Encyclopedia of Islam

Gulf States

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By some estimates, nonnationals may even out-

number UAE citizens. The majority of the coun-

try’s populace follows Sunni Islam (80 percent) 

and the Maliki tradition of law. The Shia are a 

minority (16 percent). The rest includes Chris-

tians, Hindus, Buddhists, Bahais, and Sikhs, who 

have freedom of worship. Christians, Hindus, and 

Sikhs have their own churches and temples, while 

others conduct their religious practices at home. 

Oil has brought the country great prosperity since 

its discovery there in 1958, and its per capita 

income is now comparable to that of countries 

in western Europe. The UAE has also become a 

flourishing center of international commerce and 

a modern architectural showcase; buildings there 

reflect Islamic and Western motifs.

See also g

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