Number of UAE Expats Grows
Source: Investment International
Recent research indicates that the number of expats living in the UAE is increasing rapidly. Two large surveys carried out in the country established that the expat population currently numbers approximately six million.
Official government figures indicate the expat community is drawn predominantly from Asia. Indian workers, with roughly 1.75 million people, form the largest group. In second place lies Pakistan, with 1.25 million, followed by Bangladesh with 500,000.
Expats from other Asian countries, including China, the Philippines and Thailand, make up around one-sixth of the total population.
It appears Japanese firms based in the UAE are bucking the economic trend and continuing to employ more people.
Ian Giulianotti, associate director at recruitment consultancy Nadia Middle East, said the manufacturing and petrochemical sectors were experiencing the highest recruitment activity.


