United Arab Emirates

SRI LANKAN COMMUNITY IN UAE SIZE & DISTRIBUTION The Sri Lankan community in UAE is estimated at over 400,000–500,000 people, making it one of the largest expat groups. Sri Lankans are found across all seven emirates with the highest concentration in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. KEY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS • Sri Lanka Association UAE (SLA-UAE) — the main cultural organization • Sri Lanka Islamic Centre Dubai — serving Muslim Sri Lankans • Sri Lankan Buddhist temples in Dubai and Abu Dhabi • Various regional associations (Colombo, Kandy, Southern, etc.) • Several cricket clubs and cultural groups CONSULAR SERVICES Embassy of Sri Lanka — Abu Dhabi: • Address: Villa No. 15, Al Mutarad Street, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi • Phone: +971-2-6444611 • Services: Passport renewal, attestations, emergency assistance, labour complaints Consulate General of Sri Lanka — Dubai: • Address: Khalid Bin Walid St (Bank Street), Bur Dubai • Phone: +971-4-3988845 • Services: Same as embassy • Walk-in hours: 8:30AM–1PM (Mon–Thu), 8:30AM–11AM (Fri) ANNUAL EVENTS • Sri Lankan Independence Day celebrations (4 Feb) • Sinhala & Tamil New Year celebrations (April 13–14) • Vesak Day events at Buddhist temples • Sri Lanka Day festival (Dubai Shopping Festival period) • Cricket tournaments between SL community teams WHERE SRI LANKANS LIVE • Dubai: Deira, Karama, Al Quoz, International City, Al Barsha • Abu Dhabi: Mussafah, Al Ain area, Tourist Club Area • Sharjah: Rolla, Al Nahda, Muweilah SRI LANKAN FOOD Dozens of Sri Lankan restaurants in Dubai (Karama area especially). Sri Lankan groceries at Lulu, Nesto, and specialty stores in Karama.