Living in the United Arab Emirates
The Middle East is experiencing phenomenal growth with commercial and financial centres building up across Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have become important trading posts, with Dubai enjoying a construction and real estate boom to cater for the burgeoning tourist trade. Developments have included the Palm Islands, just off the coast where the world’s two largest man-made islands have been created, supporting luxury hotels, exclusive residential villas, apartments, marinas, water theme parks, restaurants, and shopping malls.
Within the UAE, and particularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai, there is a lively social scene to cater for the large ex-pat communities offering a wide variety of restaurants, clubs, cafes and bars to suit all tastes. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in all sports and several sporting festivals and events are held throughout the year. The health clubs tend to be the focal point for networking by ex-pats where various activities are organised. Dubai is known as "The Shopping Capital" of the Middle East and with the vast shopping malls and local souks you will find all your needs met. Multiplex cinemas show the latest releases and interesting museums and art galleries mean there is plenty to keep you entertained.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are amongst the most liberal states in the Middle East and provide a family-oriented society where security is high and crime rates low. The UAE also offers an excellent selection of international schools.
The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and is often the formal business language and whilst Islam is the main religion, others are practised. Friday is the official holiday and then either the Thursday or Saturday is the additional weekend day, although Thursday is now becoming the norm. The climate is exceptionally hot and humid in summer (May – September) with temperatures hitting up to 40°C.