AhlanwaSahlanbikumfiDawlatAlEmaratAlArabiyaAlmutahida
Welcome to the United Arab Emirates! We’re delighted to have you here This booklet is designed to support your transition and help you feel at home in your new environment You’ll find practical advice, cultural insights, and recommendations for exploring and enjoyinglifeinAbuDhabiandtheUAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was established in 1971, when six emirates Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah joined together as one nation. Ras Al Khaimah joined shortly after in 1972, completing the union of seven emirates under one flag. The founding father and first president of the UAE was His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision and leadership laid the foundation for the country’s rapid development andprosperity
Eachemirateretainsalevelofautonomyandhasitsownruler,but togethertheyformaunifiedfederalgovernmentwithAbuDhabias thecapital
TheSevenEmiratesataGlance:
Abu Dhabi: The capital and largest emirate by area. Known for its oil wealth, cultural institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Grand Mosque, and a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
Dubai: A global hub for business, tourism, and luxury. Famous for its skyline, including the Burj Khalifa, shopping malls, and beaches
Sharjah: Renowned for its dedication to arts, education, and Islamic heritage Home to many museums, galleries, and culturalcentres
Ajman: The smallest emirate with a relaxed, coastal lifestyle Knownforitsbeautifulcornicheandgrowingresidentialareas
Umm Al Quwain: A quiet emirate with natural reserves, mangroves,andafocusontraditionalindustrieslikefishingand boatbuilding.
Ras Al Khaimah: Offers stunning natural landscapes including mountains, beaches, and desert. A growing destination for adventuretourism.
Fujairah: Located on the east coast, facing the Gulf of Oman. Known for its beaches, scuba diving, and dramatic Hajar mountains
The people of the UAE are called Emiratis. Emirati culture is deeply rooted in the values of hospitality, respect, and community. While the UAE is modern and cosmopolitan, local traditions remain centraltoeverydaylifeandarecherishedbyEmiratis.
Customs and Etiquette: Politeness and respect are essential
Handshakes are common (though not always between men and women), and it's customary to greet with "As-salamu alaykum"
Hospitality is a cornerstone of the culture guests are typically welcomedwithArabiccoffeeanddates
Dress Code: Modesty is appreciated in public While Western dress isaccepted,shouldersandkneesshouldbecoveredingovernment offices, mosques, and more traditional settings. Emirati men wear the kandura (white robe) and women wear the abaya (black cloak),oftenwithashayla(scarf).
Traditional Food: Emirati cuisine includes rich stews, grilled meats, rice dishes like machboos and harees, and sweets such as luqaimat (fried dough balls with date syrup) Meals are often sharedandeatencommunally
Majlis Culture: A majlis is a traditional sitting room where family and community matters are discussed It remains an important socialandpoliticalspaceandsymbolofEmiratilife
Music and Dance: Traditional music involves instruments like the oud and tabl. The Ayyalah dance, performed with bamboo canes, is a celebratory male group dance often seen at weddings and nationalevents.
Pearl Diving and Bedouin Heritage: Before the oil boom, the UAE’s economy centred on fishing, pearl diving, and trade. Bedouin traditions including storytelling, falconry, and camel racing still playastrongroleinnationalidentity.
Falconry and Camels: Falconry is a UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage and a popular sport Camel races are held in desertareasandareacherishedpastime
Celebrations: National Day (2 December) and Flag Day (3 November) are celebrated with great pride Emiratis dress in national colours, decorate homes, and enjoy fireworks and parades.
Understanding and appreciating these cultural elements can help you feel more connected to the UAE and foster meaningful interactionswithEmiratifriendsandneighbours.
Arabic is the official language of the UAE, though English is widely spoken and used in business, education, and daily life. Learning a fewbasicArabicwordsandexpressionscanbeawonderfulwayto connectwiththelocalcultureandshowrespect.
CommonArabicWordsandPhrases:
As-salamualaykum(ﻢﻜﻴﻠﻋمﻼﺴﻟا)–Peacebeuponyou(hello/greeting)
Wa alaykum as-salam (مﻼﺴﻟا ﻢﻜﻴﻠﻋو) – And peace be upon you (response)
Marhaba(ﺎﺒﺣﺮﻣ)–Hello
Shukran(اﺮﻜﺷ)–Thankyou
Afwan(اﻮﻔﻋ)–You’rewelcome/Excuseme
Minfadlak(ﻚﻠﻀﻓﻦﻣ)–Please(toamale)
Minfadlik(ﻚﻠﻀﻓﻦﻣ)–Please(toafemale)
Naam(ﻢﻌﻧ)–Yes
La(ﻻ)–No
Maaas-salama(ﺔﻣﻼﺴﻟاﻊﻣ)–Goodbye
Inshallah (ﷲ ءﺎﺷ نإ) – God willing (commonly used for future intentions)
Mashallah (ﷲ ءﺎﺷ ﺎﻣ) – What God has willed (used to show appreciationoradmiration)
SpecialGreetingsforHolidaysandCelebrations:
Ramadan Kareem (ﻢﻳﺮﻛ نﺎﻀﻣر) – Have a generous Ramadan (used throughouttheholymonth)
EidMubarak(كرﺎﺒﻣﺪﻴﻋ)–BlessedEid(usedduringEidcelebrations)
Kul'amwaantumbikhair(ﺮﻴﺨﺑ ﻢﺘﻧأو مﺎﻋ ﻞﻛ)–Wishingyouwelleveryyear (usedduringholidaysandspecialoccasions)
Feel free to practise these phrases with friends, neighbours, or in shops locals appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect!
IslamistheofficialreligionoftheUAE,anditsprinciplesshapedaily life.
Mosques and Prayer: You’ll hear the call to prayer five times a day. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit mosques, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, as long as they dress modestly and behave respectfully
Ramadan: This is the holy month of fasting and spiritual reflection Muslims fast from dawn to sunset Non-Muslims are not expected tofastbutshouldavoideating,drinking,orsmokinginpublicduring daylight hours In Abu Dhabi, restaurants and cafes are mostly openasnormalandyoucansitandeatanddrinkinthem.Working hoursmaybereduced,andschoolhoursareshortened.
Eid al-Fitr: Celebrated at the end of Ramadan with family gatherings,meals,andgift-giving.
Eid al-Adha: Commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrificehisson Itismarkedwithprayers,feasts,andcharity
OtherPublicHolidays:
UAENationalDay
CommemorationDay
IslamicNewYear
ProphetMuhammad’sBirthday(PBUH)
Explore the rich history and artistic treasures of Abu Dhabi. Some placeswerecommendinclude:
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: An iconic architectural marvel andcentreforIslamicculture.
Qasr Al Watan: The Presidential Palace, open to visitors, showcasingUAEgovernanceandheritage
Qasr Al Hosn: The oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, now a museumcelebratingthecity’shistory
LouvreAbuDhabi:Astunningmuseumwithexhibitionsbridging EasternandWesternart
HeritageVillage:Areconstructionofatraditionaloasisvillage
Cultural Foundation: Offers exhibitions, workshops, and a public library.
While Abu Dhabi has many incredible landmarks, the entire UAE is rich in culture and history. Each emirate offers unique places to explore with your family and gain a deeper appreciation for the country’sheritage.
Al Jahili Fort: One of the UAE’s most iconic forts, built in the 1890s It once protected the city and its precious palm groves
Today,ithousesexhibitionsandculturalevents
AlAinOasis:AUNESCOWorldHeritageSitefeaturinganancient falajirrigationsystemandlushdatepalmgroves.It’sapeaceful placetowalkandlearnabouttraditionalagriculture.
Qasr Al Muwaiji: A beautifully restored fort and museum where SheikhKhalifabinZayedAlNahyanwasborn.
Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum (Al Ain Palace Museum): The former residence of the UAE’s founding father, now a museum offeringinsightintohispersonalandpoliticallife.
InDubai
Al Fahidi Historical District: Restored traditional buildings and windtowersinapeacefulneighbourhoodalongDubaiCreek.
Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort): Offers interactive exhibits on Dubai’spre-oilhistoryandculture
Jumeirah Mosque: Open to non-Muslims for guided tours, offering a deeper understanding of Islamic culture and practices
InSharjah
Sharjah Heritage Area: Includes traditional souqs, a heritage museum,andrestoredhouses.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: A vast collection of artefactsfromacrosstheIslamicworld.
Heart of Sharjah: A project preserving the city’s historic centre withartspaces,cafés,andculturalexhibitions.
InAjman
Ajman Fort Museum: A small but charming museum housed in a historic fort, featuring exhibits on local life, weaponry, and archaeology
InUmmAlQuwain
UAQ Fort and Museum: Displays artefacts from archaeological sitesandexplorestheemirate’smaritimetraditions.
Dreamland Aqua Park: While not a heritage site, it’s one of the UAE’soldestwaterparks funforfamilieswithanostalgicvibe.
InRasAlKhaimah
DhayahFort:Ahistorichilltopfortwithsweepingviews famous foritsroleinthe1819battlewithBritishforces.
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah: Housed in a former palace, it showcases the area ’ s archaeological and ethnographicheritage
InFujairah
Fujairah Fort: One of the oldest forts in the country, recently restored Greatforhistorylovers
Al-BidyahMosque:BelievedtobetheoldestmosqueintheUAE, datingbacktothe15thcentury.
AbuDhabioffersplentyofchild-friendlyattractionsandactivities:
Yas Island: Home to Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World,andSeaWorldAbuDhabi.
Parks and Playgrounds: Visit Umm Al Emarat Park, Khalifa Park, andJubailMangrovePark
Outdoor Adventures: Kayaking through mangroves, desert safaris,dunebashing,andbeachdays
Malls with Entertainment: Many malls, including Yas Mall, The Galleria, and Abu Dhabi Mall offer play zones, cinemas, and family-friendlyrestaurants
Libraries and Community Events: Cultural Foundation, NYUAD Arts Center, and community libraries host regular children’s programmesandperformances.
Abu Dhabi hosts a vibrant calendar of cultural, sporting, and entertainment events throughout the year. These offer wonderful opportunities for families to explore the city and connect with local and international communities. Some of the events that take place annuallyinclude:
Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Held at Yas Marina Circuit, this major sporting event includes concerts, fan zones,andactivities
AbuDhabiFestival(AbuDhabiClassics):Aprestigiousartsand classical music series featuring international artists, orchestras andsoloists
Mother of the Nation Festival: A cultural festival celebrating Emiratiheritage,innovation,art,andfamilyfun.
Concerts and Shows: Venues like Etihad Arena and Emirates Palace host regular live music, comedy, and theatre performances.
Seasonal Markets and Food Festivals: Including the Abu Dhabi WinterFestivalandfoodtruckevents.
Stay updated by checking the Abu Dhabi Calendar which lists all upcomingevents(visitabudhabiae/events)
Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of clubs, gyms, and sports leagues for children and adults to stay active, make friends, and pursue their interests. Whether you ’ re a serious athlete or just looking for a socialwaytokeepfit,there’ssomethingforeveryone.
Zayed Sports City: A hub for adults as well as children, with tennisleagues,footballpitches,fitnessbootcamps,andmore
Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub: Home to cricket training, football,athletics,andothersportsacademies
Golf Clubs: Including Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club,andYasLinks allwithactivemembershipcommunities
Active Abu Dhabi and Private Clubs: Look out for gymnastics, swimming, fencing, equestrian, sailing, and dance studios aroundthecity.
Padel Tennis: Rapidly growing in popularity, with clubs across thecityincludingPadelPark,MatchaClub,andmanygyms.
Running and Cycling Clubs: Join Striders, Wolfpack Cycling, or lookforsocialrunsorganisedonYasIslandorAlHudayriyat.
Watersports: Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing clubs operate out of the Eastern Mangroves, Yas Marina, and Al Bateen
Gyms and Fitness Studios: Find CrossFit boxes, yoga, Pilates, spin, boxing, and HIIT studios across the city many offer communitychallengesandgroupclasses
Community Sports Leagues: From netball and basketball to volleyballandfive-a-sidefootball,thereareleaguesopentoall levels.
Joining a club is a fantastic way to stay healthy, meet people, and settleintoyournewhomeinAbuDhabi.
Utilities:Setupelectricity/waterviaADDC.
Internet/mobile:Etisalat,Du,orVirginarethemainproviders.
GroceryShopping:Carrefour,Lulu,Spinneys,Waitrose,plusfresh producemarkets.
Laws&Etiquette:Beawareoflocallawsonmodesty, photography,andsocialmedia
Recycling:Becomingmorecommon checkforcolour-coded binsinresidentialareas
UAEPass:Accessgovernmentservices
TAMM:AbuDhabi’smainserviceportal
Yango/Careem/Uber:Ride-hailing
Talabat/Deliveroo:Fooddelivery Noon/Amazon:Onlineshopping
Meetup/Internations:Expatandlocalevents
Police:
Ambulance:
Fire (Civil Defence):
Coastguard:
InAbuDhabi,youcanuseAbuDhabiPolice’sAD999apptoreport afire,requestforanambulanceorcalltheemergencyhelpline immediatelybypressingtheSOSbutton
Readmoreabouthandlingemergenciesandemergencycontacts attammabudhabi/en/articles/emergency-procedures-andnumbers-in-abu-dhabi
Moving to a new country is a big step, and we hope this guide has helped make it easier. Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE is a dynamic, safe, and welcoming place to call home. Embrace every opportunity to explore, learn, and connect you’ll be amazed by whatyoudiscover
Feel free to reach out to us or the Parent Team if you have any questions about life in Abu Dhabi There are many parent events through the year that are organised at the school to help learn more about Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and its culture Keep an eye out in RahaReminders-ourweeklynewsletter-formoreinformation
WelcometoyournewadventureinAbuDhabi!
