About the United Arab Emirates...

With a history of over 5,000 years as an important post on ancient trade routes and thriving ultra-modern cities, infrastructure, shopping and entertainment, the United Arab Emirates has an astonishing mix of past and present.  This combination of the traditional and modern makes the United Arab Emirates a rich and fascinating travel destination in the Middle East.

Located in the heart of the Arab world, the United Arab Emirates borders Saudi Arabia, Oman, the Persian Gulf, Straights of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

Comprised of seven separate, but united Emirates or kingdoms, (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajamn, Ras Al-Khaimah, Umm Al-Quiwain and Al-Fujairah) the U.A.E. gained its independence from British colonial authorities in 1971 and has since built itself into a modern success-story.

• For more information about the U.A.E. visit: www.uae.org.ae
• BBC United Arab Emirates Country Profile 
• World Factbook.

Relative to other countries in the Middle East go, the United Arab Emirates is a fairly accessible country for people with disabilities – especially in the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.  Early in 2004, a draft law was submitted to grant and protect the rights of people with disabilities in the areas of employment, healthcare, education and access to facilities and services.  Equal rights without discrimination is the underlying goal.

Disability Organizations 

There are dozens of local, regional, national and international disability and deaf organizations working throughout the UAE and most can be found in the NCDE's on-line searchable database. 

Exchange Programs

Mobility Internaitonal USA has 15 volunteer, teach, study, intern and professional opportunities available in the U.A.E. listed in the online database.  

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs offers a wide variety of prestigeous programs to students, professionals and teachers of the United States and United Arab Emirates. To find out about these programs go to the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs website.  Also, for information on most of the U.S. Government sponsored programs in the United Arab Emirates contact the U.S. Consolate in Dubai at http://dubai.usconsulate.gov/dubai/IV.html

Language Schools / Programs

Want to learn Arabic? How about learning while immersed in a fascinating Arab culture like the United Arab Emirates!  There is no better way to learn a language than to live where it is spoken EVERY DAY!

The following is a list of some of the programs offering Arabic language courses in the United Arab Emirates.  Check them out and get started on your adventure in the U.A.E today!

• American InterContinental University
  

The American University in Dubai (AUD), a campus of the American InterContinental University, offers study abroad students the unique opportunity to study Elementary Arabic while fulfilling degree-requirements at the only US-accredited university in the Gulf region.

• American University
  

American University’s School of International Service offers a summer seminar focused on the political economy of the Gulf States, including a course in the advanced active use of Modern Standard Arabic.

• Languages Abroad
  

Languages Abroad is an international language-travel organization offering individuals, families, students and groups to language programs that best suit their needs, interests and preferences.  Languages Abroad offers a program in Colloquial Gulf Arabic in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.

For more Arabic language programs in the United Arab Emirates and in the Middle East region, visit the following websites:

• IIE Passport offers a searchable database for study abroad programs and a study abroad student center featuring articles, a study abroad student guide, and other resources related to funding, etc.
• StudyAbroad.com offers information for students (college, high school and all others) seeking study abroad, language abroad, intern abroad, and volunteer abroad opportunities.
• Study Abroad Links offers information on study abroad programs including summer, semester, academic year and Arabic language study programs.

Additional Resources

• For more information on organizations and programs in the UAE and other countries of the Muslim world, please visit our Muslim World Initiative website.
• For other programs in Middle East / North Africa countries, visit the AMIDEAST website.

America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc. (AMIDEAST) is a private, nonprofit organization that strengthens mutual understanding and cooperation between Americans and the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa. Every year, AMIDEAST provides appropriate English language skills training, educational advising, and testing services to hundreds of thousands of students and professionals in the Middle East and North Africa; supports numerous institutional development projects in the region; and administers educational exchange programs. Founded in 1951, AMIDEAST is headquartered in Washington, DC with a network of field offices in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen.

Although efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, MIUSA/NCDE cannot be held liable for inaccuracy, misinterpretation or complaints arising from these listings. Mention of an organization, company, service or resource should not be construed as an endorsement by MIUSA/NCDE. Please advise NCDE of any inaccuracies you may find.