Iranians in the United Arab Emirates
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 500,000 (2015)[1] 5-8% of the UAE population[1] 800,000 (estimates, 2012) [2] more than 8% of the UAE population | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Dubai | |
| Languages | |
| Arabic, Persian, Achomi, Balochi, Kurdish, and other languages of Iran. (see Languages of Iran). | |
| Religion | |
| Sunni Islam, Shi'a | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Iranian diaspora (Iranians of UAE • Ajam of Bahrain • Ajam of Qatar • Ajam of Iraq • 'Ajam of Kuwait • Iranians of Canada • Iranians of America • Iranians of UK • Iranians of Germany • Iranians of Israel • Iranians in Turkey) Iranian Peoples (Lurs, Achomis, Baluchs, Kurds, Iranian Azeris), Turkic peoples (Qashqai, Azerbaijanis), Huwala |
Emirati Iranians or Emirati Persians are residents of the United Arab Emirates of Iranian national background. The community accounts for 5-8% of the country's population and is highly respected for its contributions to the social and economic fabric of the UAE.
Demographics
[edit]Due to the geographical proximity between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, Persians were among the first major groups of foreign settlers in the region, with a history dating back to the 1810s.[3] Over time, they have become a deeply rooted and respected community within the UAE.
Persians who resided in the Trucial States prior to 1925 or before the formation of the union were offered the Emirati citizenship as per Article 17 of the United Arab Emirates Citizenship and Passport Law of Year 1972.[4]
Today, the UAE is home to an estimated 500,000 to 800,000 Iranian expatriates, the majority of whom live in Dubai.[5] The Iranian Club in Dubai serves as a cultural and social hub for Iranian expatriates, preserving their cultural heritage and providing a space for community activities.
The Iranian population in the UAE also includes smaller communities of Emirati Balochs (Baloch people living in the UAE) and Iranian Arabs from Hormozgan.[6] The community is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, with over 8,000 Iranian-backed businesses operating in Dubai, contributing significantly to the local economy. These businesses collectively hold more than $300 billion in assets within the UAE.[7]
Business and organizations
[edit]
The Emirati Iranian community is highly respected and has established a strong presence in various sectors, including trade, healthcare, and real estate. There are over 8,000 Iranian-backed businesses in Dubai, ranging from small enterprises to large conglomerates. The Iranian Business Council - Dubai and the Iranian Hospital in Dubai are among the key institutions that serve the community and beyond.
Iran maintains a consulate-general in Dubai, which plays a crucial role in diplomatic relations and supporting the needs of Iranian nationals in the UAE.
Religion
[edit]The Emirati Iranian community practices a mix of Sunni and Shia Islam, reflecting the religious diversity of Iran. The community is also home to a significant number of Bahá'ís. Among the most notable religious sites are the Iranian Mosque in Bur Dubai and the Iranian Mosque in Satwa, which serve as cultural and religious centers for Iranians in the UAE.
Cultural integration
[edit]The Emirati Iranian community is not only integrated into the UAE's diverse social fabric but is also held in high esteem for its contributions to the country's development. Iranians in the UAE have maintained a balance between preserving their rich cultural heritage and actively participating in the UAE's economic growth. This integration has fostered mutual respect and a strong sense of community between Iranians and other ethnic groups within the UAE.
Notable people
[edit]- Huda Al-Khatib - Emirati actress of Achomi ancestry. She appeared in the Kuwaiti serial "Al-Da'la" where she speaks broken Arabic, and mixes it with Persian/Achomi,[8][9] the serial has a full scene in which the character she plays is learning the Arabic language and sings the Laristani/Achomi/Khudmuni/Bastaki song "Ghalyon ma teshn, ghori ma chai, yar nazanin, jaye to khali" (My hookah has no fire, my teapot has no tea, my beloved, your place is empty).[10]
- Ibtessam Al-Bastaki - Emirati doctor of Achomi ancestry.
- Khadija Al-Bastaki - Emirati businesswoman of Achomi ancestry.
- Ahllam - Emirati singer, of paternal Ahvazi and maternal Tehrani ancestry.
Gallery
[edit]-
Huda Al-Khatib -
Ibtessam Al-Bastaki -
Khadija Al-Bastaki -
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "UAE´s population – by nationality". BQ Magazine. 12 April 2015. Archived from the original on 11 July 2015. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
- ^ "Iranian National Organization for Civil Registration: More than 2 million Iranians live in the U.S.A and the U.A.E" (in Persian). Radio Farda. September 7, 2012. Retrieved 11 April 2017.
- ^ Jones, Jeremy (2007). Negotiating Change: The New Politics of the Middle East. I.B. Tauris. pp. 184–186. ISBN 9781845112707.
{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help) - ^ "UAE Citizenship and Passport Law of Year 1972, Article 17". Archived from the original on 2018-08-05. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
- ^ "UAE soldiers to learn Persian". Alarabiya.net. 2011-04-09. Retrieved 2012-12-10.
- ^ Abdelkhah, Fariba (16 September 2015). The Thousand and One Borders of Iran: Travel and Identity. Routledge. p. 9. ISBN 9781317418979.
- ^ "Gulf Cooperation Council Summit: What Does It Have in Store for Iran?". 22 May 2019. Archived from the original on 2020-09-19. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
- ^ ali ahmad (2017-03-19). خودموني. Retrieved 2024-10-23 – via YouTube.
- ^ Series and films 29 (2019-08-30). مسلسل الدعلة الحلقة1. Retrieved 2024-10-23 – via YouTube.
{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Dailymotion". www.dailymotion.com. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
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