Whether you are planning to move, work, or invest in Dubai, it is helpful to know which communities have the strongest presence. In this blog, we break down the largest Indian community in Dubai and why so many Indians choose the city as their second home.
How Many Indians Live in Dubai?
Today, Indians make up the largest expat population in the UAE, with more than 3.5 million Indians across the country. A big percentage of them live in Dubai because of job opportunities, business growth, safety, and a comfortable lifestyle. You will find Indians in every part of Dubai, from Bur Dubai and Karama to Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Silicon Oasis. But some communities stand out more than others.
Largest Indian Community in Dubai
When people ask, “Which Indian community is more in Dubai?”, the answer is usually Keralites (Malayalis). They form the biggest Indian group in Dubai. For decades, people from Kerala have been moving to Dubai for jobs, business, and a better lifestyle. Their strong presence can be seen in food, culture, festivals, and local businesses. Apart from Keralites, other major Indian communities include:
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Tamilians
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Punjabis
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Mumbaikars and Gujaratis
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Telugu-speaking communities
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North Indians from Delhi, UP, and Rajasthan
Impact: These groups together form a large part of the Indian expat community in UAE.
Indian Population in Dubai by State
Here is a simple look at the Indian population in Dubai by state, based on common demographic trends:
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Kerala – Largest group, strong presence in all sectors
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Tamil Nadu – Just like in India, they are quite Popular in IT over there, hospitality, and engineering
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Maharashtra – They are very active in business, finance, and corporate jobs
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Punjab & Haryana – They have a very Strong presence in trading and logistics
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Telangana & Andhra Pradesh – Growing community in tech and real estate
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Uttar Pradesh & Rajasthan – Widely seen in service and retail sectors
Impact: These communities help shape Dubai’s multicultural environment and make the city feel like home for many Indians.
Why Are Indians the Largest Expat Group in Dubai?
There are many reasons the Indian expat community in UAE is so large:
1. Job and Business Opportunities
Dubai offers thousands of jobs in IT, construction, healthcare, finance, tourism, and more.
2. Easy Connectivity
Daily flights connect Dubai to major Indian cities.
3. Cultural Comfort
Indian food, festivals, schools, and communities make life familiar and easy.
4. Safety and Quality of Life
Dubai is safe, modern, and clean, important factors for families.
In Short
So, which Indian community is more in Dubai? The largest group is Keralites, followed by Tamilians, Gujaratis, Punjabis, and many other communities. With over 3.5 million Indians in the UAE, Dubai continues to be one of the most welcoming and comfortable cities for Indian expats
