UAE citizens enjoy a high standard of living, with rent and food prices comparable to those in the UK. Most organisations will offer housing or a housing allowance as part of employment packages as well as private healthcare. Individuals are only required to pay utility costs, but theses costs are substantially lower than those in the UK. Alongside all these benefits, there is no personal tax in the UAE.

Public healthcare in the UAE is provided by each emirate’s department of health. They provide free or very low cost medical services for all UAE residents, no matter what their home country is. The departments of health also have private healthcare providers.

Climate - Living in the UAE

The climate of the UAE is subtropical-arid, with hot summers and warm winters. The hottest months are July and August, when average maximum temperatures reach above 48 °C (118.4 °F). Average minimum temperatures in January and February are between 10 and 14 °C (50 and 57.2 °F). During the late summer months, a humid south-eastern wind known as Sharqi, makes the coastal region especially unpleasant.

The average annual rainfall in the coastal area is fewer than 120 mm (4.7 in), but in some mountainous areas annual rainfall often reaches 350 mm (13.8 in). Rain in the coastal region falls in short, torrential bursts during the summer months, sometimes resulting in floods in ordinarily dry wadi beds. The region is prone to occasional, violent dust storms, which can severely reduce visibility. The Jebel Jais mountain cluster in Ras al-Khaimah has experienced snow only twice since records began.

Culture in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates has a diverse and multicultural society. Emirati culture mainly revolves around the religion of Islam and traditional Arab and Bedouin culture. The influence of Islamic and Arab culture on the region's architecture, music, attire, cuisine and lifestyle are very prominent as well. Five times every day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques, which are scattered around the country.

Since 2006, the weekend has been Friday-Saturday, as a compromise between Friday's holiness to Muslims and the Western weekend of Saturday-Sunday.

This unique socio-economic development in the Persian Gulf has meant that the UAE is relatively liberal. While Islam is the main religion, the UAE has been known for its tolerant practices. Christian churches can be found alongside mosques and this courtesy has seemingly been extended to Hinduism and Sikhism.

UAE laws are different to those in Western society. UAE law states that it is illegal to cohabit with a member of the opposite sex if you are unmarried and unrelated. Alcohol is available in the UAE, however to purchase it at a liquor store, you must apply for a liquor licence. There is also a zero tolerance policy towards drugs in the UAE.

There are a variety of Asian-influenced schools, cultural centres and restaurants, and an increasing numbers of European centres, schools, and restaurants can also be seen in the UAE.

UAE Etiquette

Although the UAE is tolerant of most cultures and religions, it is extremely proud of its own rich heritage, with the Emirati population having a strong national pride. Expats make up a substantial number of the total population and nationals and non-nationals live harmoniously together, displaying mutual respect for one another.

Islam is the main religion in the UAE, and non-Muslims must show respect towards Muslim traditions. In the Holy Month of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset. Working days are often shorter as a result of fasting all day; however, this generally only applies to those who practise the faith. Non-Muslims should be respectful of Ramadan and not drink, eat or smoke in public, even in their cars.

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