The United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation of seven emirates (states); Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah . The federation was formally established on 2 December 1971.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) occupies an area of 83,600 sq km along the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula . Qatar lies to the west, Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and Oman to the north and east. The capital and the largest city of the federation, Abu Dhabi , is located in the emirate of the same name.
Four-fifths of the UAE is desert, yet it is a country of contrasting landscapes, from awe-inspiring dunes to rich oases, precipitous rocky mountains to fertile plains.
The United Arab Emirates, one of the world's fastest growing tourist destinations, has all the right ingredients for an unforgettable holiday, sun, sand, sea, sports, unbeatable shopping, top-class hotels and restaurants, an intriguing traditional culture, and a safe and welcoming environment.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi , the capital, renowned for its oil wealth, is the richest of the seven emirates and has evolved over the last 30 years from a fishing village made of mud to a thriving, bustling city with skyscrapers adorning the skyline. A cosmopolitan and relaxed city Abu Dhabi has a large ex-pat population who make the most of the beautiful waterways and long Corniche (waterfront boardwalk). Abu Dhabi has a great nightlife and is renowned for its many social activities.
Dubai
Dubai Is probably the most well known city of the emirates. This city has become the centre of commerce, trade, industry and education for the Gulf region and as a result there is a large cosmopolitan ex-pat community with a wide support network. Dubai is considered to have the best nightlife in the Gulf and the shopping is second to none. This city is a wonderful mix of the best the Middle East has to offer with all the modern comforts mixed with the exotic culture of the region.
Al Ain
Al Ain is an oasis city located 140kms from Abu Dhabi on the Omani border. The city is home to the UAE University and is referred to as the “garden city” due to the large number of public gardens found throughout the area. The city has a wonderful museum, great markets and is surrounded by amazing country just waiting to be explored.
Sharjah
Shajah is one of the more conservative emirates and has strong ties to Saudi Arabia . There is a beautiful Corniche in Sharjah and it’s a great place to discover the world of carpets and mysterious Middle Eastern trinkets.
Hospitals in the United Arab Emirates
American Hospital Dubai - (AHD)
AHD opened in 1996 and is privately owned by a local family. ADH is a 143 bed private hospital run along American standards and holds JCI accreditation. The hospital provides comprehensive medical services to the local Arab and ex-pat community and has a high proportion of Western trained and qualified staff.
Contracts at the AHD are for two years and provide free flights (annual tickets), free accommodation (single contract in an apartment building downtown, married on a compound) with utilities paid, free medical and emergency dental, three weeks per year of service bonus at end of contract, and 30 days annual leave plus public holidays. Salaries are paid monthly in UAE Dirhams.
Al Corniche Hospital
Al Corniche Hospital is located on the waterfront and is a well established and highly regarded maternity facility. It is a 235 bed facility with 32 special care baby cots. The hospital is managed by the John Hopkins and is run to British standards. There is a high proportion of Western staff and the patients are a broad mix of the cosmopolitan community based in Abu Dhabi . Contracts with the Al Corniche are for one year and provide free flights, free accommodation, free transport to the hospital from the living quarters, free membership to the hospital social club (right on the beach) 5-6 weeks annual leave plus public holidays and three weeks bonus for completion of contract. Salaries are paid monthly in UAE Dirhams.
Shaikh Khalifa Medical Center - (SKMC)
SKMC opened in February 2000 in renovated buildings belonging to the Ministry of Health. The hospital is managed by the General Authority Health Service (GAHS )and is run along North American standards. The facility comprises of 500 beds and provides a broad scope of service, catering predominantly to the local Arab community.
Contracts at the SKMC are for 24 months, and include free flights, free accommodation (utilities are charged a small fee), 30 days annual leave plus public holidays. Salaries are paid monthly in $US.
Tawam Hospital
Tawam Hospital in Al Ain is a prestigious 400-bed hospital established 25 years ago. In early 2006, Tawam Hospital and Johns Hopkins entered into a management agreement. This started a trend and was and still is an indicator of the importance of healthcare not only in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, but for the country as well. Tawam has an established reputation for a high standard of care across a broad spectrum of specialties. It is the referral Oncology centre for the UAE and has advanced Paediatric and Acute Care facilities. Al Ain is approximately 1.5 hours by road from Abu Dhabi and is located on the Omani border next to an oasis.
Contracts with Tawam are for 12 months and provide free accommodation (most contracts provide single studio units), free flights (with a ticket at six months), generous leave and a one-month bonus at completion of contract. Salaries are paid monthly in UAE Dirhams.