Emiratis (; ) are the citizen population of the United Arab Emirates. Within the UAE itself, their number is approximately 1.15 million.
Formerly known as the Trucial States and then the Federation of Arab Emirates, the UAE is made up of seven emirates, each of which has a ruling family. Abu Dhabi was home to the Bani Yas tribal confederation and ruled by the Falahi house of Al Nahyan; Dubai was settled in 1833 by an offshoot of the Bani Yas, the Falasi house of Al Maktoum; Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah are the home to the Huwali house of Al Qasimi, Ajman to the Na'imi house of Al Bu Kharaiban, Umm Al Quwain to the Al Ali house of Al Mualla and Fujairah to the Sharqi house of Hafaitat.
The Emiratis represent a diverse population with various ethnic, cultural, and tribal backgrounds. While united under the umbrella of Emirati citizenship, they encompass a range of ancestral origins, including Arabian, South Iranian and East African heritage.Katherine S Elliott, Marc Haber, Hinda Daggag, George B Busby, Rizwan Sarwar, Derek Kennet, Michael Petraglia, Lawrence J Petherbridge, Parisa Yavari, Frauke U Heard-Bey, Bindu Shobi, Tariq Ghulam, Dalia Haj, Alia Al Tikriti, Alshafi Mohammad, Suma Antony, Maitha Alyileili, Shatha Alaydaroos, Evelyn Lau, Mark Butler, Arash Yavari, Julian C Knight, Houman Ashrafian, Maha T Barakat, Fine-Scale Genetic Structure in the United Arab Emirates Reflects Endogamous and Consanguineous Culture, Population History, and Geography, Molecular Biology and Evolution, Volume 39, Issue 3, March 2022, msac039, https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msac039 "Emiratis form a distinct cluster, located proximal to the European populations on PCs 1 and 2 but drawn toward Sub-Saharan African populations while a subset of the Emiratis appears drawn toward South Asians. We also note here that some individuals completely overlapped with Africans and Central Asians reflecting their recent origin from these populations.
"Population tree inferred using Treemix (Pickrell and Pritchard 2012) showed that all Emirates, together with Qatar, cluster on a branch and receive African gene flow, probably from diverse sources as it was previously suggested (Hellenthal et al. 2014; Almarri et al. 2021). We estimate using admixture-induced linkage disequilibrium that the African ancestry was already present in the Emirates around 1,000 years ago but its influx appears to have been a continuous process until very recent times consistent with our findings from the PCA. Similarly, Central Asian admixture can be detected starting 2,900 years ago and continued until more recent times."
"The Emiratis appear in these tests as significant source of ancestry to many Eurasian and East African populations suggesting an autochthonous component related to ancient Middle Easterners is retained in the genetic landscape. As targets of admixture, the Emirati populations have significant African ancestry as shown in our PCA, Treemix and ALDER results."
"We have investigated the genome-wide diversity of the Emirati population and found that both ancient and more recent demographic events have contributed to the genetic formation and structure of the population. Our admixture tests suggest that the population retains an autochthonous Middle Eastern ancestry supplemented with African and South Asian ancestries. The Emirati population captures admixture events that have occurred thousands of years ago, possibly related to movement of people in the Middle East after major cultural transitions such as the invention of agriculture or more recent movements related to climate change and desertification of the region in the past 6,000 years ago (Petraglia et al. 2020; Almarri et al. 2021). However, we found in our data set individuals who were genetically identical to present-day Africans or Central/South Asians, suggesting gene flow into the Emirates is still an ongoing process." This diversity is rooted in historical interactions, migrations, conquest, and trade connections that have shaped the demographic landscape of the UAE. Emirati Arabic and English serve as the primary languages of communication amongst the Emirati populace. However, other languages such as Achomi, Balochi, and Swahili are also spoken among certain minority communities.
Islam, being the state religion of the UAE, plays a central role in Emirati society, serving as a guiding force in daily life, governance, and cultural expression. The construction of mosques, observance of religious rituals, and adherence to Islamic principles underscore the spiritual and moral foundations of Emirati identity. Emiratis are mostly Muslims, approximately 90% of whom are Sunni while the remaining 10% are Shia. Two Islamic schools of thought are mainly followed by the Sunni Emiratis, with the rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai traditionally adhering to the Maliki school of Islamic jurisprudence, while the rest of the rulers of the Emirates adhering to the Shafi'i school.
History
The ancient history of the UAE dates back centuries with archaeological sites, such as Jebel Faya, indicating human presence as far back as 125,000 years ago. Evidence of human settlement and civilization can be found at sites like Al-Ain and Jebel Hafeet, and the region's importance as a trading hub along maritime routes connecting Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, Meluhha, Elam, and Ancient Egypt, as evidenced by artifacts such as pottery, seals, and coins discovered at archaeological sites like Tell Abraq, Umm Al-Nar, and Ed-Dur, showcasing the early civilizations that flourished in the area, including the Magan and Dilmun civilizations, as well as the later influence of the Sumerians, Akkadians, Persians, and Greeks, all of which contributed to the cultural, ethnic, and historical development of the region.
The United Arab Emirates is a Union of seven emirates whose history are entwined with various empires, such as those of the Islamic Caliphates, Oman, Portugal, Iran, and the United Kingdom. Envoys from the Islamic prophet Muhammad saw the tribes of the area convert to Islam around 630 C.E., followed by a short period of apostasy which culminated in the Battle of Dibba.
Later in the 16th century, the Portuguese would battle the then-dominant force in the Persian Gulf, the Safavid dynasty, for control of the region. During the 17th century, the Ottomans took control of the islands and UAE was known as the "Pirate Coast." By the 19th century, the British Empire had taken complete control of the land then called the Trucial States. Oil was discovered in 1959. The Trucial States were under the control of the British Empire until 1971. Consequently, with weakening British control, the Trucial States became the UAE in 1971 with Ras al-Khaimah joining in 1972.
The term Emirati comes from the plural of the Arabic word emiratesate (), with adding the suffix -i. Each emirate is ruled by a Sheikh. The Bani Yas tribe forms the basis of many clans within the UAE. Sub-clans of the Bani Yas include: The Government and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa . Long, Reich.
Al Bu Falah (Abu Dhabi) Al Bu Falasah (Dubai)
The term "Emirati" also refers to Arabs with origins in the UAE. Many modern Emirati names are derived from these tribal names or offshoots of these tribes, for instance, Mazroui (from Mazari), Nuaimi (from Naim), and Al Sharqi (from Sharqiyin).
Lexicology The word Emirati is a word derived from the Arabic name of the UAE "Al-Emarat," and the Arabic suffix -i which denotes belonging. The demonym Emirian has a similar root from except with the suffix -ian being added to emir. Rarer Emirian demonyms and adjectives include Emiri and Emiratian, both of which are unofficial and informal alternatives. However, due to strong tribal allegiances, many Emiratis also self-identified by their tribal affiliations. Historically, Emiratis were called Trucial Coasters or Trucials.Marc J. O'Reilly. Unexceptional: America's Empire in the Persian Gulf, 1941–2007, p. 66 Emiratis in ancient history were called Maganites.Winder, Bayly (1965). Saudi Arabia in the Nineteenth Century. p. 33.
National symbols
Falcon training is one of the UAE's national symbols. These birds can be seen on the emblem of the United Arab Emirates. They were traditionally used for hunting, and trained by the Bedouin tribes. Most Emiratis view Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as an essential component of Emirati nationalism, Emiratis are commonly referred to as "Eyal Zayed," meaning sons of Zayed. Emiratis are proud of their nation's global name associated with tourist prospects, prefer interactions with fellow nationals, most are computer literate and adult Emiratis born in the 21st century are more likely to be bilingual There are many landmarks and sculptures in the country of teapots, water jugs and coffeemakers to symbolize the hospitality of the Emirati people. Due to the pearl-diving history of the Emirates, nautical sailing and other activities at sea are sometimes emphasized. Due to its prominence throughout Emirati history in cultivation, date fruits play an important role in Emirati life. Another national symbol is the Arabic coffee pot with the elongated thin spout called a Dallah; a sign of Emirati generosity.The national symbols of the UAE encapsulate the country's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and values of unity, resilience, and pride. These symbols are celebrated and revered by the Emirati people and play a vital role in the nation's identity.
Demographics
The population of the UAE as of 2019 was 9.7 million with a minority being Emiratis. However, this figure is constantly changing due to migration and other factors. UAE nationals make up 1 million.
As of 2022 the total fertility rate (TFR) of the Emirati population stood at 3.1, significantly higher than the national average of 1.46 in the same year, though reflecting a 16% decline from 3.7 in 2015.
Statistics for UAE nationals in 2018 as it follows: Emirate Male Female TotalSource Abu Dhabi Ajman Dubai Fujairah Ras Al Khaimah Sharjah Umm Al Quwain United Arab Emirates
Non-Emiratis form the vast majority of the UAE (88.52%) and are composed of expatriates, with the largest groups hailing from South Asian countries such as India (2.62 million), Pakistan (1.21 million) and Bangladesh (706,000). There are also nationals of other GCC and Arab countries who live in the UAE. Members of other Asian communities, including Iran (454,000), the Philippines (530,000).UNITED ARAB EMIRATES POPULATION STATISTICS (2018)
Bedouin Emiratis
Bedouin Emiratis, also known as Bedu Emiratis or Bedouin Arab Emiratis, are Emiratis of Bedouin Arab descent. They have historically lived nomadically in the desert, adapting to harsh conditions by moving with their families and animals in search of water and grazing areas. This nomadic lifestyle has fostered a strong sense of community and kinship among Bedouin tribes, with social structures traditionally organized around extended family networks and tribal affiliations. Among the prominent Bedouin tribes of the United Arab Emirates are the Manasir, Awamir, Al Murrah, Afar, Rashid, Al Bu Shamis, Khawatir, Ghafalah, and Bani Qitab, each of whose migrations extended between the Emirates region and various parts of southern and eastern Arabia such as the Empty quarter. While modernization and urbanization have brought about changes in Emirati society, many Bedouin Emiratis continue to maintain ties to their nomadic heritage, even as they settle into more sedentary lifestyles in urban areas.
Bedouin culture emphasizes preserving traditions through oral history, storytelling, and rituals, including distinctive clothing and music. Emirati traditions of Bedouin origin include: Yowlah, Falconry, Nabati Poetry, Razfa, Al Sadu, Emirati coffee culture, and the national clothing of the UAE.