QUICK STATS ABOUT DUBAI
- Dubai is 1 of 7 Emirates in the UAE
- There are 3.6 million residents, of which 85% are expats
- The city is known for world-class transportation, with over 52km of driverless metro
- Dubai is one of the Business Hubs of the world
- There is only around 25 days of rain per year
- Dubai is frequently voted as one of the safest cities in the world
World Records
This developing city is constantly striving for advancement, and holds many impressive world records including:
The World’s Tallest Building
Burj Khalifa
The World’s Largest Shopping Mall
Dubai Mall
The World’s Tallest Observation Wheel
Ain Dubai
The World’s Largest Performing Fountain
The Dubai Fountain
Getting Around:
- Metro, Tram, Bus and Ferry
- Dubai’s transport authority is called the RTA. There are RTA metro, tram, bus and even ferry services that you can use for a low price using a Nol card. This is a smart card that lets you to pay for RTA transport with a single tap. You can also use Nol card to pay for RTA's Paid Parking. Register through the MDX Transport Office for a special Student Nol Card (50% discount on your journeys!).
- Taxi Service
- You will see taxis around the city with different coloured roofs. These are official taxis managed by the RTA; your taxi fare is determined by a meter. Make sure you check before you start your journey that the meter has been turned on.
- Career, Uber and Yango
- One of the easiest ways to get a taxi in the city is via an app. Downloading Careem, Uber or Yango (other apps are also available) will allow you to request and pay for a taxi in a safe and regulated way, and you can track your drivers location before your pick-up and during your ride.
- Metro Shuttle Service
- MDX offers a free shuttle bus from Dubai Internet City Metro Station to/from our Dubai Knowledge Park campus. The timetable can be found here or from our Transportation Office. There is also a shuttle available from The Myriad to both Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City (MDX MBA Global Study Hub) campus.
- MDX Bus Service
- Our Transport Team can also assist in finding a bus service that works for you around Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ajman.
Dubai is a multi-cultural city with lots of different religions, beliefs and backgrounds living harmoniously, however we must all be aware and respectful of the local customs and laws that exist in the United Arab Emirates.
- Photos between friends only! Recording strangers without permission is not allowed
- Rude hand gestures and swearing is considered very offensive
- Keep bikinis and swim shorts for the beach or pool, and clothing relatively modest
- Try not to hold hands or be overly affectionate in public
- Be aware of religious events like Ramadan and Islamic New Year and be extra mindful
Every resident in the UAE needs a valid visa in order to stay in the country. If you plan to study at Middlesex University Dubai, we have a Visa Team onboard who assist with the whole process, making it as simple as possible. For more information about gaining a Student Visa through MDX, click here.
All residents of Dubai must also have an Emirates ID card. After you have began the visa application process, you will be asked to go to a local medical centre to take an easy and quick medical test and fingerprinting. Then your card will be delivered to you! Easy!
The UAE has three main phoneline providers:
- Du
- Etisalat
- Virgin Mobile
People without a valid visa can pick up a Tourist SIM – this allows you to use the network for up to 90 days depending on the network provider.
To register for a permanent contract, you will need your Emirates ID. After you’ve received it, you will be expected to convert your tourist SIM into a pre-paid or post-paid mobile plan.
To do this, simply visit an Etisalat, du or Virgin Mobile stand or store and ask for assistance finding a plan that works for you. These are available all over the city, in most malls, at events, and in residential areas.
Along with your Emirates ID, you may also be asked for the following:
- Bank statement
- Proof of accommodation / Lease statement
- Another form of ID such as passport or license
The next step is taking care of your money!
The currency in the UAE is Dirham, and you will see this abbreviated to either “AED” or “DHS”.
There are a few ways you can coordinate your finances here, but most students choose to open a UAE student bank account.
There are some key documents you can expect the bank to ask for:
- Passport copy
- Visa copy
- Emirates ID
- Student Card or letter of enrolment
- Some may also ask for a Letter of No Objection from MDX, you can request this from Campus Central.
There are many banks that offer student accounts, we recommend checking:
HSBC t. 600 55 4722
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) t. 600 50 2030
Emirates Islamic Bank t. 600 599995
You may also like to look at digital only options, such as:
Liv by Emirates National Bank of Dubai
Neo by Mashreq
For assistance with documentation, contact Campus Central:
T. +971 (0)43 678 100
AskMDX (https://askmdx.mdx.ac.ae)
For advice on paying any student fees, contact Finance Office:
T. +971 (0)44 334 129
E. [email protected]
Having a monthly or weekly budget (and sticking to it!) is important for any student, and with so much to do, see and taste in Dubai, that can be a difficult task!
Buying affordable groceries and cooking at home is a sure-fire way to make sure you’re eating well while saving some money. You can buy groceries easily, and source ingredients from all around the world for a taste of home.
Superstores
Largescale and affordable stores where you can buy everything from groceries, to household equipment, plants to camping sets, and even electrical goods. Usually found in malls.
- Carrefour
- LuLu Hypermarket
- Nesto
- Union Co-op
Everyday Stores
Everyday grocery stores where you can pick up most food items, especially essentials like bread, milk, butter and vegetables. Found all over the city, in residential areas.
- Spinneys
- Choithrams
- Waitrose
- WestZone
- Carrefour Market
- Viva
Online Only
Great option for larger shops if you don’t have your own form of transport. Food will be delivered to your address for a minimal charge, usually a day after you place your order.
- Noon Groceries
- Kibsons
- Talabat Grocery
- InstaShop (same day)
Subscription Boxes
Not the cheapest option, but great for if you’re concerned about food waste, you want to learn how to cook, or you simply want good food provided to you each week.
- Hello Chef
- EroeGo
- Make My Meal
Enjoying Your Free Time
There is plenty to do in Dubai for all interests or budgets. Of course, MDX has over 40 sports teams and social clubs for our students to enjoy, with team trips and activities throughout the year.
ACTIVITIES AND ESTIMATED PRICES
Below is just some of the activities you can enjoy in Dubai in your own free time, with an estimated cost (a lot of these establishments will also include a student discount):
- TopGolf – AED 130+ per group / hour
- Cinema (Roxy, Vox, Reel, Novo) – AED 40 for standard seat
- Abra Ride in Old Dubai – AED 1
- Beach Day – Free on public beaches
- Hotel Pool Day – AED 150+
- Weekend Brunch – AED 200+
- Museum of the Future – AED 150
- Miracle Garden – AED 75
- Renting A Careem Bike – Free for 45 Minutes
There is something for everyone in this bustling city! If you need any support throughout your journey to Dubai to study at MDX, we are always available to help.