Emiratis in the United Kingdom are Emirati expatriates in the United Kingdom. They number several thousand and include many students pursuing higher education.
Total population | |
---|---|
UAE-born residents 11,457 (2011 census) | |
Regions with significant populations | |
London | |
Languages | |
Arabic · English | |
Religion | |
Islam |
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]
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 Emirati expatriates in the UK include: