What are the people of Dubai called?
The people of Dubai are a diverse community of different cultures and nationalities. These include UAE citizens, the native Emiratis, and a large group of expats from all over the world. What does it mean to be Emirati? What are the people of Dubai called? You will find the answers to these and other questions below.

Table of content
Who lives in Dubai?
What are the inhabitants of Dubai called?
Emiratis – residents of the United Arab Emirates
Culture of the people of Dubai
Who lives in Dubai?
Dubai residents and expats in Dubai - the city is home to both native Emiratis and a large group of expats. Dubai is a multicultural city that attracts people from all over the world, including Asia, Europe, America and Africa.
Is Dubai a city for expats? Definitely – the city offers many job opportunities as well as a high quality of life, which makes it attractive to people looking for better professional and cultural prospects. In addition, the housing market is favorable, which is supported by many real estate agencies, including Two Continents.
What are the inhabitants of Dubai called?
The residents of Dubai are called Dubaiis, but it is worth noting that the city is home not only to native Emiratis, but also to a large group of foreigners. Foreigners in Dubai make up the majority of the country's population, with only about 20% of the 9 million inhabitants being Emiratis.
Who can become a citizen of Dubai? Only people born in the UAE with Arab heritage can become citizens of the United Arab Emirates. In practice, this means that only about 1/5 of the country's inhabitants have Emirati citizenship.

Who are the Dubai people?
The ethnic diversity in Dubai is one of the most important aspects of this city. Many people wonder about the answers to questions such as: What nationalities live in Dubai? Dubai is dominated by a huge number of foreigners, the majority of whom are from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines. There are only a few thousand Poles in Dubai.
Which ethnic groups live in Dubai? In addition to the Asian nationalities mentioned above, you will also find people from Europe, America and other Middle Eastern countries, including Iran. Although many of the residents of Dubai are foreigners, are all residents of Dubai Emiratis? The answer is no!
Emiratis – residents of the United Arab Emirates
When did Dubai become an international city? Dubai became an international city in the 1990s, when the first economic migrants began to flow into the country. The increase in the number of foreigners was closely linked to the dynamic oil extraction and rapid development of infrastructure, which led to intensive construction of the city.
However, the history of Dubai's inhabitants goes back much further. In the days before the oil fields, Dubai was primarily a port city and a key point on the world's trade map. At that time, the Emiratis, the indigenous people of the United Arab Emirates, played the most important role.
Who are the Emiratis?
Emiratis, the citizens of the United Arab Emirates, are the indigenous people of the region. Emiratis are a diverse population with different ethnic, cultural and tribal backgrounds. They include a range of ancestries, including Arab and Persian heritage.
Do the people of Dubai speak the same language? Emiratis speak two main languages, namely Emirati Arabic and English, which are the main means of communication in the country. Islam is the religion of the vast majority of Emiratis, and religious rites play a key role in their daily lives.

Culture of the people of Dubai
The culture of Dubai is a fascinating blend of Arab traditions and modern influences that shape the city as a center of global tourism and business. The cultural values of Dubai include respect for tradition, religion, family and hospitality, which are the foundation of the daily life of Emiratis.
What are the customs of Dubai's residents? An example is the use of traditional clothing, such as the dishdasha for men and the abaya for women, which reflect respect for culture and religion.
If you want to learn about the traditions and culture of the Emiratis, you should take advantage of the many attractions available, including our guided tour of Old Dubai, where you will learn about the history of the city and the customs of its inhabitants. In addition, you should visit the Al Shindagha Museum, which will take you back in time to traditional Dubai.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
- Is Dubai a city for expats?
Definitely yes - the city offers many job opportunities as well as a high quality of life, which makes it attractive to people looking for better professional and cultural prospects.
- What are the customs of Dubai's residents?
For example, the traditional dress code, such as the dishdasha for men and the abaya for women, which reflects respect for culture and religion.
- Who can become a citizen of Dubai?
Only people of Arab descent born in the UAE can become citizens of the United Arab Emirates. In practice, this means that only about 1/5 of the country's inhabitants are Emirati citizens.