Expatriates in the United Arab Emirates

Expatriates in the United Arab Emirates
Total population
9.66 million (2025 est.)
Approximately 89% of the UAE population
Regions with significant populations
Dubai • Abu Dhabi • Sharjah
Languages
English (lingua franca) • Arabic • Hindi • Malayalam • Urdu • Pashto • Tagalog • Persian • Russian • Others
Religion
Islam • Christianity • Hinduism • Others
Related ethnic groups
Expatriates in Kuwait

Expatriates in the United Arab Emirates represent about 89% of the population, while Emiratis constitute roughly 11% of the total population, making the UAE home to the world's highest percentage of expatriates after the Vatican City.

Most immigrants reside in Dubai and the capital, Abu Dhabi. The UAE is home to over 200 nationalities. Indians and Pakistanis form the largest expatriate groups in the country, constituting 28% and 16% of the total population respectively. Westerners in the United Arab Emirates make up around 5% of its total population.