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Emiratis

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For a specific analysis of the population of the United Arab Emirates, see Demographics of the United Arab Emirates.

Emiratis
الإمَارَاتِيُّون
Flag of the United Arab Emirates
Regions with significant populations
 United Arab Emirates
c. 1,150,000[1]
 Kuwait26,760[2]
 Canada22,608[3][4]
 Oman18,978[5]
 United States18,046[6][7]
 United Kingdom17,161[8][9]
 Qatar9,558[10]
 Bahrain7,954[11]
 Australia4,415[6][12]
 Sweden3,292[13]
 Netherlands2,076[14]
Languages
Arabic (Gulf, Emirati, Shihhi, Modern Standard) · English · Kumzari[15] · Balochi[16] · Larestani[17][18]
Religion
Sunni Islam (90%), Shia Islam (10%)[19]
Related ethnic groups
Other Arabs

The Emiratis (Standard Arabic: الإماراتيون; Gulf Arabic: الإماراتيين) are the native citizen population of the United Arab Emirates. Within the UAE itself, they number approximately 1.15 million.[20]

Formerly known as the Trucial States, 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; Dubai was settled in 1833 by an offshoot of the Bani Yas, the Al Bu Falasah; Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah are the home to the Al Qasimi or Qawasim; Ajman to the Al Na'im, Umm Al Quwain to the Al Ali and Fujairah to the Sharqiyin.

History

Sheikh Juma Al Maktoum (left) and Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum (right) of the Maktoum family

The United Arab Emirates are a Union of seven emirates in which their history is entwined with various empires, such as those of Portugal 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.[21] 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.[21]

The term Emirati comes from the plural of the Arabic word emirate (Arabic: إمارة), 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[22]

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).[23]

Genetics and Racial Classification

DNA tests of Y chromosomes from representative sample of Emiratis were analyzed for composition and frequencies of haplogroups, a plurality (45.1%) belong to Haplogroup J1-M267. Other frequent haplogroups divided between E (16.1%), R (11.6%), T (4.9%) and G (4.3%).[24]

Racial Classification of Emiratis

Emiratis, like any other middle easterners, are Caucasians based on a genetic study published in the European Journal of Human Genetics in nature (2019), Middle Easterners, Bedouins, Mediterraneans and Emiratis are Caucasians and closely related to Europeans and Northern Africans.[25]

Emiratism

File:UAE Father of the Nation.jpg
Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is considered to be The Father of the Nation.
Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State and Managing Director for the Dubai Expo 2020 Bid.

Emiratism is the advocacy of Emirati national identity. The government introduced a scheme in order to promote Emiratism by giving them jobs in the private sector and encouraging them to join private sector establishments in the workplace.[26] This is accomplished through several means, such as increasing the visibility of Emirati culture, by preserving Emirati cultural identity, and by preferentially employing Emiratis in the workforce. The latter policy is referred to as Emiratisation by the government.[27]

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.[28] However, due to strong tribal allegiances, many Emiratis also self-identify by their tribal affiliations.[29] Historically, Emiratis were called Trucial Coasters[30] or Trucials.[31] Emiratis in ancient history were called Maganites.[32]

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,[33] Emiratis are commonly referred to as "Eyal Zayed," meaning sons of Zayed.[34] 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 past born in the 21st century are more likely to be bilingual[35][36] 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.[37] 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.

A dallah is a traditional Arabic coffee pot for serving Arabian coffee. It is a symbol of the Emirati culture, featuring on the United Arab Emirates dirham coin

Demographics

The population of the UAE as of 2019 was 9.7 million[38] with a minority being Emiratis. UAE nationals make up 1 million.[39] Statistics for UAE nationals in 2018 as it follows:[citation needed]

Emirate Male Female Total Source
Abu Dhabi 204,108 200,438 404,546
Ajman 21,600 20,586 42,186
Dubai 127,641 126,959 254,600 [40]
Fujairah 32,486 32,374 64,860
Ras Al Khaimah 49,181 48,348 97,529
Sharjah 78,818 74,547 153,365
Umm Al Quwain 8,671 8,811 17,482
United Arab Emirates 522,505 512,063 1,034,568

Non-Emirati origin populations 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).[41]

Languages

Main article: Emirati Arabic
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan aka MBZ, the third president of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Emirati Arabic is a variety of Arabic used in the UAE. Emiratis mainly speak the Emirati Arabic dialect which is part of Gulf Arabic, but some speak Shihhi Arabic and Achomi.[42]

Culture

Main article: Culture of the United Arab Emirates

Emirati culture has been described as a blend of Eastern Arabian, Islamic, and Persian cultures, with influences from the cultures of East Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, and in recent years the West.[43]

Clothing

Men

The traditional dress often worn by Emirati men includes the Kandura, an ankle-length white shirt woven from wool or cotton, and the Ghutra, a traditional headdress usually made from wool. It provides protection from sunburn, dust, and sand, and it is usually worn alongside the Agal which keeps it in place.[44] This attire is particularly well-suited to the UAE's hot, dry climate.

Other traditional Emirati piece of clothing for men include:[44][45][46]

- The Bisht, a long black cloak embroidered and decorated with silver, copper, or gold of Persian origin, is usually worn over the Kandura on special occasions.

- The Shemagh, similar to the Ghutra but made of heavier material and is more commonly worn by the younger generation.

- The Gahfiyah, also known as Taqiyah, a traditional hat of African origin usually worn under the Ghutra.

- The Faneela, a white vest worn under the Kandura

- The Wizar, a loose piece of undergarment worn under the Kandura that is tied around the waist

- The Na'al, heelless slippers made from leather.

- The Serwaal, an alternative to the Woozar, wide and baggy trousers held up by a drawstring or an elastic belt usually worn the Kandura

- The Tarboush, a long loose tassel attached to the Kandura

Emirati women wearing the traditional Emirati dress

Women

The traditional dress most commonly worn by Emirati women is the Abaya, a simple, loose-over garment, usually black in color, it is often worn alongside the Shayla, a long rectangular headscarf. Usually it is either wrapped around the neck and tucked or pinned in place at the shoulders.[47][48][49]

Other traditional Emirati piece of clothing for women include:

- The Gishwah, a light see-through fabric that is wrapped around the face

- The Battoulah, also known as Gulf Burqa, a metallic-looking fashion mask[50]

- The Jalabiya, also known as Kaftan, a colourful embroidered dress, commonly worn during special occasions such as weddings, the dress is an important aspect of a traditional Emirati dance known as the Khaleeji folk dance.

Values

The influence of Islamic culture on Emirati architecture, music, attire, cuisine, and lifestyle are very prominent. Five times every day, Muslims are called to the prayer from the minarets of mosques which are scattered around the country.[51]

A band performs the Ayyala, which is a cultural dance derived from Arab tribes sword battles.

Music and dance

Emirati band performs Yowlah in an Emirati wedding. Yowlah is a cultural dance native to the UAE derived from tribal sword battles.
Main article: Music of the United Arab Emirates

Emirati music varies to each area although most are on folklore's, some cultural dances are the horbya which well known all over the United Arab Emirates, The Ayala which is well known in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Other music is shalat which does not involve any type of instruments.

Religion

Islam is the largest and the official state religion of the UAE and the government follows a policy of tolerating the existence of other religions, through the Ministry of Tolerance.

There are approximately 31 churches throughout the country, one Hindu temple in the region of Bur Dubai, 2 Sikh Gurudwaras,(with the biggest one located in the Jebel Ali district of Dubai), a Buddhist temple in the Al Garhoud of Dubai[52] and 2 synagogues (1 for visitors during Shabbat only).[53] Emiratis are all Muslims, approximately 90% of whom are Sunni and the remaining 10% are Shia.[54]

The government gives freedom to people to choose their significant others.[55]

Emirati diaspora

Main article: Emirati diaspora

Emirati ancestry, the result of emigration, also exists in other parts of the world, most notably in the Arabian Peninsula, Europe, and North America. Population estimates are seen to have a very small diaspora, mainly because the UAE provides them with more than adequate welfare benefits, removing the need to live and work in other developed countries.[56]

See also

References

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  2. ^ "United Nations International Migrant Stock".
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  4. ^ "United Nations International Migrant Stock".
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  15. ^ The Kumzari Dialect of the Shihuh Tribe
  16. ^ Culture Production in the Post-Maritime Gulf Metropolis
  17. ^ Iranian and Arab in the Gulf : endangered language
  18. ^ The Lāri language
  19. ^ US State Dept 2022 report
  20. ^ Mohnblatt, Debbie (24 October 2022). "With Abu Dhabi art event, UAE celebrates status as culture hub". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com.
  21. ^ a b MobileReference (2010). Travel Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Illustrated Guide, Phrasebook and Maps. Google eBooks. ISBN 9781607788362. Archived from the original on 23 January 2016.
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  23. ^ Heard-Bey, Frauke (1990). From Trucial States to United Arab Emirates. London: Longman. pp. 27–80. ISBN 0582277280.
  24. ^ Cadenas, Alicia M.; Zhivotovsky, Lev A.; Cavalli-Sforza, Luca L.; Underhill, Peter A.; Herrera, Rene J. (March 2008). "Y-chromosome diversity characterizes the Gulf of Oman". European Journal of Human Genetics. 16 (3): 374–386. doi:10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201934. ISSN 1476-5438.
  25. ^ Pakstis, Andrew J.; Gurkan, Cemal; Dogan, Mustafa; Balkaya, Hasan Emin; Dogan, Serkan; Neophytou, Pavlos I.; Cherni, Lotfi; Boussetta, Sami; Khodjet-El-Khil, Houssein; Ben Ammar ElGaaied, Amel; Salvo, Nina Mjølsnes; Janssen, Kirstin; Olsen, Gunn-Hege; Hadi, Sibte; Almohammed, Eida Khalaf (December 2019). "Genetic relationships of European, Mediterranean, and SW Asian populations using a panel of 55 AISNPs". European Journal of Human Genetics. 27 (12): 1885–1893. doi:10.1038/s41431-019-0466-6. ISSN 1018-4813. PMC 6871633. PMID 31285530.
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  27. ^ Kalir, Sur, Barak, Malini (2012). Transnational Flows and Permissive Politie.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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  41. ^ UNITED ARAB EMIRATES POPULATION STATISTICS (2018)
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  43. ^ Hurriez, Sayyid Hamid (16 December 2013). Folklore and Folklife in the United Arab Emirates. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-136-84907-7.
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  52. ^ "Gulfnews: Churches and temples in the UAE". Archive.gulfnews.com. 5 April 2008. Archived from the original on 31 July 2009. Retrieved 15 July 2009.
  53. ^ "Synagogues". Jewish UAE. 12 April 2023. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  54. ^ There are also 2 Sikh Gurudwaras with the biggest one in Jebel Ali and a Buddhist temple in Al Garhoud.United Arab Emirates Religion
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  56. ^ "Emiratisation won't work if people don't want to learn | the National". Archived from the original on 26 April 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
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