VIDEO: British expat praises UAE’s coexistence after school’s Islamic studies choice
- Last updated: April 28, 2026 | 08:05
UAE’s coexistence has once again come to the forefront as a defining feature of the nation’s identity.
Rooted in values of tolerance, respect, and cultural diversity, the country continues to bring together people from over 200 nationalities who live and work in harmony.
Initiatives led by the government, along with everyday interactions among residents, reflect a shared commitment to peaceful coexistence. In a world often marked by division, the UAE stands out as a model of unity—where different cultures, religions, and traditions are not just accepted, but celebrated.
This time, a British expat was bamboozled by the values schools hold in the UAE.
The expat, who goes by the name, Big Frank, told Gulf Today that his children were shifted from an Islamic learning classroom in Ajman on the grounds that the kids would not take interest in studies.
Frank took to his Instagram account said shared a video explaining how the UAE, and Dubai, especially, values all religion and cultures.
Frank captioned the video, “THE UAE KEEPS GETTING IT RIGHT…” and goes on to explain, “
My kids, Delaney and Adelaide, were booted out of Islamic class. Now you might think that I sound angry about that and I was at first but let me tell you the reason why. So in the UAE clearly it's a Muslim country so they learn about Islam. My children were taken out of Islamic class and put into another classroom while they studied it. So I was like well why is that?
“With my UK mindset thinking that they were being excluded from something.”
Frank elaborated further, “When in actual fact the school didn't want to offend me and my wife by teaching our children something we didn't like. So to compare that to the UK where Islam is forced down your throat, here in a Muslim country they actually didn't want to teach our children about it because they thought it would be rude.
“We obviously said no. This is a Muslim country. Our children's friends will be Muslim. The country is Muslim. They should learn about Islam.
“If they want to be Muslim, that's fine. If they don't, they don't. But they should at least learn about it. So yeah, crazy. What a great place this is.”
When we asked Frank about life in the UAE, he said, “We live in Ajman and have done for just over a year now. We absolutely love it!
“Dubai is amazing but Ajman is more affordable and less busy. Perfect for us. And we get to still enjoy Dubai as tourists… haha.
“I honestly think the UAE is incredible. I love the leadership here. I think they are forward thinking. Open minded. And incredibly humble.”
About the community, Frank stated that, “The locals, I can’t even start to say how much I love them. They are nicer to me than my own family and have welcomed us with open arms and full hearts. I love them a lot.”
Frank concluded that, “My daughters Delaney and Adelaide are safe. Happy. In the sun… And have a bright future in this country.”