People and Society of United Arab Emirates

Nationality

Emirati(s)

Ethnic Groups

Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8%

Population

9,770,529

Population in Major Urban Areas

ABU DHABI (capital) 942,000; Dubai 1.978 million; Sharjah 983,000

Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of the UAE, but not necessarily in outlying areas.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in the United Arab Emirates stands among the highest in the Arab world and compares favorably with many developed nations. Current data places the average life expectancy at birth at approximately 79 to 80 years overall, with women typically living longer than men — around 81 to 82 years for females compared to roughly 78 years for males. This relatively high life expectancy reflects decades of substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure, public health programs, and rising living standards fueled by the country's oil wealth. The UAE has built a modern, well-equipped healthcare system featuring world-class hospitals, specialized medical centers, and a growing network of community clinics accessible to both citizens and residents. Government spending on health has consistently prioritized preventive care, maternal and child health, and the management of chronic diseases. Infant mortality rates have dropped dramatically over the past several decades, contributing significantly to improved overall life expectancy figures. Advances in prenatal care, vaccination programs, and nutrition have all played important roles in this progress, with infant mortality now among the lowest in the Middle East region. The UAE also benefits from a relatively young expatriate population, which statistically influences national averages. The country's large proportion of working-age migrants — who often arrive healthy and employed — can affect how demographic health data is interpreted compared to nations with more uniform age distributions. Despite these achievements, the UAE faces ongoing public health challenges that could affect future life expectancy trends. High rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease remain concerns among both the national and expatriate populations, driven in part by sedentary lifestyles, dietary habits, and extreme heat that limits outdoor physical activity. The government has responded with broad national wellness initiatives, including long-term strategies embedded in the UAE Vision 2031 framework and various emirate-level programs, aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases. Overall, the UAE's life expectancy trajectory reflects a country that has transformed its public health landscape within a remarkably short period, moving from a developing-nation baseline in the mid-twentieth century to outcomes now comparable to those seen across Western Europe and North America.

Infant Mortality Rate

The infant mortality rate in the United Arab Emirates stands as one of the lowest in the Arab world and among the most competitive globally. As of recent data, the country records approximately 5 to 6 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that reflects decades of sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, maternal health programs, and neonatal care services. This dramatic improvement is especially notable when viewed historically. In the 1970s, as the UAE was first establishing itself as a nation, infant mortality rates were significantly higher, estimated at well over 50 deaths per 1,000 live births. The rapid transformation of the country's healthcare system over the following decades brought that number down sharply, demonstrating what targeted government spending and modern medical access can achieve within a relatively short timeframe. Several factors contribute to the UAE's low infant mortality rate today. The country maintains a well-developed network of hospitals and maternal care clinics, both public and private, with high standards of prenatal and postnatal care. Nearly all births in the UAE take place in medical facilities attended by skilled health personnel, which significantly reduces the risk of birth complications going unaddressed. Access to clean water, adequate nutrition, and childhood immunization programs further supports infant survival rates across the population. The UAE government, through its Ministry of Health and Prevention, has implemented national health strategies that emphasize early childhood wellness, vaccination coverage, and monitoring of newborn health indicators. These efforts align with broader international health goals, including those set by UNICEF and the World Health Organization, aimed at reducing preventable child deaths worldwide. While the UAE's rate compares favorably with many high-income nations, health authorities continue to monitor disparities that can exist between different population segments, including the large expatriate labor community, to ensure that healthcare access remains equitable and that progress is sustained into future generations.

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Culture

Education is a top priority in the UAE, and the government has invested heavily in developing a modern education system. All children in the country have access to free education up to the university level, and the literacy rate is high.

Learning

Students who complete their secondary education have the opportunity to continue their studies at universities in the UAE or abroad. The UAE has several reputable universities, and many students choose to study abroad in countries like the United States or the United Kingdom.

• Muslim96.0%
• Christian, Hindu, Other4.0%

Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

• Arabic
• Hindi
• Persian
• Urdu

Crime Information

Most travelers to the UAE are not impacted by crime. Violent crimes and crimes against property are rare, but do occur. The U.S. Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to take the same security precautions in the UAE that one would practice in the United States or any large city abroad. Although vehicle break-ins are not common, U.S. citizens are encouraged to ensure that unattended vehicles are locked and that valuables are not left in plain sight. Incidents of verbal and physical harassment as well as isolated cases involving assault of expatriate women have occurred, including some incidents of harassment by taxi drivers. On more than one occasion, expatriate females have been sexually assaulted while walking alone through underground pedestrian walkways near the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Female travelers should keep in mind the cultural differences among the many people who coexist in the UAE and should be cognizant that unwitting actions may invite unwanted attention. Taxi passengers should avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxicab and should be sensitive that "small talk" can be misinterpreted as over-friendliness or even a form of propositioning by some taxi drivers. Victims of harassment are encouraged to report such incidents to the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai. Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are these goods illegal in the United States, purchasing them is a violation of local law. Individuals have been arrested for posting information on Twitter and YouTube that local authorities determined was disturbing to the order of the UAE. Users of social media should be cautious about posting information that might be deemed to insult or challenge the local government.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in the UAE you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in the UAE, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. As each Emirate has its own independent judicial system, legal procedures and penalties vary throughout the country. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Emirati laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, imprisoned, or prevented from traveling and their passport held by local authorities for extended periods of time. U.S. citizens have been arrested in the past for obscene hand gestures, using inappropriate (foul) language with a police official, and for public displays of affection, such as kissing. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the United Arab Emirates are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, and deportation. It is possible to be convicted for drug possession based on the result of a drug test even if no other evidence exists, regardless of when or where the consumption originally occurred. Alcohol and Drugs: Consuming or possessing alcohol without a Ministry of Interior liquor permit is illegal and could result in arrest and/or fines and imprisonment. Alcohol is served at bars in most major hotels but is intended for guests of the hotel. Persons who are not guests of the hotel, and who consume alcohol in the restaurants and bars, technically are required to have their own personal liquor licenses. Liquor licenses are issued only to non-Muslim persons who possess UAE residency permits. Public drunkenness (no matter where the drinking occurred) and driving under the influence, regardless of one’s blood alcohol content level, are considered very serious offenses. Persons arrested on alcohol-related offenses are regularly detained for many days as they await a court hearing. Penalties may include hefty jail sentences, substantial fines and, for Muslims (even those holding U.S. citizenship), lashings. NOTE: Alcohol is permitted in six of the seven emirates, but is prohibited in the emirate of Sharjah. Legislation enacted in January 1996 imposes the death sentence for convicted drug traffickers. Since January 2006, possession of even trace amounts of illegal drugs has resulted in lengthy prison sentences for foreign citizens transiting the UAE. Some drugs normally taken under a doctor's supervision in the United States, and even some over-the-counter U.S. drugs and medications, are classified as narcotics in the UAE and are illegal to possess. A doctor's prescription should be carried along with any medication that is brought into the country. A person may be subject to arrest and prosecution if possession of banned medicines (especially those containing codeine and similar narcotic-like ingredients) comes to the attention of local authorities. More information about medications can be found on the website of the UAE Ministry of Health. Most medications available in the United States are also available by doctors’ prescription through hospitals and pharmacies in the UAE. The UAE's tough anti-narcotics program also includes poppy seeds, widely used in other cultures, including the United States, for culinary purposes, on its list of controlled substances. The importation and possession of poppy seeds in any and all forms, including as dried decorative plants, are strictly prohibited. Persons found to possess even very small quantities of controlled substances listed by the UAE are subject to prosecution by the authorities and may be given lengthy prison terms of up to 15 years. Travelers with questions regarding the items on the list of controlled substances should contact the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai. If suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, individuals may be required to submit to blood and/or urine tests and may be subject to prosecution. Fraud: Crimes of fraud, including passing bad checks and non-payment of bills (including hotel bills), are regarded seriously in the UAE and can result in imprisonment and/or fines. A personal check written as a guarantee for the payment of a personal or business debt may be submitted to a local bank for collection at any time for the full amount of the check. If the account holder does not have sufficient funds, they may be charged with passing a bad check. Bail generally is not available to non-residents of the UAE who are arrested for crimes involving fraud. Debtors can be held in prison until their debts are paid or until an agreement is reached between the parties. There has been an increase in the amount of email scams seemingly originating from the UAE. U.S. citizens have received emails from police, hospitals, or acquaintances in the UAE stating that a friend or relative needs financial assistance to receive medical attention or to avoid jail time. Recipients of such emails should ask the friend or relative to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible. The Embassy or Consulate may be able to help such individuals in need or such a suggestion may deter further pleas if they are not genuine. Religious proselytizing: While individuals are free to worship as they choose, and facilities are available for that purpose, religious proselytizing is not permitted in the UAE. Persons violating this law, even unknowingly, may be imprisoned or deported. Consular notification: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas. If arrested, U.S. citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General for assistance. The U.S. Consul will provide information on the local judicial system and a list of local attorneys.