Volunteering in UAE

Volunteer in United Arab Emirates

What to Know Before Volunteering in UAE

UAE, a federation of seven states has become one of the most important economic hub of the middle east. These seven states are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras al -Khaimah, and Umm al-Quwain. Abu Dhabi city is the capital of the UAE.  It is the most liberal country of the Gulf having a constitution that allows freedom to every religion. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are two popular and largest cities of the UAE and the basic attraction for millions of tourists each year. It is the land of the mixed environment of rocky desert, coastal plains, wetlands and mountains. Building at a historic and geographic crossroads and having diverse nationalities and ethnic groups, UAE is a blend of ancient traditions and modern technologies. 

This article will help you a lot to know all about the UAE and to make the right decision to come to this wonderful country.

LANGUAGE

The official language of the UAE is Arabic. As we all know that this country is the top attraction for tourists as well as a global commercial hub, so English is also widely spoken. All road and traffic signs and signs on commercial outlets as well as hotel menus and important documents are in both Arabic and English language for the convenience of visitors.

WEATHER

Overall, the UAE has a desert climate characterized by pleasantly mild winters and very hot, sunny summers, with the humidity of the Persian Gulf that makes the heat unbearable. In the overall weather, rains are very rare, if occur are less intense and in the form of showers and downpours.

Currency

The official currency of the United Arab of Emirates is Dirham, abbreviated officially as AED. The dirham is divided into 100 fils. There are 1 Dirham, 50 fils and 25 fils in common circulation. Notes or bills are in the denomination of AED 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000.

Timings and weekends

UAE is on GMT 4:00

In both the government and private sector, Friday and Saturday are considered a weekend. If we talk about the commercial sector after the Friday prayer at the mosques most businesses open and Friday evening are usually crowded at malls.

Accommodation

There are many types of accommodation available in the UAE according to your budget. It may be a furnished and unfurnished apartment or room depending on your requirements. The rate of accommodation also depends on the location. You can also get the luxury and top-class apartment, but these are quite expensive. Usually in accommodation, Dubai is far more expensive than other places so you can find the one according to your needs.

Transport

Many of the people in Dubai have their own transportation to travel from one place to another. There is a top-notch public transport system in UAE and it’s getting even better day by day. Being a prosperous country UAE has a well-developed road network. There is also a system of taxis and private car hire by well-reputed companies. Bus system is also present for the convenience of the residents and tourists to even move from one city to another. If we talk about Railway transport, then its efficiently working in Dubai as Dubai metro. It is the world’s longest fully automated metro railway network. There are also plans to expand this project throughout the UAE. 

Health care

The country has a complete and thorough government funded well-developed health care providing sector. Now a private health care sector is also emerging offering a high standard of health care services to the citizens. This facility of health care is regulated by both the federal and emirate level. 

 The Ministry of Health and Prevention, Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Emirates Health Authority (EHA) are some of the authorities that deal with public health services efficiently. Due to high standards of health care facilities and the overall system life expectancy in the UAE is 76.8 years, very near to Europe and North America. 

Safety Precautions

Due to strict laws and regulation, there are very rare crime rates in UAE but still everyone should take safety precautions to keep themselves safe and sound. If you are travelling alone, then use a reputable taxi company, particularly at night. Female residents avoid walking alone at night. While driving also takes care of yourself by abiding all the rules and regulations for your safety.

Food

UAE is a paradise for food lovers. The traditional UAE food is the blend of middle eastern and Asian food. The traditional food represents the culture of the country. Though we can also see the diversity in modern Emirati food full of taste and variety. The most favourite and traditional dishes of UAE are Shawarma, Hummus, Stuffed Camel, Al Harees, Falafel, Al Machboos, Tabbouleh, Fattoush, Mehalbiya, Esh Asarya, Dates, Camel Meat, Mandi, Kabsa and Fish.

 

Side Note: There are strict restrictions of Halal food in UAE being a Muslim country. In that terms UAE strengthens its position in Global Halal market. All the restaurants also serve you halal food.

Weather

Overall, the UAE has a desert climate characterized by pleasantly mild winters and very hot, sunny summers, with the humidity of the Persian Gulf that makes the heat unbearable. In the overall weather, rains are very rare, if occur are less intense and in the form of showers and downpours.

Clothing

The traditional dress of emirates men is Kandura. It is designed according to the extreme temperature of the country like other Arab countries. If we talk about women, for them Abaya is prevalent with a headscarf. Some women also cover their face with a hijab. The national dress of UAE is the blend of both cultural norms and the climate effects. Now modernization has been seen in the residents of the country because they have mostly the population of young people and they want to follow the modern trends. UAE is a Muslim country but many of the residents belongs to west so there are no restrictions in dress code you can wear what you want even your own regional dresses. The temperature is usually hot in summers so you can wear according to that like jeans, shirts, shots etc. and women also can wear jeans, skirts, shirts and tops. Again, there are no strict rules regarding dress code.

Religious Diversity

According to the constitution of the country, Islam is declared as the official religion. According to some facts and figures, about 75% of the population is Muslim from different sects. About four-fifths belong to the Sunni branch of Islam. Shiah minorities exist in Dubai and Sharjah. Christianity is the next most common religion in the UAE. Growing numbers of minorities of other religions like Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism in the country are also present. UAE is a cosmopolitan country with residents all around the world, so the constitution provides freedom of religion for all minorities, in accordance to their practices and customs. Though there is a flexibility and tolerance in government policies for other religions, churches and temples all over UAE, but no one can interfere with the Islamic practice of Muslims.

Volunteerism in UAE

UAE offers vast volunteer opportunities in promoting sustainable development and building a better future for new generations. There are many organizations, communities and groups that can be joined to join hands in the development of UAE voluntarily.  A national volunteering portal is also available for such activities across the country. You can volunteer your time and services to any social cause of your choice.

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