By Er Mohammad Ashraf Fazili (Former Chief Engineer)
For expats in the United Arab Emirates, private education is the only option. There are many international schools and a choice of curriculum.
University & Higher Education:
Over recent years, a number of institutions have opened within Abu Dhabi and the other emirates, so more people are staying for their higher education now. The list of universities in Abu Dhabi include: Abu Dhabi University, Sorbonne University, Liwa University, Mohamed Bin Zayed University, Khalifa University, Syscoms, New York University Abu Dhabi, MAK Institute Abu DhabiAbu Dhabi School of Management, Khalifa University, Times Education Abu Dhabi, Regional Education Institute, Fatima College of Health Sciences,Indian Institution of Technology, Zayed University, Emirates College for Advanced education etc.
General Medical Care:
The quality of medical care in the Emirates is generally regarded as quite high, and residents and visitors have little trouble in getting appropriate treatment. Both private and government hospitals have emergency services. Tourists and non-residents are strongly recommended to arrange private medical insurance before travelling as private medical care can be very expensive and public hospitals will only treat Nationals or resident experts on nominal rates. The list of hospitals are:NMC Speciality Hospital, LLH Hospital, Ahalia Hospital,RETAJ Administrative services, SEHA- Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital, Medeor 24×7 HospitalHarley Street Medical Centre, Burjeel Hospita lSEHA- Corniche Hospital, Adam &Eve Specialized Medical Centre NMC Royal Medical Centre etc.
Climate:
Sub tropical arid climate with sunny blue skies and high temperatures are expected most of the year. Rainfall averages 12 cm per year. Temperatures range from as low as 10 degree C on a winter night to a high of around 48 degree C on a summer day. The cooler months, November to April are the most pleasant time to visit when temperatures are around 24 degree C during the day and 13 degree C at night.
Flora & Fauna:
The flora and fauna is surprisingly diverse in a country with such an arid climate and little rainfall. A substantial variety of life manages to survive despite the conditions. The local municipality has an extensive greening programme. The city being on the edge of a desert, the areas near the roads are incredibly verdant, with grass, palm trees and flowers being watered around the clock and constantly maintained by an army of workers. In fact at the beginning after consultation with experts, the fertile soil has been imported from Iran and Pakistan which was spread on foot paths and parks to grow green grass and flowers. The road from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain covering a distance of 150 km is green most of the way. The cities boast a large number of attractive and well-maintained parks. Indigenous fauna include the highly endangered Arabian leopard and the ibex, but sightings of both are extremely rare. The only large animal seen is the camel and goat (often dangerously close to the roads) mostly fenced now. Other desert life includes the sand cat, sand fox and desert hare, as well as gerbils, hedgehogs, snakes and geckos. A visit to the Arabian Wildlife Centre in Sharjah presents a view of indigenous animals.
The bird species are reported to be increasing as per the studies partly due to developing lushness of the area. This is observed in the parks in spring and autumn as the emirates lies on the route for birds migrating between Central Asia and East Africa.
Besides marine life is abundant and the coastal waters are home to tropical fish, jellyfish, coral, the dugong (sea cow) and sharks. Eight species of Whales and seven species of dolphins have been recorded in UAE waters.Four or five of the world’s seven turtle species are indigenous to the region, including the hawkbill and leatherback. The best known local fish is hammour.
Besides the UAE’s commitment to the environment internationally recognized, the UAE is party to international agreements on biodiversity, climate change, desertification, endangered species, hazardous water, marine dumping and ozone layer protection, and is as signatory to the CITES convention. Besides the emirate-wide environmental controls, Abu Dhabi has strictly enforced laws governing the use of chemical insecticides.
Culture:
Islam is more than just a religion, it is a way of life that governs everyday events.. Abu Dhabi’s culture is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. The worldwide conception of Islamic nations as a hothouse for fundamentalism is in stark contrast to the reality of the UAE. The UAE’ culture is tolerant and welcoming. Foreigners are free to practise their own religion. Among the most highly prized virtues are courtesy and hospitality, and visitors are sure to be charmed by the friendliness of the people.
Language:
Arabic is the official language, although English, Urdu and Hindi are spoken and with some perseverance, understood. Most road signs, shop signs are in both Arabic and English languages.
Religion:
Islam is the official religion of the UAE, and is widely practiced. The Islamic holiday was Friday but a few years back Saturday and Sunday have been declared the holidays at the weekend. The Muslims pray five times a day for which mosques are well maintained all over by Waqf authorities. Mosques are found in every mall, park with well maintained washrooms and ablution spaces. The Azaan (call for prayer) is broadcast at a fixed time with low tone. In a recently constructed complex of Abrahamic religions a mosque, a church and a synagogue has been constructed side by side. Abu Dhabi is tolerant of other religions, and people are free to practise their religious beliefs here as long as they do not interfere with Islam. Recently a Hindu temple has been constructed in Abu Dhabi inaugurated in February 2024as a symbol of harmony and cultural exchange. It is also going to serve the needs of the Hindu workforce working in UAE.
National dress:
Nationals wear traditional dress on the whole. For men this is ‘dishdash(a)’ or ‘khandura’- a white full length shirt dress, which is worn with a white or red checked headdress known as ‘gutra’. This is secured with a black chord (agal). Sheikhs and important businessmen may also wear a thin black or gold robe or bisht; over the dishdasha at important events (equivalent to a dinner jackety)
The women wear the black ‘abaya’ in public – a long loose black robe that covers their normal clothes- plus a head scarf calledthe ‘sheyla’
Food & Drink
Abu Dhabi offers every type of international cuisine imaginable. While restaurants located in hotels are licensed to serve alcohol, some of the best places to eat are the small streetside stands around town.
Arabic Cuisine
Arabic cuisine is very meat oriented , there is not much on the vegetarian menu. While modern Arabic cuisine comes from a blend of Moroccan, Tunisian, Iranian and Egyptian cooking styles and Lebanese food. Charcoal grilling of meat and fish is popular. ‘Khouzi’ is a Ramadan favourite (whole lamb served on a bed of rice, mixed with nuts), an authentic local dish also served at the ‘mansaf’, a traditional Bedouin dinner with dishes placed on the floor in the centre of a ring of seated guests. Other typical dishes include ‘kibbeh’ (deep fried mince pine nuts and bulgur) and a variety of kababs.
Police:
Abu Dhabi has a large and active police force, a highly respected, and take community involvement seriously. Traffic police are differentiated by having white sleeves and a white belt. Senior officers wear a light olive-green uniform. Police cars are also clearly visible. They are red and white in colour, with blue and red light on the roof. Police are armed though fortunately they seldom need to use their weapons, as violent crime is extremely rare in Abu Dhabi.
Getting Around:
The car is the most popular method of getting around Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Emirates in general, either by private vehicle or taxi. There is a reasonable public bus service, but walking and cycling are limited and there are no trains or trams. However introduction of a rapid rail transit system is on the anvil as part of its Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP) to connect the city center,Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Airport, and other key areas, featuring automated, driverless trains and light rail lines aiming for completion in phases. Other proposals for transport include a high speed ferry linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The UAE road network is excellent and most roads have two, three or sometimes four lanes. Roads are generally well signposted with blue or green signs indicating the main areas or locations out of the city, and brown or purple signs showing heritage sites, places of interest, hospitals, etc. For the benefit of both locals and expats, the majority of signs are in Arabic and English. A great care has been taken to beautify the roads and roundabouts, we find many tree lined avenues and roundabouts decorated with flowers and shrubs and sometimes a massive coffee pot sculpture- serving as land marks.
Bus
The Abu Dhabi Muncipality operates bus routes all over the emirates as well as in the city. The bus travel is as comfortable as the local taxi car. The service operates more or less round the clock and fares are inexpensive- as little as 1 Dhs for travel within the capital.
Speed Limits:
The usual speed limits are 60/80km per hour around town, while on major roads they are 100-120 km per hour. The speed is closely indicated on road signs. Both fixed and movable radar traps, and the Abu Dhabi traffic police are there to catch the unwary violator and slap them with a hefty Dhs. 400 fine.
Parking
In most cities of the Emirates , parking is readily available and people have to rarely walk too far in the heat. Over the years a few underground and multi level parking areas have appeared in shopping areas
Cycling:
Cycling can be an enjoyable way to explore. It is best suited to the quieter areas where the roads are usually wide and tree-lined, and cars infrequent- the busy main areas and dual carriageways are best avoided. In the cities, the grocery store delivery men and laborers on their way make up the majority of the two wheeled traffic.
