Culture in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a distinctive demographic profile characterized by a large expatriate population. As of 2024, the total population is estimated at approximately 10.7 million, of which only around 1.5 million are Emirati citizens, representing roughly 14% of the total population. The remaining 9.2 million are foreign nationals, primarily from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and other Arab countries. This demographic composition has a significant impact on the UAE’s culture, labor market, housing, and social policies.

The high proportion of expatriates reflects the UAE’s long-standing strategy of attracting foreign talent to support its rapid economic development, especially in sectors like construction, services, finance, and technology. Emirati citizens remain a minority, which shapes cultural preservation policies, national identity initiatives, and public resource management.

Despite the demographic imbalance, Emirati culture is strongly influenced by Islamic traditions, Arabic heritage, and Bedouin customs. National identity is reinforced through education, media, cultural festivals, and government programs that promote traditional arts, music, poetry, and cuisine.

Key Demographic Figures – UAE (Approximate)

Indicator

UAE Statistics (2024)

Total Population

10,700,000

Emirati Citizens

~14%

Expatriate Population

~86%

Population Rank Globally

109 (approx.)

Nationality

Emirati

Ethnic Groups

Arab (20%), South Asian (50%), Other Asian (30%)

Languages Spoken

Arabic (official), English widely used in business and daily communication, other languages include Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, and Malayalam.

Religions

Islam (official religion, approx. 76%), Christianity (approx. 13%), Hinduism (approx. 6%), Other (approx. 5%)

Cultural Highlights

  • National Festivals: UAE National Day, Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and cultural events like the Dubai Shopping Festival celebrate both heritage and modernity.

  • Traditional Arts and Crafts: Emirati culture preserves practices such as falconry, dhow building, weaving, and pottery.

  • Cuisine: Traditional dishes like majboos, harees, and dates remain culturally significant, alongside international cuisine due to the diverse population.

  • Modern Cultural Influence: The UAE blends traditional heritage with contemporary arts, architecture, and entertainment, exemplified in landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Dubai Opera.

The UAE’s cultural landscape is therefore a unique combination of a small native population maintaining heritage and a large expatriate community contributing to cosmopolitan diversity.