The official religion of Dubai, as part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is Islam.
Dubai is one of the seven emirates that constitute the UAE. According to the constitution of the United Arab Emirates, Islam is designated as the official religion of the state. This establishes Islam as the central faith guiding legal and social norms within Dubai and the other emirates.
Islamic Landscape Among Emirati Citizens
While Islam is the official religion, the Muslim population within the UAE, particularly among Emirati citizens, is predominantly of two main branches:
- Over 90% of the Emirati population are adherents of Sunni Islam.
- The remaining 5–10% are Shia Muslims.
Notably, the reference indicates that Shia Muslims are concentrated among the Emirati population in the Emirates of Dubai and Sharjah. This highlights the presence of both major branches of Islam within the local community in Dubai.
Key Facts from the Reference
Based on the provided information:
- Islam holds the status of the official religion for the entire United Arab Emirates.
- This official status is constitutionally mandated.
- The majority of Emirati citizens (over 90%) follow Sunni Islam.
- A significant minority of Emirati citizens (5–10%) are Shia Muslims.
- Shia Muslims within the Emirati population are particularly found in Dubai and Sharjah.
It's important to understand that while Islam is the official religion and the primary faith of Emirati citizens, Dubai is a global hub with a vast expatriate population comprising individuals from diverse religious backgrounds. However, the official religion and the religion of the indigenous population (Emiratis) are as described.
