The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to the second-largest Indian population globally, with over 4 million Indian expatriates residing in the country. According to the latest statistics, 30 out of every 1,000 Indians live in the UAE as expatriates. This makes the Indian community the largest immigrant group in the Emirates. Satish Kumar Sivan, the Indian Consul General to Dubai, revealed these figures during a conference organized by the Indian Institute of Chartered Accountants of India’s Dubai Chapter. He highlighted the profound impact the Indian diaspora has had on transforming the UAE into a prominent global financial hub.
The Indian expatriate community plays a pivotal role across various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and finance, significantly contributing to the UAE’s economy. Their presence also strengthens cultural and historical ties between India and the UAE, reinforcing their close strategic partnership. Over the years, the Indian community has grown rapidly, increasing from 2.2 million in 2012 to nearly 4 million in 2024.
In fact, the Indian diaspora accounts for the largest share of the UAE’s expatriate population, constituting 37.96% of the total foreign population. Pakistan is home to the second-largest group of expatriates in the UAE, with around 2.9 million. The steady migration of Indian professionals in search of better opportunities has led to an influx of over 130,000 Indians in just one year, making the UAE a primary destination for Indian migrants.
