Information on the UAE
History
In the early 19th century, the area that is now the UAE was
known as the "Pirate Coast" because of the occupation of its
inhabitants. From 1820 Great Britain entered into treaties
with various leaders in the area to attempt to protect its ships
sailing the Gulf and Indian Ocean.
On the 2nd December 1971, the United Arab Emirates became fully
independent and at this time the UAE was established as a
federation consisting of seven sheikhdoms - also called
emirates.
These are Abu Dhabi, Dubai,
Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah,
Umm al-Qawain, Ajman and
Fujairah. There are borders with Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, and Oman and the borders between the different sheikhdoms
are not always precisely defined.
From this time of independence the UAE has attracted huge
attention, first because of its oil reserves and its strategic
location, but now in addition to those, because of its programme of
economic and social development. In the last quarter of the
twentieth century, the UAE has witnessed the creation of a truly
modern welfare state. Education, healthcare, and social services
are available to all citizens.
Location
The United Arab Emirates is situated in the Middle East, and is
bordered to the west by Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf; and the
Gulf of Oman and the Sultanate of Oman to the east. Because of its
physical location, the United Arab Emirates has become economically
prosperous and politically successful, due to its many and varied
trading partnerships, and as such, is perceived very positively
around the world as a forward-thinking, advanced nation.
Geography
The UAE has some 700 kilometres of coastline, including 100
kilometres on the Gulf of Oman. Along the Arabian Gulf coast are
offshore islands, coral reefs and salt marshes. Stretches of gravel
plain and barren desert characterize the inland region. To the east
lie the Hajar Mountains, close to the Gulf of Oman, which reach
north into the Musandam peninsula, at the mouth of the Arabian
Gulf. The western interior of the Federation, most of which is Abu
Dhabi territory, consists mainly of desert interspersed with oases.
One of the largest oases is Al Liwa, beyond which is the vast Rub
al-Khali desert, or Empty Quarter.
Climate
The UAE has for a long time been a popular destination for
travellers. It enjoys very hot summer months (April to September)
with temperatures averaging at around 50 degrees Celsius. It also
experiences the occasional sand storms! Due to its geographical
location along the Persian Gulf, the UAE has many international
resorts, where both locals and tourists enjoy relaxing and
sunbathing, whilst others pursue some of the many water sports
available, such as diving, snorkelling and water skiing.
The UAE has developed a reputation as one of the best "winter"
resorts in the world. Between November and March, it experiences
warm sunny days with an average temperature of 26°C and cool nights
with an average temperature of 15°C. High temperatures (up to 49°C)
and high level of humidity are the normal between June and August.
This means that there are a huge variety of water sports and
activities available throughout the year!
Population
The population of the UAE is estimated to be 2.94 million.
Growth at present is 6.5 per cent per year. This is expected
however to slow to 2.9 per cent by the year 2005, when the
population will number approximately 3.48 million.
Language / Religion
The official language of the UAE is Arabic. The other main
languages spoken are English and Hindi. Within the Hospitals, the
main language spoken is English. The official religion is Islam,
however many other religions are respected and individuals are able
to worship openly and freely.
The Workforce
The UAE has a very multi-cultural labour force, and many people
are surprised to find that approximately 75% of its labour force
currently comes from countries outside the UAE. Within the
healthcare system, a large proportion of employees come from
countries including the USA, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and
New Zealand.
The Working Week
Government Offices open at 7am or 7.30am to 1pm or 1.30pm from
Saturday to Wednesday. Thursday and Friday they are closed, Friday
being their most religious day. Banks, private companies and
smaller shops open.
Dress Code
Whilst the dress code is very westernised and not as restrictive
or traditional as it is in Saudi Arabia, standards and expectations
within the UAE are reasonably conservative, and should be
respected. This means in public places, women should not wear
sleeveless dresses, short skirts and shorts, as this may cause
offence. Similarly for men, wearing shorts in public is not
acceptable within Islam custom and tradition. Within the Hospital
and employee complex, the dress code is significantly more relaxed,
and individuals are free to wear what they like (within
reason!).
Accommodation
Free accommodation is normally provided close to the hospitals
however each hospital is slightly different. Your Geneva consultant
will be able to give you more specific information dependent on the
hospitals you are interested.
As the majority of the nursing/midwifery contracts are single
status contracts the accommodation is shared in two to three bed
roomed apartments and come fully furnished and set up with linen,
cutlery etc.
Women and Safety
Many people when considering a move to a new country want to
know how safe it is. The UAE is one of the safest locations in the
world as it is relatively crime free. Women have equal rights as
men in terms of education and job opportunities, and have strong
female representation within government and political
framework.
Getting Around
All client hospitals of Geneva provide free transport to and
from the accommodation to the place of work. They also often offer
organised trips to other historic and cultural destinations. There
is easy access to taxis for getting around and these are reasonably
priced.