The United Arab Emirates is comprised of 1.7 million people. Islam is
the official religion of the Union. The Islamic Shari'ah is the principal
source of legislation.
The law guarantees the freedom to hold religious ceremonies in accordance
with established custom provided such ceremonies are consistent with public
order and with public morals.
Citizens are predominantly Sunni Muslims, but Shi'a Muslims are also free to worship and maintain mosques. The government has control over the appointment of preachers and the conduct of their work. Throughout the emirates, most mosques are government funded or subsidized.
Non-Muslims are free to practice their religion but may not proselytize publicly or distribute religious literature. Major cities have Christian churches and Hindu and Sikh temples, some built on land donated by the ruling families. Other religious communities (mostly expatriates residing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi) include Ismailis, Parsis, and Iranian Baha'is. The Government permits foreign clergy to minister to expatriate congregations. Non-Muslim religious groups are permitted to engage in private charitable activities and to send their children to private schools.
2003 US State Department International Religious Freedom Report on United Arab Emirates
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