10 Best Kept Secrets About Summer Internships In Dubai

The first thing anyone would ask when presented with the idea of choosing UAE for internship would be, what’s so special about it? The answer is not as simple as it seems. To truly understand the charm of this Middle Eastern gem, you have to understand the dynamics of this magnificent country. Unlike Europe, UAE in particular Dubai, has a global feel to it in the truest sense of the word. 

The state of Dubai welcomes people from all over the world throughout the year. The buzzing atmosphere of the city, the booming economy and the welcoming nature of its people make it an ideal place to relocate to. If you found yourself unsure about selecting UAE for your internship abroad experience, then go through this list of best-kept secrets about Dubai internships in the summer to change your mind. 

Awesome perks of summer internships in Dubai

1. You Will Get REAL Work Done

Dubai internships are usually notorious for lazing around the whole day. At most be the coffee guy/girl. But here in Dubai, you can expect to get super busy with work. Being the hub of activity for the region keeps Dubai under the spotlight all the time. Here days are too short to get all the work completed. Late sittings are very common. Though being an intern, you probably won’t have to sit back late too much. But you will be working your butt off no doubt. And it won’t be just meager work. Expect to get immersed in tasks related to your field. This will be a great opportunity for you to get first-hand experience of how the real life works. 

2. Bored of Driving on Roads? Drive on the Sand Dunes 

Seriously, where else in the world would you get a world-class environment, open culture, diverse ethnicities and the chance of testing your driving skills by driving a 4x4 on the sand dunes? When they say UAE is unique, they really do mean it. 

3. Nocturnal Creatures Welcome

It’s the city that never sleeps, which translates to super convenience for all you night owls out there. Had a long day? It’s 2am and you’re hungry? No worries, you will find lots of take away options to satisfy your appetite. Almost everything can get delivered to your doorstep saving you the hassle of commute. Yes, commuting in Dubai is indeed a hassle. Staying true to the famous Scorpion song, every rose has its thorn. 

4. United Arab Emirates... of Ease 🌿

That’s right! Easy is the name of the game. Whether you are searching for top quality services or looking to make new friends in UAE, it’s all very easy! People here are friendly and accepting of other nationalities and beliefs. Rest assured, you will not be judged in UAE for your different accent. UAE is well known for the quality of services it provides on an international level. Just like any of the western countries, you can get almost everything delivered to your doorstep. Which is a huge blessing since the crazy traffic in big cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi can be intimidating, especially when you are dead tired. From getting your laundry done to getting your food delivered, everything is just a click away.

Further enhancing the overall experience of visitors. When it comes to ease, there’s no denying the super convenient navigation system used all over UAE. Even if you are new here, you will find it pretty easy to explore the country on your own (as long as you have a valid driving license). Because of the large number of expats living in most of the cities here, you will find all the signs and instructions to have an English version as well.

5. Ladies, Listen Up! 

Unlike most of the places in Asia and Middle East, the UAE puts great emphasis on gender equality. Women have a really good chance of success here as compared to its neighboring countries. This is one of the few countries, where your hard work will not only be recognized but also appreciated, just like your male colleagues. Gender equality is a primary focus in UAE. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are on the forefront of gender diversity in the region. This makes UAE an interesting location for female interns with lots of opportunities for exposure and great chances of growth if hired.

6. UAE—A Country Where Chivalry is Very Much Alive

A culture shock can come in many ways. During summer internships in Dubai for students, the ladies might enjoy the fact that chivalry is not dead here yet. Women are treated with the utmost respect. Don’t be surprised if any of your male colleagues go out of their way to assist you. This is just the way they treat ladies in their culture. For some women, this may come as a surprise, but just be aware this is the norm in their country and the intentions are never negative. For the western women, this might take a while to get accustomed to.

7. Expect a Treat for Your Taste Buds #hummus #yummus

Every city of the UAE offers something unique in terms of gastronomic journey. From Michelin star celebrity restaurants to roadside food stalls offering delicacies from all around the world, there is nothing you won't find to munch on during summer internships in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The best part? The food is authentic in taste. Since these emirates are home to a large number of expats, you will find most of the food places to be serving authentic and real recipes. For a taste of truly local food, you will find lots of high-end restaurants as well as roadside food vendors preparing traditional delicacies. 

8. The Labor Laws are 👌

UAE places a lot of importance on labor laws. An intern has the same rights as a full-time employee does. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has developed these labor laws to prevent workers from being misused or abused in the name of work. Each state has its own set of rules so be sure to check that out before you start working. Knowing your rights beforehand will save you from a lot of hassle during the tenure of your internship.

9. Dubai Offers Something to Suit Every Lifestyle

Whether you’re a workaholic, a party animal, an introvert, or a nature-loving soul, you will be at home during summer internships in Dubai for students. It offers a fast-paced life with a truly work hard play hard lifestyle. The capital city of UAE, Abu Dhabi offers the best of both worlds, with good job opportunities, a fun lifestyle with a relatively relaxed atmosphere. Whereas, Emirates like Ajman, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Um Al Quwain offer a much laid-back and peaceful atmosphere. You are most likely to run into more locals here than in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. So whether you want a weekend spent somewhere a little different or you’re considering alternative internship placement locations in the UAE than Dubai, you’re bound to find a good fit somewhere!

10. It Will Make You Fearless! 💪

As weird as it may sound, there’s some truth in it. They say if you grow, surround yourself with giants. UAE is a marvel in itself. It is only when you go there and experience it first-hand how the Sheikhs have turned this desert upside down will you realize the true meaning of imagination and achieving. When you stay in a place like this, surrounded by such hustlers, you are bound to grow in ways you never imagined during summer internships in Dubai. This is the place that can turn you into a fearless fireball.     

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Next steps to interning in the UAE

Don't pack your sunblock juuuust yet. There are a few items on your internship to do list you should check off first.

How to Intern in Dubai in 5 easy steps

• Decide when to go. Give your calendar a good-hard look and figure out what time of year—and how long—you want to live in the UAE as a summer intern. Eight weeks, four weeks, two? You decide! (But we always encourage students to stay longer!).
  
• What type of internship do you want? There are plenty of different types of summer internships in Dubai for students to be had, it's just a matter of YOU deciding which field of study/experience you want to pursue. Popular fields include business and tech.
  
• Choose from the best intern abroad programs in Dubai. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program/job reputation, location, and your ease of getting settled. Some providers may even provide contact info for past interns if you want the REAL dirt. Here's more advice on how to find the perfect program provider for you. Pro tip: You can use MyGoAbroad to compare programs side-by-side.
  
• Plan your finances. Sort out your ongoing funding before you selecting Dubai internships to afford daily essentials and splurge in travel (in addition to program costs and airfare). Do your research to have an idea of how much your day-to-day life in UAE will cost, and get to work on learning how to pay for your international internship.
  
• Get prepared. Preparing to intern abroad is as fun as it sounds. With the days til departure number dwindling and your excitement boiling, it can be easy to overlook the details. Lean on us to help guide you through your pre-departure process—that's what we're here for.
  

You’re ready to intern in the UAE!

After all this is said and done, how do you determine if you are ready for the powerhouse called UAE? Going to a new country for an internship is mostly a game of the guts. You need to have the courage to step out of your comfort zone and the motivation to stick to your decision no matter what may come. As soon as you decide on going to the UAE for your internship abroad, the most difficult part is done already. Now all you need to do is to pack up your bags, reach out to an internship provider, or if you are applying yourself then start gathering documents and information. The better prepared you are, the better experience you will have! Research as much as you can about where you’re going to stay, familiarize yourself with the area and the routes. 

Nothing can beat the actual experience, but try to get as much accustomed to the local environment as you can. If you have a particular diet you follow, find out where you can get it from in UAE. The first few days in a new country and setup are always confusing, but when you are fully prepared, you have the chances of enjoying more. Start getting to know your host city/area like the back of your hand and you will have a much rewarding experience. Looking forward to your time participating in Dubai internships already? Well, congratulations! You’re all set to go! 

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