Random Facts about the United Arab Emirates

      More than six years ago when my my daughter Bridget said she was thinking about teaching in Abu Dhabi, I had NO CLUE where she was talking about. The words United Arab Emirates was foreign to me. I could not pick it out on a map. Since then, I have learned a little  more about the UAE. Here is a website with more information:http://government.ae/en/uae. Below is a map of the UAE.The United Arab Emirates consists of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. Four-fifths of the UAE is desert but has contrasting landscapes. In 1971, the late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan unified the small, underdeveloped states into a federation—the only one in the Arab world. In 2004, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan became the President..

 

My daughter was recruited to teach in the Abu Dhabi schools by a group from Canada called Teach Away. I was surprised to learn that tens of thousands of people from many foreign countries live here.

Random facts:

1. The currency is called dirhams. Here is the exchange rate:1 USD = AED 3.67

I recently went to the grocery store and this is what a receipt looks like.

 You have to divide by 3.6 to get an idea of what you are paying in US dollars.

2. All of the laborer jobs are done by workers from foreign countries like the Philippines, Nepal, Pakistan, India etc. Almost every time yo use a pubic toilet there will a person there ready to clean it immediately after you use it.

I notice the country is very neat and clean.

3. When I go to the grocery store I can find fresh produce from all over the world. Here is a photo from the grocery store called Spinneys where the country of origin is listed for every produce product.

4. Many brand name products found in the USA are also sold here. In fact, I was surprised to learn that Turkey Hill ice tea and ice cream are sold here!!

5. The UAE is very conscious about the environment and promotes sustainability in many different ways. Every year there is a big conference in Abu Dhabi. In fact, we saw this car covered in grass to promote an upcoming car free day in Dubai!

6. When you plug anything into an outlet or turn on the stove etc,  you have to flight a switch to turn on the power to that outlet.

7. I was surprised at the large number of Christian churches in the UAE. When I attended Mass at the Cathedral in Abu Dhabi it was packed. 

8. If you go to a hospital to have a baby you MUST have a marriage license or you will be denied admission.

9. New York University has a campus in Abu Dhabi.

10. The Cleveland Clinic has a site in Abu Dhabi.

11. Almost all USA restaurants and Fast Food chains are here. For example, there are alot of Subways here.

12. Women bodybuilding contests are held here.

13. They have an indoor ski resort and ice skating rink.

14. Some roadside bathrooms only have holes in the ground to squat and go.

15. Toilets have both toilet paper and a hose to use as an alternative.

16, Modesty in dress in public is required.

17. Legoland recently opned in Dubai.https://www.legoland.com/dubai/