Raising children in the Gulf: What every expat family should know

Time of India

24-07-2025

Gulf-based expat families navigate cultural values, schooling, and identity challenges while raising children in the region/Representative Image
TL;DR:
Parenting in the GCC as an expat comes with both privileges and pressures
Key concerns include education, language, faith, and legal guardianship rules
Countries like the
UAE
and Qatar offer expat-friendly policies and global schooling options
Family life is generally safe and culturally rich, but adapting takes effort
For millions of expat families across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, spanning the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait; parenting comes with a unique set of questions.
How do you balance cultural integration with preserving your child's identity? What schools offer the best globally recognized curriculums? And how do local laws affect your rights as a guardian?
Unlike traditional migration destinations in Europe or North America, the Gulf's expat population lives within systems where citizenship is rarely offered, local languages dominate public services, and family sponsorship is tightly regulated.
However, many GCC countries are making visible progress in becoming more accommodating to diverse parenting needs.
Education: More Than Just Academics
One of the biggest concerns for expat parents is schooling. Fortunately, GCC countries offer a wide variety of international curricula. In the UAE alone, there are over 200 private schools in Dubai offering British, American, Indian, IB, French, and other programs, according to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
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Qatar and Saudi Arabia have also expanded their private education sectors to meet expat demand. According to Oxford Business Group (2024), Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aims to increase private education enrollment from 14% to 25% by the end of the decade, creating more choices for expat families.
Still, costs are high, particularly in the UAE where fees for international schools can range from AED 12,000 ($3267) to over AED 100,000 ($27225) annually.
Parents are encouraged to compare accreditation, student-teacher ratios, and language support before enrolling.
Language and Identity: Navigating Cultural Fluidity
Raising bilingual or even trilingual children is common in the GCC, where English is widely used in private schools and workplaces, but Arabic dominates government services and media. Many families struggle with ensuring their children retain their native tongue while becoming proficient in both English and Arabic.
Cultural integration also plays a major role. Children often grow up in multicultural classrooms but may have limited engagement with local communities. Some parents enroll their kids in Arabic classes outside school, while others participate in national festivals and community events to help children understand their host country.
Legal Awareness: Know Your Rights as a Parent
It's critical for expat families to understand the legal framework around custody, guardianship, and residency.
In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, children's visas are linked to a parent's work permit—usually the father's. Mothers can now sponsor children in many cases, provided they meet certain income thresholds.
In the event of a divorce or death, guardianship rules in the Gulf can differ drastically from Western norms. For instance, personal status laws based on Sharia may prioritize a male relative for custody, though recent reforms in the UAE and Bahrain have made room for more equitable interpretations.
Parents are advised to maintain up-to-date legal documents, including custody agreements notarized in both their home country and host nation, and consult lawyers familiar with family law in the GCC.
Healthcare and Safety: A Regional Strength
Healthcare access for children is generally excellent across the Gulf, especially in the UAE and Qatar, which have invested heavily in world-class public and private hospitals. Expat families are typically required to carry health insurance as part of visa conditions.
As for safety, the GCC consistently ranks among the safest regions globally, with very low violent crime rates. A Numbeo 2025 mid-year safety index placed Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Sharjah among the world's top 15 safest cities.
This has allowed families to enjoy a lifestyle with frequent outdoor activities, mall outings, and community events, often with dedicated family-only zones.
Building Support Networks: You're Not Alone
Parenting as an expat can be isolating, especially when you're far from extended family.
Many turn to expat parenting forums, local meetup groups, and school-based communities for support. Platforms like Internations, ExpatWoman, and Mumsnet UAE provide practical tips, while cultural centres and embassies often host events to keep children connected with their roots.
Raising children in the Gulf as an expat is not without its challenges, but it also offers an unparalleled opportunity to raise globally minded, culturally fluent individuals.
With the region becoming more inclusive through educational reform, legal updates, and community infrastructure, families are finding it easier to plant roots, even temporarily.
Still, the onus remains on parents to remain informed, culturally respectful, and proactive about legalities, schooling, and integration. In a region where transitions are frequent and diversity is the norm, parenting becomes an exercise in flexibility, empathy, and long-term planning.