Respecting local culture and legal context
We recognise the importance of respecting the culture, traditions, and laws of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has a rich heritage rooted in Arabic and Islamic traditions and is home to people from all over the world who live and work together in harmony. Central to this is respect for the country’s values, customs, and heritage, which underpin its welcoming and tolerant society.
At the Dubai campus, we build on this foundation by finding common ground between the UAE’s values of tolerance and inclusion and our own ethos of fairness, equality, and respect. We take seriously our responsibility to ensure that students and staff understand the cultural and legal context of life in Dubai, particularly those who are new to the region. While the University’s policies and practices apply fully on campus, we recognise that members of our community must also respect and comply with the expectations of the wider society in which we operate.
The UAE maintains clear expectations around behaviour in public, guided by its laws and cultural norms. This includes observing modest dress in public spaces, where clothing should be respectful of local customs. Dubai also has a formal Code of Conduct that outlines standards relating to public decency, respectful behaviour, and social interaction. Members of our University community are expected to familiarise themselves with these expectations and ensure their conduct reflects respect for local culture at all times.
Although cultures across the world differ in some respects, we share a strong commitment to fairness, dignity, and respect. Our Dubai campus upholds the same high standards and principles as our Birmingham campus, where equality is promoted, diversity is valued, and discriminatory behaviour is not tolerated. Across our global operations, we safeguard respect, fairness, and dignity for all.
Living and studying in Dubai offers a rich and rewarding experience, with opportunities to engage in a uniquely diverse and dynamic society. At the same time, it is important for all members of our University community to be aware of local customs, laws, and expectations, and to approach them with understanding, respect, and cultural sensitivity.