| 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 Abu Dhabi Al Ain | |
| Languages | |
| Arabic,Persian,Achomi,Balochi,Kurdish, and other languages of Iran. (seeLanguages of Iran). | |
| Religion | |
| Sunni Islam,Shi'a | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Iranian diaspora (Ajam Emiratis •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 |
Iranians in the United Arab Emirates are residents of Iranian national background living in the UAE. They comprise an estimated 5–8% of the population and have contributed significantly to the country’s commercial, cultural, and social development, particularly in cities such as Dubai and Sharjah. This figure refers specifically to Iranian expatriates and does not includeAjam Emiratis (Emirati citizens of Iranian ancestry).
Due to the geographical proximity betweenIran and theUnited 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.
By the early 20th century, over 500 Persian Gulf Iranians were already residing in Abu Dhabi, with many others having moved to Dubai, where they helped establish theBastakiyah district.[4]
Persians who resided in theTrucial States prior to 1925 or before the formation of the union were offered theEmirati citizenship as per Article 17 of the United Arab Emirates Citizenship and Passport Law of Year 1972.[5]
Today, the UAE is home to an estimated 500,000 to 800,000 Iranian expatriates, the majority of whom live in Dubai.[6] TheIranian Club in Dubai serves as a cultural and social hub for Iranian expatriates, preserving their cultural heritage and providing a space for community activities.
TheIranian population in the UAE also includes smaller communities ofEmirati Balochs (Baloch people living in the UAE) andIranian Arabs fromHormozgan.[7] 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.[8]
They are generally composed of:
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. TheIranian Business Council - Dubai and theIranian Hospital in Dubai are among the key institutions that serve the community and beyond.
Iran maintains aconsulate-general in Dubai, which plays a crucial role in diplomatic relations and supporting the needs of Iranian nationals in the UAE.
TheBadgirs in Dubai'sBastakiyah district are a testament to Iran's deep historical ties with theGulf Arab states.[4] These have been generally introduced toBahrain and UAE byAchomis.[4][13][14]
The Emirati Iranian community practices a mix ofSunni andShia Islam, reflecting the religious diversity of Iran. The community is also home to a significant number ofBahá'ís. Among the most notable religious sites are theIranian Mosque in Bur Dubai and theIranian Mosque in Satwa, which serve as cultural and religious centers for Iranians in the UAE.
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.
Many Bandari music bands existed in UAE and sung in Achomi (Bastaki dialect), such as:
{{cite book}}:|work= ignored (help)iranians_bhuae3 was invoked but never defined (see thehelp page).{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)| Asia |
| ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | |||||||||
| North America | |||||||||
| Oceania | |||||||||
| South America | |||||||||
| See also | |||||||||
| Religions | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethnic groups | |||||||||
| Foreigners |
| ||||||||
| From Asia | |
|---|---|
| From elsewhere | |
| See also | |
