- The UAE’s 4.3 million-strong Indian community forms a vital bridge between Indian and Emirati cultures.
- Indian films, television and radio enjoy wide reach and popularity across the UAE.
- UAE cinemas regularly showcase Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil commercial films.
- Yoga has become a visible cultural link, with Emiratis joining International Day of Yoga events.
- Yoga and meditation centres continue to operate successfully across the UAE.
- Abu Dhabi Sports Council promotes Indian community participation in sports and fitness activities.
- The UAE Ministry of Tolerance & Coexistence supports inclusive cultural and community events.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi reflects India’s cultural presence through its collection of Indian artefacts.
- The museum’s Indian collection includes the Mughal painting ‘The Huntress’.
- India and the UAE issued a joint commemorative stamp in February 2022.
- The stamp celebrated India’s 75 years of Independence, the UAE’s 50th anniversary and 50 years of diplomatic ties.
- The stamp was launched during the India-UAE virtual summit by both countries’ leaders.
- The India-UAE Cultural Council Forum was initiated through an MoU signed on 1 September 2022.
- The forum aims to strengthen cultural cooperation and people-to-people engagement.
- The UAE hosts 108 International Indian schools following CBSE and Kerala Board curricula.
- Dubai houses a CBSE Regional Office and Centre of Excellence for Indian schools.
- IIT Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus was established through a tripartite MoU signed in July 2023.
- IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi began with a master’s programme in Energy Transition and Sustainability in January 2024.
- The campus added bachelor’s programmes in Energy Engineering and Computer Science in September 2024.
- Manipal, BITS Pilani, Amity University and Symbiosis also run campuses in the UAE.
- IIM Ahmedabad opened its Dubai branch campus in September 2025.
- The IIM Ahmedabad Dubai campus is located at Dubai International Academic City.
- IIFT signed an MoU in October 2024 to establish a campus at Expo City Dubai.
- Indians form the UAE’s largest expatriate community, making up about 35% of the population.
- Around 15% of Indians in the UAE live in Abu Dhabi.
- Most of the Indian diaspora resides in Dubai and the five other Northern Emirates.
- The Indian community’s profile has shifted from predominantly blue-collar to more professionally diverse.
- Nearly 35% of Indians in the UAE are professionals, businesspersons or white-collar workers.
- Dependent family members account for about 10% of the Indian population in the UAE.
- The Indian community has contributed significantly to the UAE’s economic growth.
- Indians in the UAE are recognised for technical skill, discipline and respect for law.
- Eighteen Indians from the UAE have received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award.
- One Indian community association in the UAE has also received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award.
- Seven UAE-based Indians have been honoured with Padma awards.
- Indian linguistic and regional associations actively promote social and cultural engagement in the UAE.
- These associations support welfare initiatives led by the Indian Embassy and Consulate.
- Indian community organisations played a major role in Covid-era relief and repatriation efforts.
- Abu Dhabi’s BAPS Mandir was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024.
- The BAPS Mandir is Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple.
- The temple strengthens India-UAE people-to-people and cultural ties.
- The Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra in Dubai assists Indians through 24×7 helplines.
- The PBSK Mobile App provides another support channel for the Indian diaspora.
Sunset over historic Dubai Creek with boats and traditional architecture