UAE Population

UAE Population

According to 2004 estimates, UAE population was around 4.3 millions, including about 3 million expatriates. UAE has one of the most diverse populations in the Middle East, consisting of the native Emiri (19%), other Arab and Iranian (23%), South Asian (50%), and remaining 8% being the Westerners and East Asians. According to 2006 population estimates, there were approximately 1.2 million Indians and 300,000 Pakistani residing in the UAE, making them the largest expatriate community in the country.

One of the interesting features of UAE population is that almost 70 % of the population is estimated to be male and 30% female. The population or age structure appeared to be dominated by the young to medium age group with 25.3% coming in (0-14 years) and 71.1% falling in (15-64 years) age group. The population growth rate of the UAE is currently estimated around 1.6 % per annum.

Abu Dhabi is the largest and most populous emirate in the UAE with a population of 1.4 million, followed by Dubai (1.2 million), Sharjah (570,000), Ajman (200,000), Ras Al Khaimah (190,000) and Umm Al Quwain (55,000) as per 2005 estimates. The United Arab Emirates is also one of the most urbanized nations in the world with about 88% of its population being the urban. The remianing 12% people live in small towns and desert oilfield camps scattered throughout the country. Dubai is the most populous city with approximately 1.2 million people (2006 estimates), followed by Abu Dhabi with 1 million people (UAE official estimates), Al Ain, Sharjah, and Fujairah.

Islam is the official religioin of the UAE with Muslim constituting around 96% of the total population. Among Muslim 85 % are Sunni Muslims and 15% are Shia Muslims. Christians, Hindus and other relgious groups form just 4% of the UAE population, but have been granted freedom to practice their religious and cultural practices. Arabic is the official language of the UAE, however English and several Asian languages are widely spoken and understood all over the country.
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