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Indian Population in UAE
The United Arab Emirates is home to the largest Indian diaspora in the world, and the community continues to grow every year. As of 2025, the Indian population in the UAE is estimated at 4.36 million, making up 38.45% of the country’s total population. Indians remain the largest expatriate group in the UAE, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy, workforce, culture, and business ecosystem.
Where Do Indians Live in the UAE?
Most Indians reside in the major economic hubs of the country:
Dubai – Largest Indian population base
Abu Dhabi – Major working & professional community
Remaining population is spread across Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain
Indians form a core part of the UAE’s workforce across sectors such as:
Construction & infrastructure
Healthcare & education
Information technology
Retail & trade
Finance, hospitality & services
Small and medium-sized businesses
Indian expatriate community is the largest ethnic community in UAE constituting roughly 40% of the country’s population. The number of resident Indian Nationals is estimated to be 4.6 million in 2025 as per UAE records.
According to UAE demographic data (2025):
- Indians – 4.36 million (38.45%)
- Pakistanis – 1.90 million
- Bangladeshis – 0.84 million
- Filipinos – 0.78 million
- Others include Egyptians, Iranians, Nepalese, Sri Lankans & Chinese communities
The UAE today is a multicultural hub, hosting residents from over 200 nationalities, with Indians forming the backbone of its expatriate population.
Indian Community in UAE
Among the Indian States, Kerala is the most represented followed by Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. However, Indians from the Northern States, all put together, also form a significant portion of the UAE Indian population. The breakup of Indians from different States prepared on the basis of data of remittances sent to India is as follows:
- Kerala – 50%
- Tamil Nadu – 15%
- Andhra Pradesh – 10%
- Punjab – 8%
- Others (incl. Rajasthan, UP, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa) – 12%
The break-up of Indian emigrants in UAE
The profile of the Indian community has evolved over decades:
Earlier (1970s–80s):
Majority were blue-collar workers (85–90%)
Today, the community is more diverse:
65% — Blue-collar workforce
(construction, municipal services, agriculture)20% — White-collar non-professionals
(clerical roles, sales, accounts, shop assistants)5% — Professionals, entrepreneurs & families
(IT, finance, healthcare, business owners)
The UAE today has a strong presence of skilled professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs of Indian origin, contributing significantly to the economy.
Indians in Dubai
Approximately 85% of the expatriate population in Dubai was Asian, chiefly Indian and Pakistani; other significant Asian groups include Bangladeshis and Filipinos. Indians make up half of the expatriate population in India. As of 2023, the Indian population in Dubai is around 15 lakh.
Among the Indian States, Kerala is the most represented followed by Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. However, Indians from the Northern States, all put together, also form a significant portion of the UAE Indian population.
Cities with large Indian population
- Dubai – 15 Lakh
- Abu Dhabi – 7 Lakh
- Sharjah – 4 lakh
- Al Ain – 3 lakh
Source: Embassy of India in UAE
Religion of Indian population in UAE
Indians in UAE have diverse religious backgrounds and represented mainly by Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians.
Religion wise population of Indians in UAE is as follows
- Muslims
- Hindus
- Sikhs
- Christians
Exact numbers and percentage-wise information is not available.