The Indian diaspora in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the largest expatriate community in the country, significantly shaping its economic, cultural, and social landscape. As of 2025, approximately 4 million Indians reside in the United Arab Emirates, constituting about 35.25% of the total population of 11.346 million.[1][2] This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Indian diaspora, covering their history, demographics, contributions, cultural presence, challenges, and role in India–United Arab Emirates relations.
Indian migration to the UAE dates back centuries through maritime trade. Historical ties between India and the Arabian Gulf are traced to the 3rd millennium BCE.[3] Indian merchants played significant roles in the pearling industry and early commerce.[4]
Sharjah Indian School – Operated by the Indian Association Sharjah, serving a large student population.
These schools are recognized for their role in preserving Indian educational values abroad while integrating with the multicultural educational landscape of the UAE.
Culture and community
The Indian diaspora has made a significant cultural impact on the United Arab Emirates, maintaining vibrant traditions and contributing to the country’s multicultural fabric.
Religious institutions
Several religious centers across the UAE cater to the spiritual needs of the Indian community:
Markaz, Dubai – An Islamic center active in religious education, interfaith engagement, and youth activities.
Jamia Sa'diya Center – An Indian-run Islamic educational and cultural center operating in the UAE, promoting Sunni scholarly tradition and Arabic learning.
Prominent community organizations include the Indian Social and Cultural Centre in Abu Dhabi and the Indian Association Sharjah, which organize social, educational, and welfare initiatives.
Indian culture is also represented in national heritage platforms such as the Saadiyat Cultural District, where Indian exhibitions and partnerships have been prominently featured.[17]
Challenges
Despite their vital contributions to the UAE economy, many members of the Indian diaspora—particularly low-income migrant workers—continue to face structural and legal challenges.
Labour issues: Migrant workers, especially those in construction, domestic work, and other blue-collar sectors, often face issues related to unpaid wages, occupational safety, long working hours, and limited access to legal recourse.[18]
Kafala system and visa dependency: The UAE’s residency framework ties legal status to employer sponsorship under a modified form of the Kafala system, limiting mobility and bargaining power for many workers.
Labour law reforms (2024–25): Recent updates to the UAE Labour Law include:
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