If you take a closer look at the conflation of cultures and ethnicities that is the UAE, you will find one particular expatriate community to be the most prominent – the malayali group. What started in the 1970s as a surging trend in labour migration, has now become a revolutionary phenomenon leading to a significant rise in the malayali population in the UAE, particularly in Dubai. Wandering through some of the malls and streets in Dubai will guarantee that you overhear casual conversations in Malayalam.
While the beginnings were more inclined towards finding a career, today, Keralities in Dubai have multiple reasons to love their home away from home.
Here we examine the main reasons why Keralities love travelling to the UAE and Dubai, whether it is for work, worship, or plain wanderlust.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Historic Ties
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One of the most far reaching reasons why there is a significant population of Keralities in Dubai today is because of the labour migration trend that started in the 1970s. Around the same time as the oil boom in the UAE, Dubai accelerated to become a thriving force in commerce and trade, naturally leading to an increase in demand for human resources. Kerala, known for its high literacy rate and its burgeoning community of ambitious and skilled workers, jumped to fill the gap. Malayalis began leaving their homeland seeking better career opportunities in the UAE, more specifically in Dubai, and there started a growing Malayali populace.
Initially, as Dubai focused on infrastructure improvement projects building skyscrapers, bridges, hotels, and more, Keralities migrated for labour-intensive work roles. Eventually, as the Emirate moved on to open more high-potent businesses, the Kerala labour community also diversified to include qualified professionals in a variety of fields such as retail, education, healthcare, and finance.
Needless to say, today, Keralites in Dubai across multiple promising sectors play important roles in contributing to every facet of the UAE’s economy.
Also Read: Breaking Down the Dubai Visa Procedure for Application into 6 Simple Steps
Better Opportunities
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Dubai is known for its diverse job market with potent opportunities across all sectors of the economy including finance, hospitality, healthcare, real estate, and technology. With an approximate employment rate forecasted to be close to 77% over the next few years, it comes as no surprise that educated job seekers prefer the UAE to build a career.
Malayalis, being the ambitious and educated go-getters that they are, are always looking for promising opportunities and Dubai is the most accessible of all. In fact, higher paying jobs and jobs with better growth prospects are two main reasons to visit Dubai for Keralities.
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Tourism
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Tourism is the next biggest reason for the influx of Keralities in Dubai. Over the years, there has been a significant increase in bookings of Dubai tour packages from Kerala and for good reason.
It is no secret that the futuristic city is home to some of the most iconic landmarks and shopping centers in the world. Starting from the tallest building to the biggest mall and other interesting attractions, there are many awe-inspiring places to visit in Dubai that call out to many a Malayali traveller. In the same way, from sky diving over the largest manmade island in the world to sandboarding through the Middle Eastern desert, there are many exciting things to do in Dubai as well that appeal to the Malayali’s curious mind.
In addition to Dubai, Abu Dhabi is also a close favourite UAE destination for Malayalis, owing to the unique experiences it offers. Among some of the most popular and best places to visit in Abu Dhabi are the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in particular has become a hotspot for spiritually curious Malayalis looking for peaceful self-reflection and connecting with their higher self.
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Cultural Familiarity
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Whether it is attributable to the fact that Keralities have been an active part of the UAE’s accelerating economy since the 1970s, or simply because Malayalis have spread their unseen albeit contagious warmth throughout the city, there is no denying that Dubai brings a certain level of cultural familiarity for Keralities. People from Kerala often find the UAE to be a comparatively comfortable place to work and live in. A part of this comes from the fact that they often have a sense of belonging arising from the prominent Malayali diaspora in the country. As Dubai fulfills their need for social connections and community building, there is always an unsaid preference to travel to the UAE, irrespective of whether it is for work or to start a new lease of life.
Proven Successful Economic Equation
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Last but not least, for years, Kerala’s economy has had significant contributions in the form of inward remittances from the UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It is a proven favourable economic equation that furthers every Malayali’s dream of being able to send money home and improve their lifestyle. With many successful stories of peers having migrated to the futuristic city and achieved great heights, there is enough reason for Keralites to follow the trail. On the flip side of the same coin, it also benefits India’s economy, with NRI remittances forming a core part of the country’s foreign exchange reserves, and in turn, contributing to macroeconomic stability.
Also Read: Dubai Travel Guidelines 2025: Everything to Know about Rules, Entry, & Local Laws
Wrapping Up: Keralites in Dubai – A Closer Look
Whether it is for work or to satiate wanderlust, the UAE and Dubai in particular are hot favourite destinations for Keralites. Attributable to many reasons including a surge in labour migration back in the 70s, the influx of Keralites in Dubai has proven to be mutually beneficial. With many internet UAE travel guides and guides for job seekers being centered around the best places to visit in Dubai in 2025 and the best industries to work in 2025, the trend is expected to continue in the upcoming years. The high employment rate of 77% in Dubai further adds to the promise of a successful migration.
If you are a Malayali looking for better opportunities and a better life in the UAE, book Kochi to Dubai flights quickly to bag the best deals. Avail of comfortable accommodation at some of the best hotels in Dubai for a hassle-free transition. Make sure to secure your Dubai visa with a reliable provider of online visa services for 180+ countries.
Quick Summary – Keralites in Dubai – a Long-Standing Connection
If you have ever wondered why there are so many Keralites in Dubai, you’re not alone. It has been a trend since the 1970s and it is unsurprisingly prominent even today. What started as a migratory trend, evolved into a significant phenomenon that would lead to a long-standing connection between the UAE and malayalis. There are several reasons why this came to be. Some of the most prominent reasons for the influx of Keralites in Dubai are historic ties, better opportunities, tourism, cultural familiarity, and a proven successful economic equation.
FAQs
Why are there so many Keralites in the UAE?
There are several factors that led to the influx of Keralites in Dubai and the UAE, one of the core ones being migration of labourers from Kerala to the UAE that started in the early 1970s, immediately following the oil boom. Other factors that led to an increase in the number of Keralites in the UAE are better career opportunities, tourism, cultural familiarity, and a proven successful economic equation that benefits immigrants as well as the country’s foreign reserves.
What are some of the best places to visit in Dubai in 2025?
Some of the best places to visit in Dubai in 2025 are:
- Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Mall
- Dubai Miracle Garden
- Dubai Frame
- The Museum of The Future
- Dubai Creek
- Palm Jumeirah
- Burj Al Arab
- Global Village
- Dubai Marina
What are some of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi?
Some of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi are:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Yas Island
- Ferrari World
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Yas Waterworld
- SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
- Heritage Village
- Qasr Al Hosn
How to go to UAE from Kerala?
To go to the UAE from Kerala, there are several direct flights available from Kochi and Kozhikode, provided by IndiGo, Spicejet, Etihad, Emirates etc. You also need a valid Dubai visa to visit the city. You can easily avail of cheap flights from Kochi to Dubai if you book a few months in advance.
Which city is best for jobs in the UAE?
The five best places to work in the UAE are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah.
Which month is best for job search in the UAE?
January and February are known to be some of the most active months for recruitment in the UAE. Owing to it being the start of the new year, companies often have fresh recruitment budgets and the weather is also cooler during this time of the year.
March to May are the next best few months for job search, as companies reopen after Eid holidays with hopes of filling vacancies before peak summer.
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