The Shi a in United Arab Emirate

The United Arab Emirate (UAE) is a Muslim country in the Southwest Asia. 16 percent of the population UAE is Shiite. There are various views on the origination of Shiism in UAE. Some believe that the background of Shiism in UAE goes back to Baharina tribe that may have originated some 300 years ago from Na’in tribes who converted to Shiism at that time. Some others believe that the Shiites of that country are from the main dwellers and natives of that region, and some others believe that the introduction of Shiism into UAE coincided with the zenith of pearling and the arrival of Iranian and Indian merchants at that country. Besides, we may refer to the victory of Islamic Revolution of Iran as a major factor in converting the people of UAE to Shiism. The investigation of Shiite community of UAE from political, cultural, religious, economic and social viewpoints are among the most important concerns of this article.