Can you keep your United Arab Emirates citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed
Yes, in general
Emirati citizens who become U.S. citizens generally keep their original citizenship, since the UAE permits dual citizenship.
What the law says
- Dual citizenship was earlier banned in the Emirates but has been permitted since 2021.
- The UAE approved amendments to the Emirati Nationality Law to allow investors, professionals, special talents and their families to acquire Emirati nationality under certain conditions.
- The law is primarily jus sanguinis, and naturalization is restricted due to fear of loss of Emirati national identity.
- The excerpt notes loss-of-citizenship rules for citizens by descent and by naturalization but does not state that acquiring another citizenship causes loss.
“Dual citizenship, which was earlier banned in the Emirates has been permitted since 2021.”
What about the U.S. side?
The United States allows dual citizenship. At the oath ceremony you promise to renounce allegiance to other countries, but U.S. law does not make you formally give up your other passport. The question is only whether United Arab Emirates lets you keep yours.
Source: Emirati nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the United Arab Emirates embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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