The major religions practised in the United Arab Emirates are Islam (the official state religion), Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Islam is followed by the vast majority of Emirati citizens, while the other faiths are practised mainly by the country’s large expatriate workforce.
Islam: The Official Religion
Islam is the official religion of the UAE, and the country’s legal and cultural framework is deeply shaped by Islamic principles. The constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but within the bounds of public order and morality. The ruling families of the seven emirates are Sunni Muslims, and the majority of Emirati citizens are Sunni, following the Maliki school of jurisprudence. A small minority are Shia Muslims, mainly living in Dubai and the northern emirates.
Islamic practices are visible throughout public life. The call to prayer (adhan) is heard five times daily from mosques, and during Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. The UAE hosts the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s largest mosques, which can hold over 40,000 worshippers. The government funds the construction and maintenance of mosques and supports Islamic education and charitable activities.
Christianity: A Diverse Expatriate Community
Christianity is the largest non-Muslim religion in the UAE, with an estimated 1.2 million Christians, nearly all of whom are expatriates. They come from the Philippines, India, Lebanon, Egypt, and Western countries. The UAE has over 40 churches across the emirates, including Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Protestant congregations.
The government has granted land for church buildings, and churches operate freely, though they are often shared by multiple denominations. For example, in Dubai, the Holy Trinity Church serves several Anglican and Protestant groups, while St. Mary’s Catholic Church is one of the busiest in the region. Christmas and Easter are celebrated openly, and churches hold public services. However, proselytizing Muslims is illegal, and conversion from Islam is not recognized.
Hinduism: A Growing Temple Presence
Hinduism is practised by a significant number of South Asian expatriates, mainly from India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Estimates suggest there are over 660,000 Hindus in the UAE. The first Hindu temple in the country was built in Bur Dubai in 1958, and it remains a vibrant centre for worship. In 2022, the UAE opened its first traditional stone Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, the BAPS Hindu Mandir, built on land donated by the government.
Hindu festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navratri are widely celebrated, and the government permits these events in public spaces. The temple in Dubai is often crowded during major festivals, and the new Abu Dhabi temple has become a symbol of religious tolerance. Unlike some other Gulf states, the UAE allows the public display of Hindu religious symbols and the sale of religious items.
Buddhism and Sikhism: Smaller Communities
Buddhism is practised by a smaller expatriate community, mainly from East and Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, and China. There are a few Buddhist temples and meditation centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, operating quietly. The community is estimated at around 150,000 people.
Sikhism is followed by a community of roughly 50,000, mostly from India’s Punjab region. The first gurdwara (Sikh temple) in the UAE was established in Jebel Ali, Dubai, in 2012, and a larger one was built in 2018. The gurdwara runs a free community kitchen (langar) that serves meals to anyone, regardless of faith, reflecting Sikh values of service and equality.
Religious Freedom and Legal Framework
The UAE’s constitution (Article 32) guarantees freedom of religious worship, but it is not absolute. The government restricts proselytizing by non-Muslims, and it is illegal to insult Islam or to convert from Islam. Blasphemy laws can lead to imprisonment, though they are rarely enforced against expatriates. The government also monitors religious gatherings to prevent extremism.
Despite these restrictions, the UAE has positioned itself as a regional model of religious tolerance. In 2019, the government appointed a Minister of Tolerance, and it hosts the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies. The Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, opened in 2023, houses a mosque, a church, and a synagogue on the same campus, symbolising interfaith coexistence.
Common Misconceptions and Practical Tips
A common misconception is that non-Muslims are not allowed to practise their religion in the UAE. In reality, they can worship privately and in designated places, but they must avoid public displays of religious symbols that might offend Muslims. For example, wearing a large cross or a religious T-shirt is generally acceptable, but distributing Bibles or inviting Muslims to church is not.
Another misconception is that all Emiratis are Sunni. While the majority are, there is a significant Shia minority, and the government officially recognises both branches. For visitors, it is important to respect Islamic customs, especially during Ramadan, when eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is illegal for everyone, regardless of faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practise my religion in the UAE as a foreigner? Yes, you can practise your religion privately and in designated places of worship, such as churches, temples, and gurdwaras. However, you cannot proselytize Muslims or insult Islam.
Are there any restrictions on religious clothing? There are no laws requiring women to wear a hijab, and non-Muslims can wear their own religious attire, such as a crucifix or a bindi. However, modesty is expected in public, and revealing clothing may be frowned upon.
Is it legal to convert from Islam in the UAE? No, conversion from Islam is not legally recognised, and it is considered apostasy. Converts may face legal and social consequences, including loss of family rights.
Are there any Hindu temples in the UAE? Yes, there are several Hindu temples, the oldest being in Bur Dubai, and a new grand temple in Abu Dhabi opened in 2022. They are open to all visitors, though non-Hindus may need to follow dress codes.
Do churches in the UAE have to be hidden? No, churches are visible and have official licences. They are often located in industrial or commercial areas, but they are not hidden. Some are shared by multiple denominations due to space constraints.
What is the Abrahamic Family House? It is a complex in Abu Dhabi that contains a mosque, a church, and a synagogue, all built on the same site. It was opened in 2023 to promote interfaith dialogue and coexistence.
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