Omanis
Omanis consist of expatriates and residents in the United Arab Emirates who hail from Oman. Being a bordering country and sharing cultural links, there are thousands of Omanis who live in the U.A.E. They are predominately Arabs and belong to the Muslim Ibadi sect.
Omanis make a large percentage of the UAE's office corps and also dominate the police forces. Many are originally students pursuing higher education in various institutions across the country. In 2003, their number was estimated at over 9,000. According to the Times of Oman, the United Arab Emirates is the most popular destination for Omani students who choose to study abroad; its close location and sharing of the language and culture makes them more comfortable at places like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the border town of Al Ain.
Both countries have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at providing benefits to Omani nationals and citizens in the UAE as well as treating Omani labour and work force at par with the country's nationals. Being a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) (like the UAE) enables Omani nationals to move and work freely within the country and enjoy contrasting residential benefits as compared to expatriates in the UAE from non-GCC states.
In 2003, Omanis in the UAE were allowed to vote for council members in the elections of the Omani Majlis al-Shura. It was the first-ever overseas suffrage in Oman's history.
Read more about this topic: Expatriates In The United Arab Emirates