Guide to culture, legislation and children’s welfare in the United Arab Emirates

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Population
Language
Religion
Ethnic breakdown
Customs, cultures and belief systems
The position of children within UAE society
Issues of custom or etiquette to bear in mind when working with families or children in the UEA
The legal framework around child welfare
Issues around adoption and international movement of children
Snapshot of migration trends
Support organisations in the UK
Further information and advice

Population
5,148,664 (July 2011 est.)^[1]

Language
Arabic is the official language but the large immigrant population means that a range of other languages is spoken, including English, Iranian, Hindi and Urdu.[2]

Religion
Islam 96% (predominantly Sunni), other 4% (including Christian and Hindu).^[3]

Ethnic Breakdown
Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates 8% (includes Westerners and East Asians).[4]

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Customs, cultures and belief systems
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven states, formed in 1971 after independence from Britain.  It comprises the states of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm all Qaiwain, and is governed by a Supreme Council of Rulers, made up of the seven emirs representing each state, who appoint the Prime Minister and Cabinet.[5]

Since the discovery of oil in the 1950s, the country’s economy and society have been transformed, with many people enjoying a high standard of living and large amounts of oil revenue directed into healthcare, education and the national infrastructure.  The government has also attempted to diversify the economy, by encouraging sectors such as tourism and construction.  Dubai in particular is seen by many as a financial and cosmopolitan hub for the Middle East.[6]  As well as foreign investment, the country has attracted large numbers of foreign workers, who make up the majority of the population. 

The non-native population in the UAE is largely made up of Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans, Bangladeshis, Filipinos, Iranians, Jordanians, Palestinians and Egyptians.