Emiratis in the United Kingdom
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| UAE-born residents 11,457 (2011 census) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| London | |
| Languages | |
| Arabic · English | |
| Religion | |
| Islam |
Emiratis in the United Kingdom are Emirati expatriates in the United Kingdom. They number several thousand and include many students pursuing higher education.
Demographics[edit]
At the time of the 2001 UK census, there were 5,406 people born in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who were residents in the United Kingdom.[1] The 2011 census recorded 10,139 UAE-born residents in England, 382 in Wales,[2] 873 in Scotland[3] and 63 in Northern Ireland.[4]
In the 2009/10 academic year, around 400 new UAE students enrolled in various higher education institutions across the UK and the overall number of Emirati-domiciled students registered on higher education courses totalled over 2,800.[5] This represents growth from 2005/2006, when the population numbered 2,000, which itself was an increase of 15 per cent on the previous academic year.[6] In the 2002/03 academic year, there were 1,400 students.[7] The UK remains one of the top choices for overseas work, study or tourism amongst UAE nationals.[8][9][10] As of 2013, up to 3,200 students from the UAE were pursuing education in the UK.[11]
According to UAE government figures, between 1990 and 2012, around 250 UAE nationals became British citizens. The UAE does not allow dual citizenship.[12]
Community[edit]
Britain is one of the most popular destinations for UAE expats and is the most popular choice of Emirati students travelling overseas for their higher education.[13] Around 40,000 Emiratis visit the UK every year. Many of the UAE's leaders received their education in UK universities and institutions.[14] Language and cultural difficulties, living outside the "comfort zone" and the different weather conditions are reported to be perpetual difficulties for new Emirati students in the UK.[5] The London branch of the Dubai National Bank is considered to be one of the central social venues for the capital's Emirati community.[15] Emirati students tend to retain certain cultural and religious practices when studying in the UK, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. The Emiratis see Ramadan as a time during which they can fast and more frequently offer prayers. It is also a period of interaction, something they miss during their time in London.[16]
The UAE government has issued its own version of a tourist map of London for Emiratis who visit the UK, with the map identifying "dangerous areas" to avoid. The warning came as a measure after incidents of fraud, theft and attacks on Emirati nationals in London.[17][18][19]
Notable people[edit]
Notable Emirati expatriates in the UK include:
- Layla Kaylif, singer-songwriter and film director
- Ali F. Mostafa, film director
- Mahdi Al Tajir, businessman[20]
- Saeed bin Suroor, racehorse trainer for Godolphin Stables based at Newmarket, Suffolk
- Princess Haya, former wife of UAE royal, Shiekh Mohammed; she escaped from the UAE with their two children and divorced him.
- Princess Shamsa and Princess Latifa, daughters of UAE royal shiekh Mohammed; they escaped from the UAE.[21]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Country-of-birth database". Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Archived from the original on 17 June 2009. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "2011 Census: Country of birth (expanded), regions in England and Wales". Office for National Statistics. 26 March 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
- ^ "Country of birth (detailed)" (PDF). National Records of Scotland. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
- ^ "Country of Birth – Full Detail: QS206NI". Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
- ^ a b Johnson, Alice (29 July 2010). "Helping UAE students prepare for life in the UK". Gulf News. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "VisitBritain and the British Council create a new online community to update perceptions of the UK amongst young Emiratis". AMEinfo.com. 9 March 2008. Archived from the original on 7 October 2012. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ Nazzal, Noor (21 July 2013). "What courses do UAE students pick when studying abroad?". Gulf News. Retrieved 28 February 2015.
- ^ "UAE nationals flock to the UK for higher education". Dubai City Info. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
- ^ Karmi, Omar (29 April 2013). "Emiratis living in the UK hope Sheikh Khalifa's visit will boost close ties". The National. Retrieved 28 February 2015.
- ^ "Heathrow's Personal Shoppers to welcome 250,000 UAE passengers over Eid". Emirates 24/7. 16 July 2015. Retrieved 16 July 2015.
- ^ Sophia, Mary (29 September 2013). "3,200 UAE Students Enrolled In UK Universities". Gulf Business. Retrieved 28 February 2015.
- ^ Swan, Melanie (22 May 2014). "More than 250 Emiratis have switched to become British citizens in 22 years, UK figures show". The National. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
- ^ Ahmed, Afshan (11 October 2009). "US, UK universities still first preference for UAE students". Khaleej Times. Archived from the original on 28 September 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
- ^ Al Qassemi, Sultan (21 November 2010). "The other special relationship: the UAE and the UK". The National. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ Hussain, Abdul Ghaffar (10 October 2008). "Emiratis feel at home in London". Gulf News. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
- ^ Shaheem, Samineh I (August 30, 2010). "Ramadan away from home". Khaleej Times. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
- ^ "UAE Ministry issues its own tourist map of London with emphasis on safety". The National. 19 August 2014. Retrieved 22 August 2014.
- ^ "Emirati students feel safe in London but urge caution". The National. 28 April 2014. Retrieved 22 August 2014.
- ^ "#BBCtrending: Emiratis say 'London is not safe'". BBC News. 23 April 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
- ^ "Water tycoon 'Scotland's richest'". BBC News. 26 April 2009. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
- ^ https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/money-and-power/a29848986/dubai-princess-disappearance-divorce/
