Changing Your Views About Studying in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates is a rather obscure option among international students. While not among the most popular study destinations, the UAE can rival most countries. Its education fosters academic fervor and its adventures send most travelers to cloud-nine.

What prevents the UAE from catapulting into popularity is its misrepresentation in the media. Most of us are guilty of believing the poorly depicted Middle Eastern culture. Other students tuck away the thought of studying in the UAE due to these misconceptions.

However, the stereotypical labels most students place in UAE are untrue and misleading. If you’ve been snubbing the UAE all these years, it’s time to change your perceptions. 

Here are things you thought are true about the UAE that is actually false:

Women Have Little Freedom in the UAE

It’s no secret that the UAE has stringent laws on clothing, especially among women. While most people see the laws as severe, clothing is a symbolic piece in certain parts of the country. 

You must observe modest clothing in the UAE, but this rule does not apply across the entire country. In cosmopolitan cities such as Dubai, there are fewer restrictions on clothing. You can even wear body-tight dresses and mini skirts in public except in certain places. 

In certain regions, all women (including foreigners and non-Muslims) must wear a hijab. But in other places like Lebanon, there is more pressure on NOT wearing a hijab than wearing one. So wearing one in Lebanon can be seen as an act of defiance rather than submission.

Religion is deeply ingrained in the formation of laws in the UAE. Being an Islamic country, you must abide by their rules on clothing. You can find out what type of clothes you need in the UAE to avoid violating any law. 

UAE Laws are Frightening and Restrictive

Living in any foreign country with unfamiliar laws is reasonably frightening, so there really is no reason to single out the UAE in terms of daunting laws. 

Once you stop seeing UAE laws from your own cultural perspective, it’s easier to grasp its rules. For example, public intimacy is highly discouraged in the UAE and you might think it’s too much. But considering it’s an Islamic country, it only makes sense that they have these laws.

Moreover, the UAE is also one of the safest countries in the world. It even took a higher spot than the United States in the 2020 Global Peace Index. These laws may be restrictive, but they provide utmost protection as well.

UAE Lacks Cultural Dynamism and Diversity

Contrary to many preconceived notions, the UAE is actually a melting pot of diversity. This is evident in its diverse population, culture, and religion.

The UAE is populated by people from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. English is also widely spoken across the country, only second to Arabic, its national language.

Most UAE nationals are born Muslims but other religions exist in the country too. There are people who practice Christianity, Buddhism, and other religious beliefs.

False notions about the UAE prevent international students from experiencing its wonderful offerings. If you want to learn more about the UAE, browse our articles here at MSM Unify.