Taking Up a New Hobby? 10 Things You Need to Know When Living in the UAE

Are you looking for a new hobby while living in the UAE? You’re in luck! There are plenty of exciting activities and hobbies to try out here. But before you jump into something new, it’s essential to know what to expect when living in the UAE. To help you out, here are 10 things to keep in mind when taking up a new hobby in the UAE.

10 Things You Need to Know When Living in the UAE

Let’s explore what you need to know.

1) The climate

When taking up a new hobby in the UAE, keeping the region’s climate in mind is essential. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is in a subtropical desert region with extreme temperatures. During the summer months, the temperature can reach over 40°C and drop to below 15°C during the winter months. With such extreme temperatures, it is essential to be prepared with proper clothing and gear when exploring the outdoors in the UAE.

Additionally, since the UAE is a coastal region, it also experiences extreme humidity during certain months of the year, making outdoor activities more challenging. Therefore, when taking up a new hobby in UAE, it is essential to be aware of the climate and plan your activities accordingly.

2) The cost of living

Taking up a new hobby? Here are 10 things to keep in mind when living in UAE, and one of the most important is the cost of living. Generally, the cost of living in the UAE is higher than in many other parts of the world, but the higher cost can be offset by several factors. Goods and services are heavily subsidized by the government, and the UAE offers some of the best public transportation systems in the region.

This can make it much easier to get around and save money on transportation costs. Additionally, many expats have access to generous corporate benefits packages, which can help reduce expenses. All these factors make it possible for people to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in the UAE, even with its higher cost of living.

3) The culture

Taking up a new hobby? Here are 10 things to keep in mind when living in UAE – and the culture is one of them. The UAE has a vibrant culture with deep-rooted traditions and values, making it an ideal place to explore something new. From the art and architecture to the music and cuisine, there’s much to experience and explore.

Local Culture Has Been Heavily Influenced

While the population is diverse, with people from all over the world, the official language is Arabic, and the local culture has been heavily influenced by the Middle East. Please expect to be welcomed with warm hospitality while respecting their cultural customs, such as dress codes and public behaviour. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, learning more about the culture is critical to understanding the UAE better.

Overall, the culture is welcoming and open-minded, so take the opportunity to learn more about it and have fun!

4) The language

When taking up a new hobby while living in the UAE, it’s important to remember that Arabic is the country’s official language. Though English is widely spoken and understood, learning some basic Arabic phrases can help you better understand the local culture and customs. Taking the time to learn some languages will also come in handy when navigating your country, as many places may only have signage in Arabic.

5) The nightlife

When taking up a new hobby and living in the UAE, it is essential to know about the nightlife. Whether you are a party animal or prefer a quiet evening, the nightlife in the UAE has something for everyone. Many bars and clubs around the major cities offer everything from live music to DJs.

There are small cafes, lounges, and restaurants offering delicious food and drinks for those looking for something more intimate. There is also the possibility of going on boat trips, taking a tour of Dubai, or exploring the desert for a truly unique experience. No matter your interests, the nightlife in the UAE offers plenty of fun and entertainment.

6) The scenery

Taking up a new hobby? Here are 10 things to remember when living in UAE – and the scenery should be one of them. From desert oases to sparkling city skylines, the UAE is a stunning place to live and explore. Whether you’re up for an outdoor adventure or a city sightseeing tour, you’ll be able to find something that piques your interest.

The UAE offers some of the most beautiful views imaginable, from the Hajar Mountains to the Arabian Gulf. There are incredible mountains, deserts, deep wadis (valleys), beautiful beaches, and artificial canals. With its unique mix of natural and artificial wonders, the UAE’s scenery will take your breath away.

So if you’re taking up a new hobby in the UAE, get out and explore the spectacular scenery! You won’t regret it!

7) The shopping

Taking up a new hobby? Here are 10 things to keep in mind when living in the UAE, and one of those is shopping. People know the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its fancy shopping malls, expensive boutiques, and traditional souks. Shopping is a favourite pastime for locals and visitors alike, so it’s worth considering when taking up a new hobby in this country.

Incredible Array of Designer Fashion

Dubai Mall, the world’s biggest mall, is in the city of Dubai. It has a huge selection of designer clothes, electronics, gifts, and much more. Prices can be pretty steep, so it pays to research beforehand to get the best deals. It’s also worth checking out the smaller malls, such as the Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta Mall, that offer great bargains on local and international brands.

The other great option when shopping in the UAE is to visit one of the many souks in the cities. These traditional marketplaces offer everything from spices to gold, traditional clothing to handmade items, and much more. Haggling is an accepted part of the culture here, so make sure to try your hand at negotiating with the merchants.

Overall, shopping in the UAE is an exciting experience, no matter where you choose. Whether at the modern malls or traditional souks, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget.

8) The food

The UAE is renowned for its diverse blend of international cuisines and cultures. From the unrivalled fine-dining experiences at Michelin-starred venues to working-class dives serving street food, there’s something for everyone when it comes to food in the UAE. Popular local dishes include shawarma, falafel, and a variety of seafood and rice dishes.

International Cuisine Is Widely Available

International cuisine is also widely available, with restaurants offering exclusive cuisines from around the globe, including Turkish, Chinese, Indian, French, Lebanese, and more. Dining out frequently happens in the UAE, especially during Ramadan when people gather for community feasting, meaning there are plenty of deals on delicious eats throughout different times of the year. There’s no shortage of unique culinary experiences when living in the UAE!

9) The locals

Living in the United Arab Emirates is an experience like no other, with locals known for welcoming people from all over the world with open arms. The UAE has some of the most diverse cultures and a population of nationals from all over the globe, with many locals having grown up in multicultural communities.

Respect for traditions and local customs is paramount to interacting with neighbours and visitors to the country. As a result, visitors should be respectful of religious practises, dress modestly, and use traditional social manners when talking to people in public places. When living in the UAE, it is also important to be kind to older people and people in positions of power. If you do this, you can live peacefully with your own multicultural family.

10) The expat community

The expat community living in the UAE is a vibrant and diverse one. With an international workforce from all around the world, locals, and large expat communities from India and the Philippines, it provides residents with an exciting cultural mix and a unique environment to live in. This gives businesses access to talent from all over the world and gives people from different backgrounds more chances to get to know each other.

Expats are rewarded with state-of-the-art facilities and services like high-quality healthcare, modern public transportation systems, world-class educational institutions, luxurious shopping centers, and entertainment venues – making it easy for expats to settle into life in their new country. The UAE also offers competitive salaries with tax-free housing allowances, along with numerous events tailored to its diverse expat community—all contributing to creating a desirable atmosphere both professionally and personally.