Multicultural Dubai: Cosmopolitan community living

Would it be right to call our beloved city, multicultural Dubai? Absolutely! Anyone who has lived here would answer the question of which is the most multicultural city in the world with Dubai. Estimates suggest only 15 to 20% of the total population of Dubai could be categorised as locals. This means that expats make up around 80 to 85% of the population, contributing to the city’s status as multicultural Dubai. This cultural diversity in Dubai has become a hallmark of expat life in Dubai. People from over 125 countries reside here and having so many multicultural communities in Dubai is what makes it a wonderful and welcoming place. Multicultural environment in Dubai has carefully nurtured by its leaders and its populace has readily embraced the idea.

The cultural diversity in Dubai also makes it an attractive place for professionals from different backgrounds. There is multicultural education in Dubai with schools following various international curriculums. The restaurants and eateries around town also cater to cultural diversity in Dubai. Multiculturalism in Dubai has flourished in the past few decades and all of these factors create a beautiful mix of experiences in the city we call multicultural Dubai.

Multicultural Dubai

The progress and development in this city have come through the government’s openness to welcoming talent from across the world. A multicultural Dubai is synonymous to a successful Dubai. To maintain cultural diversity in Dubai, the government has taken steps to safeguard the rights of the immigrants as well as locals. You could have any passport in the world and still feel at home.

Embracing Cultural Diversity in Dubai

As a part of the Year of Tolerance, the overarching theme of life in the UAE is one of compassion, brotherhood and harmony. The government has played a significant part in promoting cultural diversity in Dubai. This cross-cultural influences in Dubai have lent it a unique global flavour that other cities aspire towards.

Multicultural education in Dubai

One of the main reason for cultural diversity in Dubai is that it allows schools to follow curriculums from international educational boards. This gives parents the comfort that their children are not just learning the Dubai way of life, but they also know their own culture and remain close to their roots. It gives them an option to return to their home country or any other country of their preference for higher education. It’s accurate to say that multicultural education in Dubai has opened many doors for immigrants.

Indian Schools in Dubai

For example, if you are an Indian immigrant, there are multiple options for your child’s education. There are top Indian schools in Dubai which follow different Indian boards. For example, if you are renting an apartment in Bur Dubai, one of the many popular multicultural communities in Dubai, you will have multiple Indian schools to choose from. Even if you send your child back home for higher education, transferring should be easy.

British Schools in Dubai

The National Curriculum of England is followed across the world and is often a preferred choice for parents. There are a lot of British schools in Dubai which offer top quality education as well as a wide range of co-curricular activities. If you are renting a villa in Emirates Hills, another popular multicultural community in Dubai, there are top British schools you can scout in the neighbourhood.

American Schools in Dubai

Similarly, there is a range of American schools in Dubai with top rankings. These institutes can prepare your child for the challenges that lie ahead. So if you are a US citizen, there are schools which follow different American curriculums. Here is a list of top 9 American schools in Dubai you can consider.

Pakistani Schools in Dubai

There are many Pakistani schools in Dubai as well. Such schools can follow a mix of British and Pakistani curriculum. So while living in multicultural Dubai, your child can learn about Pakistani traditions and heritage.

Even if you are looking for the best higher education options in Dubai that are worth considering, you’re in luck. Many British, Australian and American-based universities have opened campuses in the city. And the best part is these provide the same level of education as their counterparts in Western countries.

Shopping in a multicultural Dubai

Nothing represents the multicultural nature of Dubai like the availability of global brands. Such is the cultural diversity in Dubai that there is a ready market for various brands from every corner of the world. For example, if you are used to British or European brands, there is Next, Zara, H&M, Mango and M&S. Department stores from UK and US such as Debenhams, Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdales are also present. Residents of multicultural communities living in Dubai, often shop from these stores.

Even in terms of groceries, multicultural Dubai does not disappoint. There are special supermarkets catering to expat communities in Dubai.

Meena Bazar is known as ‘Little India.’ Textile stores and exotic jewellery stores take you back to your homeland. For those who are renting an apartment in Meena Bazar, the sub-continental flavours will not be far away. You will also find Pakistani clothing brands in Meena Bazar. Similarly, Boulevard One is another outlet which has gained popularity amongst the Indian crowd.

Dragon Mart has almost recreated the hustle and bustle of Chinese markets in Dubai. Even if you are from any other country, Chinese products are famous for its global appeal. So, whether it’s shopping, entertainment or food, Dragon Mart is a perfect choice.

Spotting global brands at popular shopping destinations shouldn’t be difficult. After all, you’re in multicultural Dubai.

Food in multicultural Dubai

The famous British breakfast is available in all parts of the town. If you are missing the rainy day’s breakfast at King’s Cross St Pancras, visit any restaurant that offers beans, sausages, English tea and more. Similarly, many top British restaurants in Dubai which offer delicious British cuisine throughout the day. Whereas, for Indian restaurants in Dubai, you would really be spoiled for choice. You can find most Indian delicacies as people from different subcultures from India live here. In fact, you can find various amazing Indian restaurants in Dubai with a wide variety of Indian food in almost every corner of the city. So whether you enjoy Veg Kebab Platter from Mumbai or Dum Biryani of Hyderabad, you can have it all.

Some people think that Pakistani food is quite similar to Indian dishes. Those people haven’t visited the best Pakistani restaurants in Dubai. If you like your meat, Pakistani restaurants could become your second home. And this not all. All multicultural communities in Dubai have plenty of places to visit and relive the tastes from back home.

If you are looking for some American brands you can go to TGI Friday, Shake Shack, and The Cheesecake Factory. The famous American burger brands including Five Guys, Burger King, Wendys, Johnny Rockets and more are widely available across Dubai.

French food is considered by many to be the best food in the World. Dubai has many great French restaurants like STAY by Yannick Alléno, La Cantine du Faubourg and La Petite Maison. Or if you are in the mood for German food, there are many quality restaurants such as Treff, Wienerwald and Best Worscht in Town. For an authentic Turkish taste, you can visit the Turkish Steak Restaurant & Café, Zouzou, and Ruya – Grosvenor House.

Whether it is shopping, education, entertainment or food, Dubai can rival any city in the world with its diversity. Your children can stay in Dubai and study a curriculum that is strongly connected to your home country. One can make a home in multicultural Dubai, safe in the knowledge that this city embraces the diversity of culture. Multicultural environment in Dubai makes everyone feel at home.

Here is a few frequently asked question about the multicultural life in Dubai that will help you understand the truly inclusive nature of the community here.

How many nationalities live in Dubai? 

There are over 200 nationalities in Dubai speaking over 300 languages and dialects. If you want to explore the capital as well, know how to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.

Is Dubai the most multicultural city in the world? 

It is among the top 10 most multicultural cities in the world as per studies conducted by BBC Travel and is set to become one of the most culturally diverse cities by 2030.

How populous in Dubai? 

Dubai is one of the most populated cities in the UAE with a total of over 11million people calling the city home.

What is the culture of Dubai?

While Dubai like other cities in the UAE is governed by Islamic law, there are multiple cultures living together in Dubai. It is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world with residents from different countries in the world.

As you can see, Dubai celebrates multiculturalism. It is one of the few cities in the GCC that has also opened its doors to multiple religious establishments thereby allowing residents to feel as welcome as possible. Despite being an Islamic city, Dubai has plenty of Churches, temples, gurudwaras and other religious institutes. From the very beginning, religious freedom was ingrained in the social fabric of this city. Multiculturalism in Dubai is an example to the world, that growth is possible when people from across the globe work together.