Total population | |
---|---|
(500, 000 (2015) 5% of the UAE population 800, 000+ (estimates, 2012) more than 8% of the UAE population) |
|
Regions with significant populations | |
Abu Dhabi · Dubai | |
Languages | |
Persian · English · Arabic | |
Religion | |
Predominately Shi'a Islam |
Iranians in the United Arab Emirates are Emirati citizens or residents of the United Arab Emirates of Iranian national background. The community accounts for 5% of the country's population.
Due to the geographical proximity between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, Persians were the first major group of foreign settlers in the region, with a history dating back to the 1810s. The UAE is currently home to 500,000 Iranian expatriates, most of whom live in Dubai. The Iranian Club in Dubai is the main social club of Iranian expatriates in the country.
The Iranian population in U.A.E. also includes significant communities of Baloch people and Khuzestani Arabs.
There are an estimated 8,000 Iranian-backed businesses in Dubai. Iranians have invested over $300 billion into the country. There is an Iranian Business Council - Dubai. There is also an Iranian Hospital in Dubai.
Iran maintains an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
There are two notable Iranian mosques: the Iranian Mosque in Bur Dubai and the Iranian Mosque in Satwa. There is also a significant community of Baha'is.