DUBAI – In a dramatic demographic change, the number of Indian expatriates in the UAE has doubled to over 4.36 million in over a decade, Indian Consul General Satish Sivan said. The numbers highlight the increasing bonds between India and the UAE—economic, cultural, and social—as Dubai continues to welcome its expanding Indian population.
In 2010, the Indian diaspora numbered approximately 2.2 million. Indians are now not only the largest expatriate community in the UAE but also a force driving its major industries—spanning from construction and healthcare to technology, commerce, and finance. From skyscraper business centers in DIFC to busy restaurants in Karama, the Indian presence is evident in every emirate.
Dubai has emerged as a second home for millions of Indians,” Sivan asserted. “This growth is not only a matter of numbers—it’s a sign of shared prosperity, opportunity, and trust between our nations.” UAE’s clement visa reforms, business-friendly policies, and harmony among religions further drew Indian families, professionals, and businesspeople.
With cultural festivals such as Diwali at the Burj Khalifa, Bollywood concerts at sold-out arenas, and Indian food dominating food festivals, it’s little wonder that many now affectionately refer to Dubai as “Little India.” As India-UAE relations keep flourishing under CEPA and beyond, the population milestone is more than a number—it’s a sign of an unfolding, interconnected future.
