Medical Aid

Be aware that medical costs in the United Arab Emirates are considerably higher than in South Africa.

If you remain on a South African Medical Aid Scheme the shortfall between the amount claimed and the benefit paid by the scheme will be for your own account, and probably a substantial amount.

The private hospitals and clinics in the United Arab Emirates work on a cash or credit card basis.

Health Card

Under UAE Law you will be issued with a Government Health Card which will allow the employee and his/her dependents admittance to government clinics and hospitals at a nominal charge.

Hospitals & Clinics

There are four government hospitals in Dubai, and a number of privately run hospitals such as the American Hospital, Welcare Hospital, and Al Zahra Hospital which is in Sharjah but has a well-equipped Medical Centre in Dubai. The private hospitals run on a cash or credit card basis.
The clinics in Dubai are clean and well run, and are fine for minor ailments. Alternately, there are also a number of private medical centres that are staffed by different specialists. These centres also operate on a cash basis.

Prescription Drugs

Many anti-biotics can be bought over the counter without a prescription. However, the issue of painkillers is very strict, and prescriptions for painkillers are given for only a few days at a time. If you are taking regular medication, enquire whether it can be purchased here, and if a prescription is necessary.

Religion

Most Arabs are Muslim, and their daily lives are governed by the teachings of their holy book, The Quran. The Quran is the basis of Islamic life, and contains a comprehensive code of conduct that influences and controls all aspects of Muslim life – from personal through to business.

A Muslim prays five times every day, and always faces in the direction of the holy city of Mecca when he prays. Daily prayers do not have to be said in a Mosque. Muslims may pray wherever they happen to be at the time of prayer, which is often in a public place.
Mosques are found throughout the United Arab Emirates, and the Muezzin chants the call for prayer five times a day from the Minaret in the mosque. Friday is the holy day of the week

Ramadan

Ramadan is the holy month in which the finding of The Quran is commemorated. It lasts for a full lunar month, and all Muslims abstain from food, drink and tobacco between sunrise and sunset during this time. The fast is broken each evening after prayers. Out of respect, you will also not eat, drink or smoke in public or in the presence of a Muslim during these hours.

Many local businesses and all government departments are only open for a few hours in the morning during the month of Ramadan. All restaurants and coffee shops are closed all day, and only open in the evening.

Dress code is more conservative during Ramadan, and women should wear either trousers or skirts below the knee, and shirtsleeves down to the elbow when in public.

Each year Ramadan occurs approximately 10 days earlier than the previous year.

There are also strict regulations with regard to the consumption of alcohol and the playing of live music. Alcohol may only be served by hotels after 7.00 p.m., and no live music or dancing is allowed during this month.

Places of Worship

Foreigners are free to practice their own religion. There are two inter-denominational churches in Dubai, Holy Trinity and United Church of Dubai (UCCD), and one Roman Catholic Church (St Mary’s).
The churches are not easily identified from the outside, but are well known amongst Christians in Dubai. Family services are held on a Friday.