Dubai, the glittering heart of the United Arab Emirates, is not only a major tourist attraction but also a top choice among international students for pursuing higher studies. With world-class universities, industry exposure, and a thriving multicultural environment, it has become one of the top choices for Indian students aspiring to study abroad.
But as exciting as the move may sound, stepping into this dynamic Middle Eastern city can bring along a fair share of cultural surprises. Life in Dubai may look familiar in some ways, skyscrapers, malls, fast food chains, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll realize there are plenty of differences from life back home in India.
Here are five cultural shocks that international students, especially those from India, should be prepared for when moving to Dubai.
1. Dependence on Public Transport
Unlike India’s bustling network of auto-rickshaws and pocket-friendly ride options, Dubai’s public transport revolves around the metro, buses, and taxis.
The metro is modern, efficient, and clean, but it also means students must adapt to fixed routes and schedules. While convenient, the system can feel restrictive compared to the ‘pick up at your doorstep’ rides Indians are used to.
2. Limited Street Food Culture
Every Indian would’ve grown up with the sweet aroma of street food like chaat, vada pav, Samosa, and Kaalan. Grabbing a street snack on the way home would’ve been a routine. In that case, moving to Dubai might feel like a culinary shock.
The city has strict hygiene and licensing laws, which means you won’t find casual street vendors scattered around. Instead, food culture thrives in restaurants, food courts, and cafes. While this ensures cleanliness, students may miss the charm (and affordability) of India’s lively street food scene.
3. A Different Weekend
In the UAE, the weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, not Saturday and Sunday. This shifts how schedules, classes, and even social plans are structured. It can take time to get used to, especially when syncing with family and friends back home who still follow the traditional Saturday-Sunday rhythm.
4. Silence & Order in Public Spaces
Picture this: a crowded metro train in Chennai, Mumbai, or Delhi, buzzing with conversations, vendors, and announcements. Now, imagine the opposite. In Dubai, metros and buses are unusually quiet and orderly. In fact, people stand in queues, respect personal space, and maintain silence. While refreshing, this calm can feel almost eerie for those accustomed to India’s noisy, chaotic charm.
5. Driving on the Right Side
For students who plan to drive, a quick adjustment you should be aware of is that the UAE follows right-hand driving, unlike India or the UK, which drive on the left.
It’s a small but significant shift that requires practice and attention, especially if you’re planning to get behind the wheel.
6. Low Crime Rate
Due to its strict laws, regulations, and severe penalties, the UAE has consistently maintained a low crime rate. As an attestation to this fact, the UAE was named the safest country in the world in Numbeo’s 2025 Mid-Year Safety Index.
As we have seen in various lifestyle vlogs, even if you leave your belongings unattended in public places, they are unlikely to be stolen. How’s that for rizz?
7. Cultural Practices
From the five daily prayer calls echoing across the city to modest dress codes observed in public, Dubai’s cultural and religious practices are deeply respected.
For Indian students coming from a diverse but more liberal environment, adapting to these norms may take time. However, experiencing this cultural richness is also what makes studying in Dubai unique.
What Dubai teaches us is that, with its mix of modernity and tradition, it challenges students to adjust but also rewards them with safety, opportunities, and cultural depth.
For Indian students dreaming of studying in Dubai, these cultural shocks are less about obstacles and more about experiences that shape resilience and broaden perspectives. Embrace them, and you’ll find yourself not only studying in a new city but thriving in one of the most dynamic cultural crossroads in the world.
