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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.
For more information on UAE population features, please click on relevant links
on this page.
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