TheEmirati diaspora (Arabic:الإماراتيون المغتربون) comprisesEmirati citizens who have emigrated from theUnited Arab Emirates (UAE) to other countries, and people of Emirati descent born or residing in other countries.
A part of the worldwideArab diaspora, the Emirati diaspora is very small, mainly because of the adequate opportunities provided to citizens in the UAE, removing the need for many to live and work in other countries. Many UAE locals also prefer not to work in menial jobs, opting for well paid government jobs instead. However, some skilled Emirati nationals move abroad to avail better work opportunities or gain valuable experience. According to one report, two out of three UAE nationals who moved abroad tended to have skilled credentials.[18] In response to this, and with the growing number of positions in both the public and private sectors in the UAE over the past few years, the UAE government has promotedEmiratisation and started an initiative called "Return2Home" as part of areverse brain drain, encouraging job opportunities for expatriate Emiratis returning home.[19][20][21]
In addition, many Emiratis go abroad for purposes such as pursuing education in foreign universities,[22] tourism, medical treatment[23] or conducting business. For many Emirati students, studying abroad is an experience of broadening their horizons, international experience and work opportunities, while also reinforcing and keeping most their cultural values.[24][25]
Most of the small Emirati diaspora is concentrated in theMiddle East (mainly theGCC),North America, parts ofEurope andAustralia. The UAE maintains an extensive diplomatic presence and network of embassies throughout the world.[26]
Emirati nationality law does not offerdual citizenship, hence those who become citizens of other countries have to give up their UAE nationality. The giving up of UAE citizenship is generally frowned upon in Emirati society.[27] Government figures show that around 250 Emiratis became British citizens between 1990 and 2012, while a few others also gained American and Western citizenships over the years. Most such cases are typically of those who have been settled in their resident countries for long periods, or have married foreign spouses.[27]
Many UAE nationals live, study or work in theArab states of the Arabian Gulf which form theGCC. This is made easier by the fact that citizens of GCC states enjoyfreedom of movement throughout all the GCC member countries, including the right to reside and work, with almost no restrictions.[28][29]
The population of Emirati-Americans is estimated at a few thousand. Most UAE nationals in the US are international students.[34][35] There is also a small Emirati population inCanada, which includes students.[36]
There are over 5,400 Emiratis in the United Kingdom.[9] The UK is the most popular destination for Emirati students.[37] About 3,400 students from the UAE were studying in various UK universities.[38]London has the most significant concentration of the Emirati population in the UK.[39][40] In addition, there are Emiratis in other various countries throughout Europe, mainly students.[41]
Kuwait
Canada
Oman
United States
United Kingdom
India
Qatar
Bahrain
France
Australia
Sweden
Netherlands
Germany
