However, some skilled Emirati nationals move abroad to avail better work opportunities or gain valuable experience.

[18] In response to this, and with the growing number of positions in both the public and private sectors in the UAE over the past few years, the UAE government has promoted Emiratisation and started an initiative called "Return2Home" as part of a reverse brain drain, encouraging job opportunities for expatriate Emiratis returning home.

[19][20][21] In addition, many Emiratis go abroad for purposes such as pursuing education in foreign universities,[22] tourism, medical treatment[23] or conducting business.

[24][25] Most of the small Emirati diaspora is concentrated in the Middle East (mainly the GCC), North America, parts of Europe and Australia.

[27] Government figures show that around 250 Emiratis became British citizens between 1990 and 2012, while a few others also gained American and Western citizenships over the years.

[27] Many UAE nationals live, study or work in the Arab states of the Persian Gulf which form the GCC.