Welcome to the United Arab Emirates!
United Arab Emirates (UAE) is, as the name suggests, a union of emirates. The most famous two are the Dubai and the Abu Dhabi ones. The country has experienced an economic boom in the last decades, and its urban landscapes have drastically changed. Dubai nowadays seems like a futuristic town, while in the 1970s it was a rural settlement. This is mainly due to its enormous oil reserves. The country is not only reliant on oil though: with the capital gained from oil sale UAE has established itself as a global trade, financial and recreational hub.
You surely have heard of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Those two cities, in particular, are extremely vibrant and multicultural. UAE residents are the minority, while internationals are diversified and plenty. Opportunities are many, and those locations are becoming more and more business relevant. Their growth has attracted many international talents, and the range of available activities are an incentive for them to stay.
You can find almost every cuisine in the world, with the local one being primarily made by Hummus, fūl, falafel, and shawarma. Beaches are great, desert is fun, and nightlife is not boring at all. Be prepared to super-high temperatures though. Remember that you are in a desertic environment, even though technology made it possible to transform it into an oasis.
What are the best universities in the United Arab Emirates for semester students?
Are you still undecided whether or not United Arab Emirates might be an appealing destination for you? On wearefreemovers you can find a selection of 6 academic institutions offering you the possibility of spending a semester or a full academic year in UAE. Let’s check some statistics about them.
Here you can see the positions of the UAE institutions among the world’s best universities rankings.
| NAME | QS | THE | ARWU | CWUR | CWTS | Eduniversal palmes | U.S. News & World Report's Best Global Universities Rankings | Webometrics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi University | 701-750 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Al Falah University | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| American University in Dubai | 601-650 | - | - | - | - | 3 | - | - |
| American University in the Emirates | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Canadian University Dubai | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| University of Dubai | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | - | - |
Well, ranking-wise UAE is definitely not the best place to spend a semester in. There are not just rankings though: I suggest an international academic experience regardless of rankings, which are an additional feature and not the focus of an international mobility in my opinion.
Costs and fees
UAE is an expensive country. Monthly costs of living for a single person are close to 900€. Keep in mind that, as a student, you could have access to various discounts which can include food, travel, and accommodation expenses.
When it comes to university’s fees, UAE is very expensive, with a median 10625€/semester for free mover students.
Which UAE cities are available for free movers?
Currently there are some cities that accept free movers in UAE. Have you ever dreamt of studying in Dubai or any other city in UAE? Here you can find institutions divided by city:
