Why Muslims Are Making Hijrah and Choosing the UAE
One Muslim Mum's reflections on why more families are making the move
A Heartfelt Hijrah
As a mum, I always dreamed of living somewhere that understands and respects our faith, where my kids could grow up hearing the adhan, seeing Islam naturally around them, and feeling proud of who they are
Hijrah isn’t always about escaping hardship. Sometimes, it’s simply about wanting better, a calmer life, a place to raise your family in peace, where your values feel safe and supported.
For many of us whether we’ve come from the UK, USA, Australia, or elsewhere the UAE has become that place. You can live your faith openly, comfortably. Your kids aren’t the “odd ones out” for bringing a prayer mat to school or fasting during Ramadan. And you don’t have to feel out of place for dressing modestly, it’s just part of life here.
If you're thinking about making that move, you’re not alone. This article is just a friendly, honest look at why so many families are choosing the UAE not just for a better lifestyle, but to feel more at home in their deen.
Why the UAE Feels Like Home to Many Muslim Families
Let’s be honest no place is perfect. Moving anywhere involves adjustments. But the UAE offers a unique blend of modern life with an Islamic soul that many families find incredibly supportive. It’s about finding a place where the day-to-day realities make practising your faith feel more natural, less of an uphill struggle.
1. Why the UAE Provides an Ideal Islamic Environment
The adhan (call to prayer) is publicly broadcast across cities, providing a constant spiritual reminder.
Friday holds special significance, most schools and workplaces across the UAE finish early on Fridays to allow time for Jumu’ah (Friday prayer) and family.
In Sharjah, the government has officially adopted a three-day weekend: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, enhancing the opportunity for family and faith-focused activities.
Masajid are abundant, many with dedicated women’s prayer spaces.
Islamic education options are plentiful – from Qur’an classes to full-time Islamic schools.
Modesty is the cultural norm in most public spaces.
It’s reassuring to know that your core values are respected here. Raising children with Islam at the centre feels not only possible but supported. (Of course, nurturing faith always requires personal effort from the family too.)
2. The UAE: A Safer Place to Raise Your Family
The UAE is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, especially for families. While safety rankings can vary depending on the source, expats consistently highlight the low crime rates, visible policing, and family-friendly environment as major factors in their decision to relocate. Public spaces are clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed with children and community in mind.
For many parents, this sense of peace and everyday security is a huge relief whether it's walking home after maghrib, letting kids play at the park, or attending community events.
For Muslim families, the cultural and legal framework of the UAE supports modesty, respect, and family values. Public conduct laws — such as bans on public intoxication or inappropriate behaviour — help create an environment that aligns with Islamic principles and feels reassuring for those raising children.
For women, especially those relocating alone, the UAE offers a high level of personal safety. Solo female expats commonly report feeling comfortable using public transport, walking around after dark, and accessing services independently — something not always possible in other parts of the world.
Low crime rates are a well-known feature of life in the Emirates. While minor incidents can happen anywhere, violent crime is rare, and serious crimes are dealt with swiftly and firmly. Policing is visible but not overbearing, and the country has a well-respected justice system that deters most criminal behaviour.
Family-friendly design is also part of what makes the UAE feel safe. Residential areas often include fenced play parks, clean pedestrian walkways, shaded green spaces, and community masajid — encouraging children to play outside and families to build social bonds without fear.
Community matters too. In many areas, neighbours look out for one another, and it's not uncommon to find WhatsApp groups for buildings, compounds, or neighbourhoods that help keep everyone informed and connected. Whether you’re in a high-rise in Dubai or a villa compound in Sharjah, this shared sense of care enhances the overall feeling of safety.
3. Islamic Schooling Options for Families in the UAE
Whether you’re looking for full-time Islamic schooling or a strong academic curriculum that includes Arabic and Qur'an, the UAE offers choices across its emirates:
Curricula: British, American, IB, and dedicated Islamic curricula are all available.
Islamic Schools: Well-regarded private Islamic schools can be found throughout the UAE.
Homeschooling: Networks and support exist for families choosing that path. A full homeschooling article is available here
Private Tuition: Plenty of options for private tuition in Qur’an, Arabic, or academic subjects.
Nurseries: Many incorporate an Islamic ethos into early years learning.
(Comparing schools, fees, and admissions can feel overwhelming it's something we often help families navigate during our chats, making it less of a guessing game.)
4. How the UAE Supports Spiritual Growth
The UAE can offer more space not just physically, but mentally and spiritually to focus on your deen, if that's something you actively seek.
You’ll find opportunities like:
Women’s halaqahs (study circles) and Islamic classes in English and Arabic.
Qur’an learning programmes for children and adults.
Sisters-only events and community networks for connection.
Easy access to masajid, often within walking distance in residential areas.
A diverse community of people who share the desire to grow in faith.
Whether you're moving for your children, your marriage, or your own soul the environment here can genuinely feel like a breath of fresh air, InshaAllah.
5. Career, Business, and Lifestyle Opportunities in the UAE
Naturally, practicalities matter too. Many move to the UAE for opportunities to work, build a business, and live comfortably.
No personal income tax, enhancing take-home pay.
High demand for professionals in key sectors like education, healthcare, tech, finance, etc.
Business Setup: Establishing a business, particularly in Free Zones, can be relatively straightforward.
Remote Work: Increasingly common and feasible.
Affordable Help: Access to relatively affordable services (compared to many Western countries) like childcare, housekeeping, and transport.
Whether you’re focused on career progression, starting something new, or just aiming for a better work-life balance, there are avenues here.
A Few Stats to Keep in Mind
The UAE hosts one of the largest populations of foreign-born Muslims globally.
A significant number of Western expats live in the UAE, with a noticeable and growing portion being Muslim families actively choosing this environment over Western societies.
Key Things to Consider Before Making Hijrah
While the positives are many, it’s wise to go into hijrah with your eyes open. Like any big move, it requires planning and adjustment.
Visas
It's not just one type! There’s a whole range:
Work Visas: Tied to employers.
Family Sponsorship: For dependents.
Property-Linked Visas: For property owners.
Longer-Term Visas: Golden or Green visas for investors and skilled professionals.
Understanding which pathway seems most suitable for your family's circumstances and long-term goals is really important. While we can help you understand the common visa routes based on typical family situations, for formal application advice and complex cases, we always connect our clients with a trusted visa expert. This specialist has years of experience helping families relocate successfully and comes highly recommended by others who have made the journey themselves. (Getting the visa strategy right from the start is key.)
Cost of Living
Costs in the UAE vary significantly based on lifestyle, chosen area, and personal preferences so thoughtful budgeting is essential. Typically, the largest expenses for families relocating include housing and schooling. However, daily living expenses like groceries, transport, utilities (SEWA in Sharjah), internet, and phone bills also need careful consideration.
At Thrive in UAE, we help you build a realistic, detailed budget tailored to your family’s specific needs. We provide clear insights into expected monthly expenses such as:
Rent & Housing Costs
School Fees
Utilities (electricity and water SEWA in Sharjah, DEWA in Dubai)
Internet & Phone Plans
Groceries & Household Expenses
Transport & Fuel Costs
Healthcare & Insurance
Miscellaneous daily living costs
Our goal is to help you prepare financially, feel confident about your decisions, and avoid unexpected surprises once you arrive.
Cultural Differences
While it's a very welcoming place and English is common, expect adjustments. Things might work differently than you're used to back home, from administrative tasks to social interactions. Patience and an open mind make the transition much smoother.
Sabr (Patience) is Still Your Friend
Hijrah doesn't instantly solve every challenge it takes time, patience, and faith. Finding your feet, building friendships, kids settling into school, establishing routines it all takes time and effort, just like anywhere. The key difference many find is that the effort feels purposeful, directed towards living more closely aligned with their faith and family values.
Considering Hijrah? Let's Chat!
If this article struck a chord with you if you're feeling that gentle nudge to explore a move that could better serve your faith and family then maybe I can help. We understand this is a huge decision, driven by the heart as much as the head.
At Thrive in UAE, we offer friendly, practical support:
Personalised advice focused on your family's specific needs and hopes.
Clear, family-focused relocation plans.
Guidance on finding the right area, housing, and understanding schooling options.
Guidance to understand potential visa routes, connecting you with our trusted visa partner an expert with years of experience, highly recommended by families who've successfully relocated for formal advice and application support.
Help and support even after you've arrived, to help you settle in.
At Thrive in UAE, we offer a free, friendly consultation chat. It’s not a formal planning session just an open space to talk about your hopes, ask questions, and get some general guidance from someone who understands the journey.
No pressure, no obligations just a chance to explore the idea together.
Why Not Book a Free Consultation Chat?
(Let’s take the first step together, Insha’Allah.)
