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Host Country Report: The United Arab Emirates

Host Country Report: The United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates, who were once seven independent states under British overview quickly emerged into a global fiscal capital due to its heavy advancements in natural resources, monetary reserves, and extensive aim towards luxury and tourism serving as one of the largest oil and gas reserves. Throughout time the UAE’s progression have allowed diversification and reform within its multiple cultures. Amid research upon this unique country, there’s been a plethora of information found to prepare one for an international sojourning. Ranging from its political background to social class structure. Upon completion of this report, all pertinent information will be acquired in preparation to start this life changing journey.

The United Arab Emirates can be located between Middle east and southwest Asia, adjoining the Persian Gulf and Oman just short of Saudi Arabia. This country is composed of 7 emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fijairaj, Ras al-Khalmah, Sharjah, and Umm- Al-Quwain. Abu Dhabi reigns as the capital of the UAE. It’s current president Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was elected in 2004, resides in the capital of Abu Dhabi. The Prime minister currently however, Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, elected in 2006 resides in the city of Dubai. The country’s political system has some similarities close to the United State of America, although it considers itself an absolute monarchy. The federal constitution follows the Civil Law system and Sharia Law. Like the US, it separates powers into the executive, legislative and judicial branches. Typically, most civilians who live in the United Arab Emirates can speak a multitude of languages. Some of those languages include Hindu, Urdu, Malayalam, Tamil, Farsi, and Tagalog dialect. Civilians who tend to live throughout the United Arab Emirates can also convert to various religions. Most people tend to promote an Islamic religion, however other religions including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Sikhism all have diversely related ties throughout this country.

Throughout one’s research, there was ample evidence that proved some historical moments that shaped and molded the United Arab Emirates into the elite country it is today. As stated already the UAE has an absolute monarchy, it’s very first president (Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan) gained its election in 1971.  Like the United States’ Independence Day or Fourth of July, the first annual National day, which was sung by Egyptian diva Naja Al Saghira, received prominence in the country. During this time, technology was being worked on to ensure national broadcast for audience members. Two years after the first National Day, it’s coverage aired on television to Broadcast within the United Arab Emirates. As one may know, the UAE has been known for its luxurious structures and sheik looks. It can be inferred that there are many wealthy individuals since the world Bank confirmed the income in the UAE as the highest in the world in December of 1974. Some of the UAE’s features remain heavily prevalent even in today’s time including the World Trade Centre, which was open by Queen Elizabeth in the early 1980s and the Burj Khalifa, which reigns as the Nation’s tallest manmade skyscraper.

Social class can be denotatively defined as a division of society solely based one’s economic status. In the United Arab Emirates, there are numerous cultural and nationalities amongst these classes. There are two types: Nationals and Expats (foreign immigrants). Nationals can be further described as the citizens with high roles and positions within society. In many instances, they assist with government processing and jobs within them. They’re usually living in more than one home on a host of land including family as far as grandparents. They issue jobs to servants and maids to ensure that all duties are fulfilled. As a subcategory to Nationals however, Shiekh families, Merchant Class, the Middle class, and the lower class all have pertinence to Nationals. Skeikh families reign as the strongest and wealthiest class of individuals. They host the highest positions of power and have immense wealth and prestige. The Merchant class typically majors in selling international consumer goods to other class members to make a living for themselves. The middle class has an increasing number of professionals who’ve benefited heavy from free state education. Finally, the lower class consist of newly settled nomads who migrated from being former pearl divers and oasis farmers. In comparison to Nationals Expats however more or less enjoy a standard living as a working class. Some professions that major in this class range from teachers to company salesmen to technicians. Expats typically reside in apartments since they’re not allowed to own any land. They’re unfortunately unable to enjoy the finer things resulting in driving simple cars, and basic amenities upon family need.

When discussing Gender roles amongst men and women in the United Arab Emirates, throughout time the supreme council has done much to improve the equality of men and women. Like the US it’s been normalized that men are the “breadwinners,” or the ones that go out and work while the wives stay at home and cook. In addition, husbands also typically took for 2-4 months to pearl dive while women stayed home and tended to the family. As time went on, the UAE ensured that women and men were equal in all aspects. In the early 1900s women were only able to attend schools because men studied abroad. the literacy rate amongst men was 54% to a women’s 30%, whereas now the rate is 90% for both genders.

Now that you know a little bit about your country, there’s a bit of other information to be aware of before your international sojourn. As the United Arab Emirates has a plethora of monuments and tourist attractions for visitors to see, it can more purposeful to become a distraction in your studies. It’s important that one must remember to not be distracted from social gatherings events, parties, etc. to ensure success within your studies. After reading various articles and tips for studying abroad, one also must be safe always. It can uncomfortable to be around civilians not of your kind that you don’t know. It’s important that one must be careful, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Please ensure that all medical records are up to date, and that you’re prepared to be in a different ambiance one than you’re most comfortable with.

The United Arab Emirates has a diverse, cosmopolitan multicultural society. The religious and social influence on cultural and societal background on its architecture, music, attire, cuisine, and lifestyle is very prominent. These classes have all worked together to pave the way for building and progressing to make the United Arab Emirates continue to be one of the most beneficial and greatest countries in the world. It’s important to keep these tips in minds in addition to the brief background of the United Arab Emirates to experience a successful sojourning.

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Risks

The thought of receiving the opportunity to take an international sojourn to a different country can certainly be exciting, however with the good there’s always some bad. After viewing the Basic Health and Safety booklet and the Risk Factors and Strategies to Reduce Risk, I was enlightened about some of the risk factors I can or may endure while taking an international sojourn. One of the biggest factors or risks were common health issue within the area. In a way, it scared me as I take my health very seriously, as anyone should, but with different countries our common cold can be malaria. In preparation for my sojourn, I would get a full check-up (Physical, Eye, and dental) to ensure that my ducks are squared away and I’m ready to study abroad! Another issue that I learned to be more aware of was the physical rules and regulations of not just the student code of conduct, but the regulations within each state. There’s been various headlines on the news of visitors doing hard time due to careless mistakes within a different country. In preparation for this task, I would want to ensure that I’m fully aware of the most common laws, specifically within whichever state I’m in to fully safe. I know that with traveling very far luggage would be a pretty big factor. This can bring confusion as I’m aware extended luggage is expensive. I would have to manage my luggage, and ensure that I have extra necessities such as a first-aid kit, medicine, etc. to ensure my safety as well as be an example for others while working preparing for my sojourn. Overall, I’m way to excited to let any risk factors hold me back from my dream! I plan on taking everything one step at a time, with hopes to be 100% prepared for my international journey!

 https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/checklist.html

 https://www.goabroad.com/articles/study-abroad/statistics-to-overturn-every-fear-about-studying-abroad

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Links Cont’

Articles

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/general/communication-behind-uaes-union-and-success - Communication behind UAE's union, success: sheikh Saif

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/government/uae-govt-tells-youth-stop-dreaming-of-govt-jobs -UAE govt tells youth: stop dreaming of govt joba

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/general/uae-to-get-3d-printed-skyscraper -Dubai to get world's first 3D-printed skyscraper 

Travel Blogs

http://thetummytrain.com/2015/03/02/dubai-travel-blog-exploring-the-city-souks-of-dubai/ -exploring the city 

http://www.joaocajuda.com/top-15-things-to-do-in-dubai/ - top 15 things to do in dubai

 http://adventurousmiriam.com/dubai-travel-guide/-  A quick travel guide to dubai

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