Living and learning in the U.A.E. as a student of AUD, can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching lesson for visiting international undergraduate and graduates. In order to get the most from your experience in Dubai and the U.A.E. as a whole, here are a few snippets of wisdom to get you started.
Dubai is the second largest of the seven Emirates which make up the U.A.E., located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. The capital of the U.A.E. is Abu Dhabi. With a total area spanning 3,900 sq.km, Dubai is a popular tourist destination and thriving business hub, with prestigious firms such as Sony, Reuters, CNN, Microsoft, Oracle and IBM located on the doorstep of the AUD campus in Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City.
- Time
GMT + 4 hours
- Airport
Dubai International Airport is approximately 35km (20-25 minute drive) from the AUD campus.
- Languages spoken
Arabic is the official language while English and Urdu are commonly spoken and understood.
- Currency
UAE Dirham
- Weather
Dubai is warm and sunny in the winter, hot and humid during the summer months. Winter daytime temperatures average around 26°C, while summer temperatures are in the mid-40’s with humidity reaching up to 90 per cent in the summer and Fall. Rainfall is sparse and intermittent.
- Public Holidays
U.A.E. National Day (December 2 & 3); New Year's Day (January 1), Eid Al Fitr; Eid Al Adha; Hijra New Year's Day, Prophet's Birthday; Accession Day, Essra Wal Mehry
- Transport
- Dubai Metro
Dubai Metro is a fully automated over ground and underground train network in Dubai, with stations close to AUD and the surrounding areas.
- Car Hire
Most of the large car hire firms such as Avis, Hertz and Europcar, are represented at airports, hotels and around the city.
- Taxis/Uber
Taxis are readily available, offer an efficient, relatively inexpensive service and are really the best way to get around. They can be flagged down on the street, pre-booked by telephone or picked up outside hotels and public places such as shopping malls. Drivers can also be booked through booking apps such as Uber and Careem.
- Health
A certificate is required for cholera and yellow fever if arriving from an affected area.
There are three main Government hospitals and many world-class private hospitals and clinics in Dubai. All residents must have private health insurance. AUD’s Health Services department also provides medical support and advice to students and faculty as well as a 24-hour emergency advice line.
- Dressing for Dubai
Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings. Dubai has a very relaxed dress code, but care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing. While at the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable.
