Introduction
what people in Dubai are called? The various terms used to describe the citizens and residents of this vibrant city. We'll look at the history of the region, the demographics of the population, and the different terms used for citizens and non-citizen residents. Whether you're an expatriate living in Dubai or a curious traveler, this post will provide you with the information you need to know about the people of Dubai.
2. Historical Context
The people of Dubai have a long and storied history, stretching back centuries. The region has been home to many different civilizations over the years, including those of the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Persians. During the 18th century, it was part of the Ottoman Empire.
In 1833, a group of Bani Yas tribesmen from what is now Abu Dhabi settled in Dubai and established a small fishing village along the coast. This settlement would become known as Al Wasl. In 1894, Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum became ruler of Dubai, ushering in an era of prosperity and development for the region.By 1971, when it joined with six other Emirates to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it had become one of the most powerful cities-states in the region.
Over the next few decades, Dubai continued to grow and expand its influence in trade and commerce across the Arabian Peninsula.
Today, Dubai is considered to be one of the wealthiest cities in the world due to its diversified economy based on oil production as well as banking and tourism sectors. As such, its population is highly cosmopolitan with people from all over Asia, Europe and Africa calling it home.
Demographics
People in Dubai are living in 106+Countries, nationalities, backgrounds, and religions. The UAE has the highest percentage of expats in the world - over 80% of its population is foreign-born.
The most common language spoken in Dubai is Urdu,Hindi, English and Arabic. There are also many other languages spoken, Farsi,spainsh, Tagalog, and Chinese.
Dubai has one of the most diverse populations in the Middle East with people coming from over 200 countries around the world.
The majority religion practiced in Dubai is Islam with over 85% of UAE residents being Muslim according to estimates from 2022. Other faiths represented include Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism and Buddhism.
4. Citizens of the UAE
The citizens of each Emirate are known as Emiratis, and they make up around 40% of the population of Dubai. Emiratis are mainly from Bedouin tribes, and although they have adopted modern lifestyles, traditional values remain strong within the culture.
5. Non-Citizen Residents
The population of Dubai is not made up exclusively of Emiratis. In fact, foreign-born residents make up a large proportion of the city’s population, with over 80% being non-citizens.
These include people from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines and China as well as many other nations. These non-citizen residents are often referred to as expatriates or sometimes simply “expat” for short.
Emiratis
- Emiratis are the citizens of Dubai, making up around 40% of the population.
- They are mainly from Bedouin tribes and have a unique set of traditions that include wearing traditional garments, observing prayer times, and practicing hospitality.
- Despite embracing modernity, traditional values remain very important to many Emirati families and religion plays a large role in their daily life.
Expatriates
Expatriates are a large part of the population in Dubai. Many come to the city for better job opportunities, a higher quality of life, and to be part of an increasingly diverse and dynamic society. The UAE government has made it easier for expats to stay long-term by introducing policies that aim to simplify the process of obtaining visas and residence permits.
Expats are found in many sectors such as hospitality, finance, IT, sales and marketing, medical services, teaching, and engineering. There is also a growing number of retirees settling down in Dubai who enjoy the same benefits as locals such as healthcare services and access to education. Furthermore, expatriates play an important role in the success of Dubai’s economy due to their hard work and commitment.
8. Business Visitors
Business visitors to Dubai are known as 'Emirati professionals'. This is a term used to describe those who travel to the city for business-related purposes, such as attending conferences, conducting negotiations, or engaging in corporate activities. The majority of these travelers come from the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world.
The Emirati culture is one that places great emphasis on respect and hospitality. As such, visitors are welcomed with open arms and expected to abide by all local customs and regulations while in the city. This includes dressing appropriately (long sleeves/pants), refraining from public displays of affection, and avoiding loud or disruptive behavior.
Tourists
When a person visits Dubai, they are typically referred to as a tourist. The word 'tourist' is derived from the Latin word 'torus', meaning to turn or go around. As such, tourists are people who travel for leisure, business or educational purposes, and often visit places of interest or attractions during their stay.
Dubai has become one of the most popular destinations in the world for both leisure and business travellers. It has become synonymous with luxury and extravagance due to its reputation for hosting some of the best shopping malls, hotels and beaches in the world. Many tourists come to Dubai in search of a unique experience that they cannot find anywhere else in the world.
The official language of Dubai is Arabic but English is widely spoken, particularly in business settings. Most people living in Dubai are bilingual, speaking both languages fluently. Visitors to the city will find that it is easy to get around with English as most signs and directions are written in both English and Arabic.
In addition to the two main languages, Hindi and Urdu
The city also attracts many business professionals looking to tap into its booming economy and take advantage of its strategic location between Europe, Africa and Asia. For this reason, Dubai has become an increasingly attractive destination for international businesses which have established offices here. Language
Religion
Religion is an important part of life in Dubai, with the majority of the population following Islam. The official religion of Dubai is Islam and visitors should be aware of its customs and traditions when visiting. People in Dubai are generally very tolerant towards other religions and beliefs, however it is best to respect their values while showing proper decorum.
In public areas such as malls and streets, it is important to be mindful of how you dress. Women should cover their arms and legs to show respect for local culture, while men should not wear shorts or tank tops. Additionally, all religious symbols should be removed from clothing before entering certain mosques or other holy places.
During Ramadan, which is a month-long period of fasting between sunrise and sunset, visitors should observe silence and refrain from eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.
12. Dress Code
The dress code in Dubai is quite relaxed compared to other parts of the Middle East, but there are still certain rules and regulations that visitors should be aware of. While shorts and t-shirts are generally acceptable for men and women in tourist areas, more conservative clothing is recommended when visiting malls and streets. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and wear clothes that cover their legs at least to the knee. Women should also ensure that their clothing is not too revealing.
13. Cultural Celebrations
Cultural celebrations are a big part of life in Dubai. Many of the city’s festivities, including Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, are based on Islamic traditions and holidays. During these times, families come together to celebrate with feasts and special activities.
The Dubai Shopping Festival is also held annually and attracts visitors from all over the world who come for great discounts, entertainment, fireworks displays and other attractions. It is one of the biggest events in the city and brings together people from different backgrounds for an unforgettable experience.
The National Day of the United Arab Emirates is celebrated on December 2nd each year with parades, concerts and other festivities throughout Dubai. The event marks the anniversary of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's rule as President of the UAE, honouring his legacy with flag-raising ceremonies throughout the country.
The Burj Khalifa is lit up in spectacular fashion every New Year’s Eve as part of a massive firework display which includes music performances by international artists. The show has become a tradition for many locals who gather around to watch it every year.
Other cultural celebrations include Holi – a Hindu festival that celebrates love; Diwali – an Indian festival celebrating light over darkness; Christmas – when decorations line many streets throughout Dubai; and Ramadan – during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset each day for a month in order to practice religious devotion while reflecting on their spiritual journey.
No matter what time of year you visit Dubai, there will always be something interesting happening! So why not join in on the festivities? With so many exciting cultural events taking place throughout the year, everyone can find something to suit their interests!
