Dubai is a part of the United Arab Emirates, a loose confederation of small Arab principalities on the Arab Peninsula, and is one of the most liberal and progressive governments on the Persian Gulf. The principalities' pro-Western attitude and culture make it a natural fit for the student looking to study Arabic in an Arab country.
History
Dubai is an Emirate, or principality, which is part of the confederation which is generally known as the United Arab Emirates. Dubai's main source of wealth is oil revenues, but it has been working in recent decades to diversify its economy by attracting foreign investment, business, and tourism. Dubai is home to some of the most spectacular man-made achievements including man-made islands in the shape of palm trees or other designs, the world's most expensive hotel, and is currently working on what is claimed to be the world's tallest building. The dominant language in Dubai is Arabic with a regional colloquial language called an 'Ameya.
Significance
Dubai is one of the more progressive and pro-Western governments on the Arab peninsula and as such has a very friendly, open attitude toward students who study Arabic there. One of the most famous and well-recognized universities in Dubai is the American University in Dubai (AUD). Students to AUD are drawn not only from the United States, but from Europe, Dubai, and other countries around the globe. An advantage of studying in AUD is that all courses are taught in English, including Arabic, which facilitates an academic career for American students unfamiliar with other languages.
Function
A prospective student who wishes to study Arabic in Dubai should consider applying for governmental grants and scholarships to fund their education. Since September 11th, 2001, Arabic and the study of Arabic has been considered a high priority for American security. As a result, government funding for the study of Arabic has increased and in 2006, President Bush increased the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) funding for students learning Arabic by 40 percent. Besides FLAS, there is also a State Department scholarship called the Critical Language Scholarship which also offers funding for students who would like a career in government service. For more information, see Resources below.
Time Frame
When applying to a Dubai-based university, allow enough time to complete the necessary paperwork for your study abroad. Applicants should already have, or at least be in the process, of getting their passport. The State Department may take six months or more to return a valid passport to first-time applicants. Additionally, once a student has received an acceptance letter, they should apply for a visa with the consulate of Dubai as soon as possible (see Resources below).
Considerations
Prospective students should also set up a bank account in an American bank for receipt of grant, loan and scholarship funds. Dubai is internationally connected through various financial networks and the funds placed in an American bank can be easily drawn out from ATMs in Dubai.
Also students in Dubai are urged to reside in the dormitories during their stay unless they are at least moderately fluent in speaking Arabic; rents in Dubai can also be fairly expensive and may be out of reach for the average students' budget.
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