If you are born in Dubai, you do not automatically acquire Emirati citizenship solely by virtue of being born there. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Dubai, primarily follows the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood) for nationality law, rather than jus soli (right of soil).
Understanding Emirati Citizenship by Birth: The Jus Sanguinis Principle
The legal framework in the UAE dictates that citizenship is primarily inherited from one's parents, rather than being granted based on the geographical location of birth. This is the core of the jus sanguinis principle.
- Parental Nationality is Key: For a child born in Dubai (or anywhere else in the UAE) to gain Emirati citizenship, at least one of their parents must be an Emirati citizen at the time of birth.
- No Automatic Citizenship by Birthplace: This means that if both parents are foreign nationals (expatriates), their child, despite being born within Dubai's borders, will typically inherit the citizenship of their parents.
This system contrasts sharply with countries that practice jus soli, where simply being born within a country's territory automatically confers citizenship.
To illustrate the difference:
| Principle | Definition | How it Applies in UAE (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|
| Jus Sanguinis | Citizenship is derived from the nationality of one's parents. | YES (Primary principle) |
| Jus Soli | Citizenship is acquired by the place of birth. | NO (Not the primary principle) |
Key Exceptions to the Rule
While jus sanguinis is the overarching principle, the UAE nationality law does make specific exceptions:
- Foundlings: Children who are found abandoned within the UAE's territory, and whose parents are unknown, may be granted Emirati citizenship. This ensures that statelessness is avoided for vulnerable individuals.
- Adopted Children: Specific provisions can also apply to adopted children, though the exact circumstances for granting citizenship through adoption would depend on the specific legal framework and the nationality of the adoptive parents.
In essence, being born in Dubai means your legal status and citizenship will primarily be determined by your parents' nationalities, rather than your birthplace.
