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Emirati Iranians or Emirati Persians are residents of the United Arab Emirates of Iranian national background. The community accounts for 5-8% of the country's population and is highly respected for its contributions to the social and economic fabric of the UAE.
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 500,000 (2015)[1] 5-8% of the UAE population[1] 800,000 (estimates, 2012) [2] more than 8% of the UAE population | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Dubai | |
| Languages | |
| Arabic, Persian, Achomi, Balochi, Kurdish, and other languages of Iran. (see Languages of Iran). | |
| Religion | |
| Sunni Islam, Shi'a | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Iranian diaspora (Iranians of UAE • Ajam of Bahrain • Ajam of Qatar • Ajam of Iraq • 'Ajam of Kuwait • Iranians of Canada • Iranians of America • Iranians of UK • Iranians of Germany • Iranians of Israel • Iranians in Turkey) Iranian Peoples (Lurs, Achomis, Baluchs, Kurds, Iranian Azeris), Turkic peoples (Qashqai, Azerbaijanis), Huwala |
Due to the geographical proximity between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, Persians were among the first major groups of foreign settlers in the region, with a history dating back to the 1810s.[3] Over time, they have become a deeply rooted and respected community within the UAE.
By the early 20th century, over 500 Gulf Iranians were already residing in Abu Dhabi, with many others having moved to Dubai, where they helped establish the Bastakiyah district.[4]
Persians who resided in the Trucial States prior to 1925 or before the formation of the union were offered the Emirati citizenship as per Article 17 of the United Arab Emirates Citizenship and Passport Law of Year 1972.[5]
Today, the UAE is home to an estimated 500,000 to 800,000 Iranian expatriates, the majority of whom live in Dubai.[6] The Iranian Club in Dubai serves as a cultural and social hub for Iranian expatriates, preserving their cultural heritage and providing a space for community activities.
The Iranian population in the UAE also includes smaller communities of Emirati Balochs (Baloch people living in the UAE) and Iranian Arabs from Hormozgan.[7] The community is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, with over 8,000 Iranian-backed businesses operating in Dubai, contributing significantly to the local economy. These businesses collectively hold more than $300 billion in assets within the UAE.[8]
They are generally composed of:
- Achomi people: Achum/Achami people also known as "Khodmooni",[9] are Iranian people native to the south of Iran who have migrated from various areas of "Irahistan" (Bastak, Khonj, Evaz, Jenah, etc..);[9][4] most notably from "Bastak", thus "Al-Bastaki" surname,[4][9] Bastaki, Evazi, and Khonji sub-dialects of Achomi, and Al-Bastakiya Neighbourhood in Dubai.[4] They are generally of Sunni Shafi'i and Maliki background and some refer to themselves as "Huwala" possibly to denote their Sunni faith,[4] although there are Gerashi Achomis of Shia background.
- Emirati Balochs: Baloch people who migrated from Balochistan.[10][11][12][4]: 45–46 Most of them have the "Al-Balushi" surname.[12]
Business and organizations
The Emirati Iranian community is highly respected and has established a strong presence in various sectors, including trade, healthcare, and real estate. There are over 8,000 Iranian-backed businesses in Dubai, ranging from small enterprises to large conglomerates. The Iranian Business Council - Dubai and the Iranian Hospital in Dubai are among the key institutions that serve the community and beyond.
Iran maintains a consulate-general in Dubai, which plays a crucial role in diplomatic relations and supporting the needs of Iranian nationals in the UAE.
Al-Bastakiyeh
The badgirs in Dubai's Bastakiyah district are a testament to Iran's deep historical ties with the Gulf Arab states.[4] These have been generally introduced to Bahrain and UAE by Bastaki Achomis.[4][13][14]
The Emirati Iranian community practices a mix of Sunni and Shia Islam, reflecting the religious diversity of Iran. The community is also home to a significant number of Bahá'ís. Among the most notable religious sites are the Iranian Mosque in Bur Dubai and the Iranian Mosque in Satwa, which serve as cultural and religious centers for Iranians in the UAE.
The Emirati Iranian community is not only integrated into the UAE's diverse social fabric but is also held in high esteem for its contributions to the country's development. Iranians in the UAE have maintained a balance between preserving their rich cultural heritage and actively participating in the UAE's economic growth. This integration has fostered mutual respect and a strong sense of community between Iranians and other ethnic groups within the UAE.
Music
Many Bandari music bands existed in UAE and sung in Achomi (Bastaki dialect), such as:
Known families
- Al-Ali[4]
- Al-Gurg[4]
- Al-Hajiri[4]
- Al-Khaja[4]
- Al-Mulla[4]
- Al-Serkal[4]
- Darwish[4]
- Bastaki/Al-Bastaki[4][9]
- Qasimi[4]
- Zaruni[4]
- Abdullatif[4]
- Al-Abudi[4]
- Al-Ansari[4]: 102
- Al-Fardan[4]
- Al-Tajir[4]
- Badri[4]
- Fikri[4]
- Al-Galadari/Galadari[4]: 102
- Ghulam Abbas[4]
- Sayigh[4]
- Awadhi/Al-Awadhi[4][9]
- Al-Jakkah[4]
- Al-Kharji[4]
- Al-Raqbani[4]
- Al-Saffarini[4]
- Al-Sharafa[4]
- Bahruzian[4]
- Khoory[4]
- Murtaza[4]
- Naboodah[4]
- Natafji[4]
- Rostamani[4]
- Shahin[4]
- Sharif[23]: 103
- Huda Al-Khatib - Emirati actress of Achomi ancestry. She appeared in the Kuwaiti serial "Al-Da'la" where she speaks broken Arabic, and mixes it with Persian/Achomi,[24][25] the serial has a full scene in which the character she plays is learning the Arabic language and sings the Laristani/Achomi/Khudmuni/Bastaki song "Ghalyon ma teshn, ghori ma chai, yar nazanin, jaye to khali" (My hookah has no fire, my teapot has no tea, my beloved, your place is empty).[26]
- Ibtessam Al-Bastaki - Emirati doctor of Achomi ancestry.
- Khadija Al-Bastaki - Emirati businesswoman of Achomi ancestry.
- Ahllam - Emirati singer, of paternal Ahvazi and maternal Tehrani ancestry.
Huda Al-Khatib
Ibtessam Al-Bastaki
Khadija Al-Bastaki
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