United Arab Emirates
- This Summer Abroad: UAE program is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and focuses on international business and cross-cultural management in a Middle East context, using the city as a “living classroom” through interactive learning and local engagement. Program activities are tentative and include site visits in Dubai and a 3-day overnight trip to Abu Dhabi (with visits to major landmarks and organizations subject to confirmation).
- If you are thinking about applying for the UAE: Dubai program but want to know how and if your individual EDIA needs, based on your lived experiences and unique identities can be met, we encourage you to use this online resource as a planning tool.
- Photo by Britannica. This image captures Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as seen from the top of Burj Khalifa.
Accessibility & Mobility
- Dubai Airports publishes a “Special assistance” page outlining supports for travellers with disabilities/impairments, including barrier-free facilities and assistance “from kerb to gate,” and referencing accessible infrastructure such as elevators and accessible toilets.
- Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) includes accessibility features across major public-transport infrastructure. For example, RTA notes rail-station features such as tactile floor paths, accessible ticket booths, accessible toilets, and dedicated wheelchair spaces on rail facilities, and lifts designed for wheelchair movement. RTA also highlights Metro features such as dedicated wheelchair spaces on trains, life access to all station levels, and platform alerts with audible/visual signals. While your day-to-day movement may rely more on program transport, students who use city buses can reference RTA’s “People of Determination” resources as a starting point for understanding accessibility supports and where to seek assistance.
- Taxis are widely available, and students with mobility needs can use Dubai Taxi Company’s “People of Determination” taxi service, which includes vehicles that can be requested with or without a wheelchair lift. The service can be booked via the DTC app or by phone, and is also available at airport taxi stands. Uber operates in Dubai.
- The UAE’s landscape includes large desert areas and coastal plains, with most day-to-day movement in Dubai and Abu Dhabi occurring in dense urban areas with extensive roadway infrastructure. Students with mobility considerations may wish to plan for heat exposure, longer walking distances in large venues, and prioritizing routes with elevators/lifts in transit stations and malls.
- May in Dubai is typically very hot, with average daily highs rising from 36 to 39 degrees Celsius across the month. Abu Dhabi is similarly hot in May, with average daily highs around 34 to 37 degrees Celsius. Students should plan for heat management (breathable/light layers, sun protection including sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat, and hydration), and build extra buffer time for commuting in peak heat.
- The program’s accommodation is listed as shared accommodations at international hotels, currently noted as Hyatt in Dubai and Millennium Downtown in Abu Dhabi (tentative). Students can generally expect modern hotel amenities (including air-conditioned indoor spaces), but any accessibility needs should be communicated to Summer Abroad as early as possible so rooms and routes can be planned based on availability.
- If you have specific accessibility and mobility needs that may not be supported by the residence accommodation, you do have the option to stay off-campus to access suitable accommodations, such as a hotel or apartment. These accommodations are paid for separately and may be more expensive than what the original accommodation would cost. If you require a private accommodation for health reasons, you are required to research your own accommodations (i.e., hotels) in the area that are in close proximity to the residence. Please note that Summer Abroad does not book private accommodations for students, and that students are also responsible for additional incurred fees (paid directly to the hotel or booking website).
- We encourage you to reach out to the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator (summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca) about any mobility-related requirements or accommodations as soon as you receive your program admission. We strongly encourage you connect with the Summer Abroad office to discuss your needs before applying your Summer Abroad program. We will work closely with you to plan your experience abroad, taking into consideration your accessibility needs.
Mental Health & Well-Being
- Mental health awareness in the UAE is increasing, and the UAE government explicitly frames mental health as part of overall wellbeing and has initiatives aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination. That said, research in the UAE also notes that stigma can still be a barrier to seeking support, and some people may prefer to keep mental health concerns private due to social and cultural factors. For Summer Abroad students, this can mean you may feel more comfortable using confidential supports, and planning ahead for ongoing care.
- If you require support for any mental health concerns, we encourage you to reach out to Summer Abroad so we can work directly with you to provide necessary accommodations and support during your program. All Summer Abroad students have access to International SOS. U of T has partnered with International SOS to provide medical, security, emotional and logistical support and expertise for U of T’s international travelers. If you require a doctor or counsellor inUnited Arab Emirates, iSOS can arrange English-language counselling and help you find a mental health professional in your area. However, please plan for delays: based on previous experience feedback, the iSOS intake form and assessment process can take time, and appointments commonly require 7 business days to secure, and availability can be limited.
- If you anticipate persistent or ongoing health needs, speak with your family doctor, counsellor, or healthcare provider before traveling to develop a continuity-of-care plan.
- If you require academic or disability related accommodations, register with U of T Accessibility Services in advance to ensure proper documentation and support are in place before departure.
- Be flexible with appointment time slots and consider telehealth options to increase availability.
- If you are unsure where to start, contact the Summer Abroad office at summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca.
- If you are bringing medication with you into United Arab Emirates, remember to check if your medication contains a controlled drug. You can check with the UAE Embassy in Ottawa to make sure your medication is legal. You should always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging, with your doctor’s prescription.
- Reminder: Students with pre-existing concerns must meet with their Accessibility Advisor to discuss needs and prepare relevant documentations before applying for Summer Abroad.
2SLGBTQ+ Students
- The UAE has laws and local enforcement practices that can pose significant risks for 2SLGBTQ+ travellers. Same-sex sexual activity is criminalized in practice, with penalties that can vary by emirate (for example, reporting notes provisions such as Dubai Criminal Code Article 177 and Abu Dhabi Article 80 with substantial prison penalties), and same-sex conduct may also be addressed under Sharia-based interpretations. Students should be aware that the legal and social environment is generally conservative, and public behaviour that is perceived to conflict with local norms can create safety and legal risks.
- Government of Canada guidance for 2SLGBTQI+ travellers emphasizes researching destination laws/customs and being mindful of personal and online safety, including caution with social media visibility and dating apps in jurisdictions where 2SLGBTQI+ people may be criminalized or targeted. In the UAE context, students should consider a more privacy-forward approach (for example, avoiding public displays of affection and being cautious about online profiles and location sharing). Equaldex (UAE) provides a quick snapshot of the legal context.
- Summer Abroad is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, and support students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. If you have any concerns or require support regarding your 2SLGBTQ+ accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, so we can assist you in finding additional resources as well as explore your accommodation options. You may also contact the U of T Sexual & Gender Diversity Office via sgdo@utoronto.ca or by phone at (416)946-5624.
Women Travellers
- The Government of Canada’s Travel Advice for the UAE notes that, although rare, women travelling alone may experience harassment, verbal abuse, or physical assaults. It also notes that local responses to sexual violence and harassment may differ substantially from Canada, and that women reporting sexual assault have been detained, with the victim needing to prove the sex was not consensual to avoid being charged (and concepts of consent may differ from the Canadian context). For women travellers, this makes it especially important to use situational precautions such as staying with a group when possible (particularly at night), keeping travel documents secure, and seeking program support promptly if you feel unsafe.
- Emergency contraception products (including ulipristal acetate and levonorgestrel options) are available through UAE pharmacies, and some major pharmacy retailers in the UAE list these products under OTC/emergency contraception categories. Availability and dispensing practices can vary, so students should ask directly at a pharmacy counter as soon as possible. To find a nearby pharmacy, students can use a large chain locator (e.g., Life Pharmacy store locator in Dubai).
- If you experience sexual harassment or feel uncomfortable while you are abroad, you can reach out to Summer Abroad and Safety Abroad for help, and they will help connect you with U of T resources including the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre. For more information on how Safety Abroad can support you in a crisis, please click here to view Safety Abroad’s resources (under “sexual harassment & violence” and “in a crisis.”)
Racialized Students
- The UAE is a highly international society. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) reports a UAE population of 9.97 million (2023), with an expatriate workforce making up about 88% of the population, meaning many communities, languages, and cultural norms may be present in daily life. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs also describes the country as home to over 200 nationalities, which is especially visible in major hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where students may encounter more internationally oriented services and workplaces. At the same time, experiences can still vary by context (e.g., tourist districts vs residential areas, large cities vs less urban settings). Students who are visibly “foreign” may receive curiosity or unsolicited questions. If you feel uncomfortable, prioritize your safety, move to a public/well-lit area, and contact program staff.
- The UAE has federal legislation addressing discrimination and hate speech, and students should be mindful that local laws and norms around public conduct can be strict.
- If you feel unsafe or experience racism during your time in the Summer Abroad program, we encourage you to report the incident immediately to the Summer Abroad office or reach out to the On-Site Coordinators, who will contact U of T Safety Abroad to provide immediate support, including connecting you with U of T Resources such as the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO).
Students in Multi-Faith Communities
- Islam is the UAE’s official religion, and the constitution provides for freedom of worship so long as it does not conflict with public policy and morals. National law and policy also place restrictions on activities such as blasphemy and certain forms of proselytizing. Students should be mindful that religious expression is generally expected to align with local norms, particularly in public settings.
- In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, students can typically access mosques (with visitor rules that may include modest dress and gendered spaces) and there are also established non-Muslim places of worship (churches and temples) permitted by the UAE, though services, language options, and locations may vary and may require advance planning. Abu Dhabi’s Abrahamic Family House includes a mosque, a church, and a synagogue, and can be used as a reference point for multi-faith access and visitor guidance. The UAE has also issued a federal framework for regulating houses of worship for non-Muslims, which underscores that non-Muslim worship is permitted but organized through formal processes.
- If you are looking for religious accommodation support during your Summer Abroad program, such as religious observations that may conflict with academic activities and field trips, please contact the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator in advance. Summer Abroad will work closely with you to ensure that your religious observance needs are accommodated to the best of our ability, creating an inclusive environment that respects and values your faith while planning and participating your Summer Abroad experience.
Dietary Resources
- Halal food is widely available in the UAE, and students can look for products and services aligned with the UAE’s Halal National Mark framework as a general indicator of halal compliance. When dining out, it is still reasonable to confirm ingredients and preparation practices directly with restaurants (for example, alcohol-based sauces or cross-contact considerations).
- Kosher options are available in the UAE but typically require more advance planning. Chabad UAE maintains a consolidated resource on kosher food in the UAE (including certified venues) and also references Rimon Kosher Supermarket in Dubai for packaged foods and staples, which can be helpful for students who need reliable self-catering options.
- Vegetarian and vegan options are generally easier to find in Dubai, and students can use HappyCow (Dubai/UAE) to identify vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurants and review user-updated details.