Expatriates applying for a UAE resident visa will soon pass a mandatory test of knowledge of local culture. The introduction of mandatory testing of foreigners on knowledge of the traditions and customs of the country where they plan to work and live was initiated by the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates.
According to the first vice speaker of the Council, Ahmed Shabib Al-Dairi, the need for testing motivates the expatriates to more seriously study the cultural characteristics of the Emirate’s society, which, often, are fundamentally different from what foreigners are used to in their homeland.
“Many expatriates have little knowledge of the customs and culture of the UAE, so they unknowingly violate not only elementary standards of behavior and decency, but also the law. We believe that preparing for the test will give them the opportunity to better know the country where they are going to live. It will be mutually beneficial for foreigners, and for the emirates. "
The committee entrusted with the development of the test will be formed by October of this year. The educational function is assigned to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Social Development of the UAE, which will organize lectures and courses to prepare for the test. The test is planned to be introduced in early 2010.
