Emiratis in the United Kingdom
| Languages | |
|---|---|
| Arabic · English | |
| Religion | |
| Islam |
Emiratis in the United Kingdom are Emirati immigrants in the United Kingdom. They number several thousand and include many students pursuing higher education.
Demographics
At the time of the 2001 UK Census, there were 5,406 people born in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who were residents in the United Kingdom.[1] In the 2009/10 academic year, around 400 new UAE students enrolled in various higher education institutions across the UK and the overall number of Emirati-domiciled students registered on higher education courses totalled over 2,800.[2] This represents growth from 2005/2006, when the population numbered 2,000, which itself was an increase of 15 per cent on the previous academic year.[3] The UK continues to remain one of the top choices for overseas study amongst UAE nationals.[4]
Community
Britain is one of the most popular destinations for UAE expats and is the most popular choice of Emirati students travelling overseas for their higher education.[5] Language and cultural difficulties, living outside the "comfort zone" and the different weather conditions are reported to be perpetual difficulties for new Emirati students in the UK.[2] The London branch of the Dubai National Bank is considered to be one of the central social venues for the capital's Emirati community.[6] Emirati students tend to retain certain cultural and religious practices when studying in the UK, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. The Emiratis see Ramadan as a time during which they can fast and more frequently offer prayers. It is also a period of interaction, something they miss during their time in London.[7]
It should be noted that almost all Emirati-Britons maintain dual citizenship, and while they may live and work in the U.K., eventually they will return to the UAE and consider it their true home.
Notable people
Notable Emirati expatriates in the UK include:
- Mahdi Al Tajir - Emirati businessman based in the UK[8]
- Saeed bin Suroor = Emirati Racehorse Trainer for Godolphin Stable based at Newmarket
See also
Notes
- ^ "Country-of-birth database". Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ a b Johnson, Alice (29 July 2010). "Helping UAE students prepare for life in the UK". Gulf News. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "VisitBritain and the British Council create a new online community to update perceptions of the UK amongst young Emiratis". AMEinfo.com. 9 March 2008. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "UAE nationals flock to the UK for higher education". Dubai City Info. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
- ^ Ahmed, Afshan (11 October 2009). "US, UK universities still first preference for UAE students". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
- ^ Hussain, Abdul Ghaffar (10 October 2008). "Emiratis feel at home in London". Gulf News. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
- ^ Shaheem, Samineh I (August 30 2010). "Ramadan away from home". Khaleej Times. Retrieved December 2 2010.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help) - ^ "Water tycoon 'Scotland's richest'". BBC News. 26 April 2009. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
External links
- Emirati students in UK volunteer to help DTCM awareness about UAE heritage: Emirates Week
- Is it really Ramadan for Emirati students in London? at Dubai Eye 103.8
- UK widens its five-star offering for Arab guests: AMEinfo
- Prime Minister's initiative creates greater access to UK education for Emirati students: AMEinfo
- UAE market introduction: British Council
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