PEOPLE
Only 15-20% of the total population of 4.041 million are U.A.E. citizens. The rest include significant numbers of other Arabs--Palestinians, Egyptians, Jordanians, Yemenis, Omanis--as well as many Iranians, Pakistanis, Indians, Bangladeshis, Afghanis, Filipinos, and west Europeans.
The
majority of UAE citizens are Sunni Muslims with a small Shi'a
minority. Most foreigners also are Muslim, although Hindus and
Christians make up a portion of the UAE's foreign population.
Educational standards among U.A.E. citizens population are rising rapidly. Citizens and temporary residents have taken advantage of facilities throughout the country. The UAE University in Al Ain had roughly 17,000 students in 2004. The Higher Colleges of Technology, a network of technical-vocational colleges, opened in 1989 with men's and women's campuses in each emirate. Zayed University for women opened in 1998 with campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai .
Nationality: Noun and adjective --U.A.E., Emirati.
Population (2004 est.): 4.3 million.
Annual growth rate: 6.9%.
Ethnic groups: Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Egyptian, Jordanian, Iranian, Filipino, Other Arab, (15-20% of residents are U.A.E. citizens).
Religions: Muslim (96%), Hindu, Christian.
Languages: Arabic (official), English, Hindi, Urdu, Persian.
Education: Years compulsory --ages 6-12. Literacy (U.A.E. citizens)--about 80%.
Health: Life expectancy --About 74 yrs.
Work force (2003) 2.485 million (93% foreign in 15-64 age group): Agriculture --8%; industry --32%; services --60%.
