Lifestyle in Dubai- A Student Perspective

Dubai, a city known for its extravagant infrastructure and luxurious lifestyle, is rapidly becoming a popular education hub for international students. Dubai is home to some of the best global university branches offering top-notch education, the question still pops up: 'How is the student lifestyle in Dubai?'

It’s only natural to be inquisitive about your student life when making the significant decision to study abroad. The answer is compelling, encompassing: big university campuses with unique, state-of-the-art facilities; a safe and secure environment for students from across the globe; the opportunity to be a part of the vibrant, touristic lifestyle in Dubai; and a culture familiar to many, especially those from India, which makes the transition easy to adapt to.

On this page, you will find everything you need to know about the student lifestyle in Dubai, its unique perks, and why it is quickly becoming a favorite global education destination.

Dubai: A truly Global City

Did you know that according to the Dubai Statistics Centre, Dubai is home to over 200 nationalities living and working in the UAE? The expatriate community is so large that it actually outnumbers the population of UAE nationals. This lifestyle in Dubai is a truly global city that enthusiastically welcomes people from all across the world to live, work, travel, and study.

As an Indian moving to study in Dubai, you'll feel right at home and find it easy to adapt to the language and culture, and make new friends. Because Indians form the largest foreign community in the UAE (followed by Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, other Asians, Europeans, and Africans), you'll often be in a pool of familiar culture and people. This support system will help you thrive in both your academic and professional journey. Additionally, Dubai's amazing geographic location means you can stay connected to home and the world at the same time. 

State-of-the-Art Campuses and Modern Accommodation

The university campus life in Dubai is a perfect mix of modern amenities and vibrant student engagement. Like most universities, they do offer on-campus dorms for student accommodation, but many universities partner with dedicated student accommodation providers located near academic hubs like Dubai International Academic City. These accommodations are specifically designed for students, offering a community feel with shared spaces, gyms, and shuttle services to and from campus.

The campuses themselves are state-of-the-art. Think futuristic libraries with vast digital and physical resources, modern labs for engineering and science, and design studios equipped with the latest technology. This infrastructure is purpose-built to facilitate learning and give students a competitive edge. Not only the infrastructure, but the extremely supportive student services help international students with all their hurdles, be it accommodation, student visas, jobs, or academic and personal adjustments.

The Exciting Life: Student Fun and Adventure in Dubai

Dubai is known as an exciting tourist destination, and it only makes sense for students to enjoy the country’s culture and lifestyle while on their academic stint. So, what can you do?

For those who love a thrill, you can go dune bashing and sandboarding on a desert safari or even try indoor skiing at Ski Dubai in the middle of the desert! If you’re looking to relax, the city's pristine public beaches like Kite Beach are perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying water sports. Dubai's iconic landmarks are also a huge draw for the lifestyle in Dubai. A walk through the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood offers a glimpse into the city's past, while a visit to the Burj Khalifa gives you a breathtaking view of its futuristic skyline. And don't forget the Dubai Fountain, a world-class choreographed water show that's completely free to watch. The best part? Many of these attractions offer student discounts, making them a lot more accessible.

The Taste of Dubai: Food Options in Dubai

For any Indian student moving abroad, one of the biggest anxieties is often: "Will I find my kind of food?" But, Thanks to the massive Indian expatriate population in Dubai, this worry quickly fades. The geographic closeness and cultural heritage makes the city's culinary landscape practically a mirror image of India. As an Indian student you will find every regional flavour, from the comforting South Indian idli and dosa to the rich North Indian butter chicken and biryani.

The lifestyle in Dubai offers spectacular fine-dining by celebrity chefs, the real student gems are the budget-friendly eateries, particularly in areas like Al Karama and Bur Dubai. A full meal at an affordable Indian restaurant typically costs between AED 10 to AED 30, easily fitting within a student's estimated monthly food budget of around AED 1,000. Look for chains like Saravanaa Bhavan for vegetarian favourites or Dhaba Lane for rich curries. For the utmost savings, supermarkets like Lulu Hypermarket are perfectly stocked with every necessary Indian grocery item for cooking at home, ensuring you never miss the taste of India while focusing on your studies.

Social Life in Dubai as a Student

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city with a buzzing social life for all walks of life be it students, professionals or families. As an Indian student you will experience a dynamic social life. Dubai has a specific education zone for universities and student accommodation at Dubai’s Academic Hub which makes it easier for students to connect with their peers. This combined with the city’s international diversity, makes connecting with fellow students easy. Additionally, working part-time in the city opens the door to a professional network that helps you experience the city's work and social culture up close and personal.

All major universities host an abundance of clubs and societies ranging from academic and sports groups to specific cultural associations for Indian students. These structured activities are ideal for meeting like-minded peers and transforming new acquaintances into lasting friends.

Outside of campus, Indian students can enjoy latest Bollywood movies, concerts, beaches and malls taking a much needed break from their hectic academic life. 

Dressing up as a Student in Dubai

As an Indian student, you'll find Dubai’s everyday fashion quite familiar, often blending western styles with our naturally modest way of dressing. While there is no official, strict dress code enforced by the government, a general rule of modesty in public places is strongly appreciated to respect the local Islamic culture.

For both men and women, the unspoken standard is to cover the shoulders and knees in public areas like shopping malls, supermarkets, and on the metro. Loose-fitting trousers, knee-length skirts, and sleeved tops are perfect. When visiting cultural or religious sites like mosques, however, full coverage is mandatory, and women should carry a scarf to cover their head. Swimwear is, naturally, restricted to the beaches and pool areas only.

For student-friendly fashion, stores such as H&M, Splash, and Brands for Less offer affordable options. Remember to keep your official International Student Identity Card (ISIC) handy, as it unlocks valuable discounts on transport, entertainment, and certain retail purchases, helping you dress stylishly without overspending.

Safety & Well-being

Safety and security are primary concerns for international students moving abroad, and Dubai is often considered the best choice for student safety. The city has been ranked number 1 globally by the global aggregator Numbeo in its 2025 Safety Index. This high standard is echoed by the 220,000 international enrolment across Dubai currently studying in Dubai, as reported by ICEF Monitor. The UAE has exceptionally strong laws against crime, and the Dubai student visa grants international students legal rights and protection. Additionally, on-campus student support services are always available to help address academic or personal issues. As a country, the lifestyle in Dubai respects all nationalities, granting residents the rights to practice their own religions and cultures, making for a safe and welcoming environment.

So, that’s a sneak peek into your student lifestyle in Dubai - an extraordinary blend of traditional and modern lifestyles; the day-to-day life of Emiratis is deep-rooted in culture, history and a vision for the future, similar to Indian heritage which build on strong cultural values and vision for a better future. This is why Indian students find it a very comforting place to study in Dubai as the lifestyle in Dubai feel so close home.Taking the cue from Indian professionals living in Dubai, Indian students can also take the same path that is a combination of learning, hard work, discipline and a good & comforting life. 

If this fascinating student life in Dubai attracts you then speak to an  AECC expert today and find the best universities, programmes to study in Dubai.