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What is it about? The population of the Arab Emirates is slightly less than 9.5 million people, however, locals number barely more than a million. The rest are expatriates.
What to pay attention to? The indigenous population of the emirates enjoys several benefits: free healthcare and education, interest-free marriage loans, and high pensions. However, visitors are also offered conditions that they clearly couldn't get in their home countries.
Dubai is the most densely populated region of the UAE, with more than 3.5 million people. As of 2024, the population of the United Arab Emirates is distributed as follows:
Notably, native Arabs and UAE citizens do not constitute the majority of the population. Indians make up the largest share — 2.5–3 million people. They are followed by Pakistanis — 1.2–1.5 million.
UAE citizens rank only third in terms of population — in 2018, there were 1,034,568 of them. Currently, this number has increased to about 1.15 million. Interestingly, the number of citizens is counted down to the last person, while data for expatriates is approximate. This is because the former are strictly accounted for, while migrants are not strictly counted.
In fourth place are expatriates from Bangladesh, numbering between 700,000 and 1 million. They are followed by Filipinos with 500–700 thousand, Iranians and Egyptians, Nepalese and Sri Lankans — each around 400–500 thousand.
UAE citizens mainly work in management: in banks, police, customs, and other government institutions. Low-paid work is mainly performed by expatriates (except for European managers and specialists). Such diversity of ethnic groups makes the country's demographics particularly interesting.
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More than 50% of the Arab Emirates population consists of people between 20 and 40 years old. This is explained by the fact that usually young people are invited to work.
The birth rate in the country significantly exceeds the death rate. According to 2018 data, about 100,000 people were born in the Emirates, while only about 14,000 died. This is because the main workforce consists of young and healthy people.
Life expectancy in the UAE is high: 77.44 years for men and 79.46 years for women. In Russia, these figures are 66.49 and 76.43 years respectively. In the UAE, life expectancy increases each year. In Russia, there is a trend towards its decline.
Very recently, the UAE was a small, poor state where people had to struggle for survival by fishing and farming, growing vegetables and dates. Now the Emirates has become a global business capital with developed infrastructure, beautiful nature, magnificent beaches, and numerous entertainments.
Let's look at a brief history of the region's development. The UAE is located on the Persian Gulf coast, where vast hydrocarbon reserves were discovered in the subsoil. It was these oil riches that made the region successful and prosperous. The country is relatively young: half a century ago, there were neither modern cities nor infrastructure.
In those times, each of the seven territories was ruled by a monarch. In the early 1970s, these lands united. As a result, a state was formed that is now called the United Arab Emirates. Its first leader was Sheikh Zayed, who was known as an influential political figure.
Currently, the population of the Arab Emirates exceeds 8 million people, however, only 15% of them are local citizens, while the main part of residents consists of visiting workers from Asian and other countries.
Native UAE residents have a high income level. Moreover, they are provided with everything necessary from birth, so they don't even need to work. Typically, Arabs in the UAE hold management positions, run businesses, or work in government structures.
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With the launch of major construction projects, many of them moved to other countries where life is calmer. However, representatives of the indigenous population can always return to their homeland.
Business initiatives are encouraged in the country. The average salary for Arabs is about 4,000 dollars. Many begin working during their school years. After university graduation, the salary increases to 10,000 dollars. Women in the UAE have the same rights as men. Local residents' income gradually increases due to accumulated experience and skill advancement.
In the UAE, people honour local traditions and rules. Meanwhile, feminism gradually began to influence society, resulting in women being freed from their traditional subordinate role. Now they can even be seen in parliament.
At age 21, every man is provided with a plot of land and money for house construction. This law does not apply to women. When a married couple has their third child, the loan given at the wedding is automatically cancelled.
An Arab man can have up to four wives, but under two key conditions. First, each must have her own house, personal servants, and receive gifts worth at least 30,000 dollars. Second, the man must obtain consent for the new marriage from all current wives.
Women in the Emirates wear modest and uniform clothing, often in black, with mandatory head covering. The burqa is often part of the wardrobe. Strict dress requirements apply not only to local women but also to foreigners. Regardless of weather, shoulders must be covered, sleeves must be long.
Parents of newborns in the UAE receive $60,000 from the state and a significant plot of land for house construction. But the privileges for local residents don't end there:
With such generous benefits, indigenous residents enjoy life, actively creating families and raising children. However, the main population flow consists of expatriates invited for certain positions, or labour migrants seeking to settle in Dubai and other parts of the UAE.
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A work visa issued by an Arab company provides an official right of entry to the country and is issued for one year with the possibility of extension. The employer is responsible for this. However, it's important for the worker to timely remind the employer about the visa expiration date. Otherwise, they might face delays in its extension and risk deportation.
The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country. 95% of citizens visit mosques daily and pray. This greatly influences local traditions and lifestyle. Residents tend to do everything unhurriedly. Being late for business meetings is common.
Nevertheless, in personal relationships and friendship, UAE residents show themselves as very warm and friendly. If you earn their trust, you might be invited to their home and offered help, however, you shouldn't abuse their kindness.
In the United Arab Emirates, there are certain rules of behaviour and traditions that are important to consider:
In Dubai, most people are accustomed to European customs, so minor violations of local rules often go unnoticed and don't cause significant problems. But serious mistakes can lead to a warning. Police are rarely involved, only when the situation becomes flagrant.
Tourists and travellers should wear modest clothing. Men should wear trousers and shirts; women should wear covered sleeves, trousers/skirts to comply with traditions.
In the United Arab Emirates, local residents' income is about 7,000 US dollars per month. But this figure varies depending on profession, education level, and work experience. The most common monthly salary in the country is about 2,300 dollars.
There are approximately 25,000 Russian citizens in the UAE and about 40,000 Russian-speaking residents in total. In Dubai, they most often settle in areas such as Dubai Marina and the artificial island Palm Jumeirah. Business Bay and Downtown Dubai are now growing in popularity.
In the United Arab Emirates, this possibility exists. However, becoming a UAE citizen is very difficult. You must legally live in the country for at least 30 years without any criminal record. You need to be fluent in Arabic and renounce citizenship of other countries. You must demonstrate a high level of income and education, and pass a security check.
However, the laws don't specify concrete requirements for income and education. This means that rejection can be issued for any reason.
The population of the Arab Emirates is very diverse. It consists of Arabs, invited specialists from other countries, and labour migrants. When visiting the UAE, it's necessary to respect local residents, their traditions, and behavioural norms. This way, you can get maximum enjoyment from your stay in the country and avoid conflicts.
Article header image source: oneinchpunch / shutterstock.com
