your original driver's license that is issued from the same country as your citizenship; make sure you bring your original driver's license with you as well as several copies of your license. Without it, you will not be able to easily obtain a UAE license — in fact, without it, you may not be able to obtain one at all. Please note, Canadian and American citizens do not need to take a driving test to obtain a UAE driver's license. They are also not required to obtain an International Drivers Permit (IDP).

Uber is also in UAE.

I have tattoos/facial piercings/body piercings. Is this a problem?

At work, tattoos must be covered. In public, if possible, it is also best to cover tattoos, but this is not always possible/necessary (e.g., at the beach). Piercings in non-traditional locations (e.g., the eyebrow, lips) may be frowned upon.

I don't want to appear culturally-insensitive. Other than dress, is there anything else I should be aware of?

Do not take pictures of any government buildings or palaces. Do not take pictures of local women without their permission.

During Ramadan (the annual month of fasting), don't eat or drink amongst Muslims during daylight hours. Typically,
restaurants, cafes, etc., except in major hotels, will be closed during daylight hours during Ramadan.

Women should not offer to shake hands with a Muslim male, unless, of course, the hand of the other person is offered first.

Is smoking cigarettes legal in the UAE?

Smoking is legal in certain places in UAE (except for Sharjah). Since 2008, there have been bans on smoking in enclosed public places (e.g., malls, restaurants, offices, cafeterias, hotel lobbies, etc.). Also, under a January 2010 law, smoking was banned when driving a vehicle in the company of a child under 12 years.

Most workplaces are now smoke-free. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, for example, prohibits the use of any tobacco product on hospital or office property, and also prohibits staff from smoking while wearing any type of apparel which would identify them as working for CCAD.

Where on the internet can I get other information about the UAE?

There are many options, including:

Where can I get additional information about travelling abroad?

Canadians can review Global Affairs Canada's website. This is a useful site, providing a variety of information (in English and French) for Canadians planning to go abroad. Some information includes: passports; travel reports; consular services; regional characteristics.

Americans can contact the website of The Department of State. This site provides information for Americans planning to go abroad, such as: passports; travel and health reports; consular services; regional characteristics; currency exchange; etc.

Is UAE expensive to live in?

It depends on what you are purchasing. Housing rental is expensive and alcohol is expensive; brand names and imports can be expensive, compared to the prices at home (where they may not be imports). The general cost of clothing, food, etc., is not particularly expensive.