Navigating Forced Displacement: Socioeconomic Challenges and adaptation strategies among the Sudanese in the United Arab Emirates – Ajman
Navigating Forced Displacement: Socioeconomic Challenges and
adaptation strategies among the Sudanese in the United Arab Emirates – Ajman
A paper by Hager Hassan, with the support of CEDEJ Khartoum.
Introduction:
Since the outbreak of war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in 2023, Sudan has witnessed one of the largest population displacements in the world. According to UNHCR, by late 2025, over 4.2 million Sudanese had migrated abroad as refugees or asylum-seekers, while around 7–8.8 million were internally displaced. Egypt, Libya, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Sudan, and Uganda have been the main recipient countries. Internally, people fled from Khartoum to safer states in northern, eastern, and central Sudan, living in temporary gathering sites such as schools and government institutions, with host communities, or in rented housing. Many experienced severe atrocities, including killing, loss of assets, arrest, torture, and sexual violence.
The war has severely affected the economic and social life of Sudanese communities, destroying physical infrastructure, disrupting social services, and weakening social cohesion. Large sections of the population lost their sources of livelihood, particularly informal sector workers, as well as public and private sector employees. Humanitarian responses by the UN, international and national NGOs, civil society organizations, and the government focused on food, water, shelter, sanitation, and awareness-raising on health and gender-based violence. The escalation of the conflict beyond Khartoum to Gezira, White Nile, and Sinnar further forced families to leave, often selecting destination countries based on migration procedures, financial resources, the presence of relatives, and past experiences.
The UAE has long been familiar to Sudanese migrants for employment and tourism, with migration dating back to the 1970s.According to official statements from the Sudanese Consulate in Abu Dhabi (2024) the Sudanese community in the United Arab Emirates exceeds 200,000 residents, reflecting the size and significance of the UAE as a major destination for Sudanese migration. This demographic presence highlights the importance of examining the experiences and challenges faced by Sudanese migrants in the UAE.
Following the 2023 war, the UAE introduced a “disasters residence” initiative, allowing Sudanese to enter the country with less procedures and lower costs, initially granting visa that valid for one to two months stay extendable to a one-year residence based on need. At the time, many Sudanese migrants were not prepared to stay for longer period of time given the relatively high cost of living in the UAE. Some assumed that finding work – irrespective of the required qualifications and skills – would be easy to ensure sustained livelihood. However, ongoing pressures—such as the cost of living, renewing residence permits, and depletion of savings—forced migrants to seek practical solutions and adopt various coping strategies.
Ajman has emerged as a central hub for Sudanese in the UAE, where migrants engage in income-generating activities and leverage social networks to sustain their lives.
Context of the study:
Ajman is the smallest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, located along the Arabian Gulf and surrounded mainly by Sharjah. Since its formation as part of the UAE in 1971, Ajman has transitioned from a traditional economy based on fishing and pearling to a more diversified economy focused on trade, services, and small-scale industries. The emirate has experienced rapid urban growth and population increase, becoming part of the wider Dubai–Sharjah metropolitan area. Ajman is also home to a diverse expatriate population, including a noticeable Sudanese community, who contribute to various sectors such as trade and services, reflecting broader migration and adaptation patterns within the UAE.
This demographic diversity is consistent with national statistics indicating that expatriates constitute the majority of the population in the UAE. According to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (UAE), the total population of the United Arab Emirates reached 11.29 million in 2024. Official demographic data indicate that Emirati nationals constitute a minority of the total population, while expatriates form the overwhelming majority. Current demographic estimates suggest that Emirati citizens account for approximately 11–12% of the population, whereas expatriates represent around 88–89%, making the UAE one of the most migrant dependent societies globally. (Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, n.d.; World Bank, 2023).
Research Objective:
The purpose of this study is to examine the socio-economic challenges faced by Sudanese migrants in Ajman and to analyze the adaptation strategies they employ, with particular emphasis on the role of community-based institutions, including the Sudanese Cultural Club and local bazaars, in facilitating social and economic adaptation.
Research Questions:
The study was guided by the following research questions:
1- What are the main factors motivating Sudanese migration to the UAE?
2- What are the primary socio-economic challenges faced Sudanese migrants in the UAE after the war?
3- How have Sudanese migrants adapted to the socio-economic challenges they face in the UAE?
4- What role do socio-economic institutions play in supporting the Sudanese community in the UAE?
5- How does social media contribute to the adaptation process of Sudanese migrants facing socio-economic challenges in the UAE?
Significance of the Study:
Understanding migration in the Gulf—particularly in the UAE—requires attention to the differentiated experiences produced by legal status, labor regimes, and social hierarchies. While existing scholarship by Vora, Hanieh, Le Renard, and Gardner has illuminated how nationality, race, and class shape migrant life in the region, much of this work has focused on long- established migrant groups or on structural analyses of the labor system. Far less is known about migrant communities whose mobility is driven by forced displacement. This study addresses this gap by examining the experiences of Sudanese migrants who arrived in the UAE following the 2023 war. Their position at the intersection of economic migration and forced displacement offers a distinct and understudied case that can deepen current understandings of vulnerability, adaptation, and social belonging in the Gulf. By centering this group, the study contributes new empirical insight to Gulf migration research and expands the scope of who is included in discussions of migrant precarity and resilience.
In addition, the study addresses the limited academic attention given to the experiences of Sudanese migrants in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in the context of forced displacement following the 2023 conflict in Sudan. In line with its purpose, the study examines the socio-economic challenges faced by Sudanese migrants in Ajman and explores the adaptation strategies they employ, with particular attention to the role of institutions such as the Sudanese Cultural Club and local bazaars. Despite the growing presence of Sudanese communities in the UAE, these aspects remain under explored in existing research.
By focusing on everyday experiences and community-based support systems, the study contributes to the broader literature on forced migration, migrant adaptation, and diaspora communities in the Gulf region. It also provides practical insights for researchers and organizations working on migration and displacement by highlighting the importance of informal institutions and local networks in facilitating adaptation.
Furthermore, the findings may support Sudanese community initiatives in Ajman and beyond by strengthening awareness of shared challenges and effective coping mechanisms. More broadly, the study contributes to enhancing social cohesion, mutual support, and community resilience among Sudanese migrants in the UAE.
Literature Review:
Armed conflict is a major driver of forced migration worldwide. The 2023 war in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has caused one of the largest recent displacement crises, affecting an estimated 14 million people, including millions internally displaced and others seeking refuge abroad (Bank & Fröhlich, 2018; UNHCR, 2025).
According to IOM, forced migration occurs when individuals leave their homes due to threats to life, safety, or livelihood, whether from violence, environmental disasters, or socio-economic crises (IOM, 2011). In the Sudanese case, insecurity and the collapse of essential services have compelled people to seek the protection and stability provided by the UAE.
Understanding Sudanese migrants’ experiences in the UAE requires attention to the integration concept. Earlier migration theories often viewed integration as a linear process leading to assimilation. However, in Gulf migration systems, residency is usually temporary, and citizens have limited social interaction with foreigners. Thus, integration is better understood as adaptation within structural limitations, rather than full assimilation (Cheung & Phillimore, 2014).
Integration can also be conceptualized as a multidimensional process, involving migrants, community organizations, institutions, and society. Adaptation depends on legal frameworks, labour market structures, and social boundaries, not just individual effort (Cheung & Phillimore, 2014). For Sudanese in the UAE, adaptation strategies focus on balancing economic survival with cultural continuity.
Social identity theory explains part of this adaptation. An individual’s sense of self is shaped by membership in social groups and the emotional value attached to that belonging (Tajfel, 1978). For displaced Sudanese, maintaining a connection to their homeland provides emotional stability (Schwartz, Montgomery & Briones, 2006). This is visible in everyday practices such as wearing traditional clothing, shopping at Sudanese groceries, frequenting Sudanese restaurants, naming businesses after Sudanese cities, and gathering in familiar social spaces. These practices foster solidarity and a sense of security while navigating life in a temporary migration system.
The mostClaire Beaugrand’s work on Gulf migration regimes shows that citizenship and belonging are deliberately restricted, producing what she describes as enduring structures of exclusion that prevent migrants from integrating. Although her analysis focuses on Kuwait, the same logic applies across the Gulf, where migrants remain temporary, dependent, and legally excluded. In the UAE, this framework means Sudanese migrants have no pathway to long-term membership or equal participation, making genuine integration unattainable. Instead, they rely on adaptive practices— maintaining Sudanese networks, adjusting to workplace hierarchies, and navigating the sponsorship system—to manage daily life within a system that limits deeper forms of belonging.
In summary, Sudanese migrants in the UAE adapt by sustaining their cultural identity while managing economic and social challenges. This demonstrates that integration in Gulf countries is not merely difficult; it is impossible. Sudanese migrants tries to maintain a balance between survival and cultural belonging, highlighting the importance of identity in coping with forced migration.
Methodology:
Through my observations of the Sudanese community in bazaars and restaurants, I began shaping the fieldwork plan. Before formally entering the field, I built social interaction with many of the Sudanese individuals I met, remaining aware of how my role as a researcher influenced these early encounters. I later introduced myself at the Sudanese Social Club to meet community members during their events, and I also drew on my previous social networks to locate primary and secondary data sources.
The study adopted a qualitative research approach to explore the situation of Sudanese migrants in Ajman, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and to better understand how they adapt to new socio-economic conditions following their displacement. The study focused on Sudanese individuals and families who entered the UAE after the outbreak of the war in Sudan in 2023.
Participants included migrants holding different types of residence permits, such as emergency residence, labour residence, and Golden residence permits [1]. Both males and females, including heads of households and youth, were considered as key participants in the study.
Primary data collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions using simple checklists and discussion guides designed to address the study questions.
The study employed purposive sampling, selecting participants based on their availability and willingness to participate. To ensure representation, the sample was proportionally distributed between two major residential areas in Ajman where Sudanese migrants are concentrated, namely Al Rashidiya and Al Nuaimiya.
A total of 45 individual interviews were conducted, in addition to five focus group discussions held separately with men and women. Participants included small-scale business owners, wage labourer, petty traders and without work, the majority of whom were self-employed. For comparative purposes, a number of Sudanese residents who had been living in Ajman prior to the war were also interviewed to provide additional perspectives on changes experienced by the community.
In addition to primary data, secondary sources were consulted to support data triangulation. These included relevant United Nations statistics and population reports, records from UAE-based charitable organizations, and information obtained from community institutions such as the Sudanese Cultural Club in Ajman and the Sudanese Consulate in Dubai.
Analysis and Findings of the study:
Motivating Factors:
The process of Sudanese movement to different refuges occurred through different stages. At the onset of the war, the first movement of people from Khartoum was internally, to other places in Sudan (the majority to their areas of origin). A considerable number directly moved to Egyptian borders. Gradually the rest started to search for exit and the available solutions. The findings shows that UAE appeared as an opportunity after the above mentioned declaration by it’s government. For the majority, UAE emerged as a refuge because of easy access and the possibility of legal residence.
Disaster residency is a temporary legal residency scheme provided by the United Arab Emirates government for nationals of war-affected countries, including Sudan, Syria, Palestine, and Ukraine. For Sudanese migrants, the process begins upon arrival and requires submitting a passport, entry visa, and proof of residence, while elder applicants undergo a medical examination. The Emirates ID is usually issued within a few days. Sudanese from different regions and socioeconomic backgrounds increasingly choose the United Arab Emirates as a migration destination. However, migration pathways differ, as wealthier individuals often obtain labour residency through family sponsorship or paid employment contracts.
Previous experience with UAE, specially people who were work as traders (males and females) was a helping factor to take this decision.
A second category built their choice on social networks including their relatives or friends who had resided in UAE before war.
A final and smaller category UAE was not their choice, it was a transit point and they did not intend to settle, they were either forced by circumstances or made later decision to stay (e.g. they want to do entry procedures to KSA).
Socio-Economic challenges:
Findings reveal that Sudanese migrants in Ajman face number of challenges and difficulties that affect their livelihoods, legal security and social stability negatively.
1- Residency restrictions:
As the disasters residents prohibited work, large number of Sudanese stay without work depending on charity aid, remittances or working in informal sector with a very low income, without any other benefits.
2- Economic pressure and cost of living:
When arriving at UAE, most people had some savings helps them in the first period of their residence. Rapidly, living cost exhausted such savings, in addition, some of them were living with their relatives for long time. However, they are not working and have to look for other options . Furthermore, the cost of living is relatively high given their situation as migrants arriving with no clear plans to find work.
3- Employment Barriers and Credential recognition:
Participants indicated that the disasters residence restricts their access to work which reduces their chances for income to support livelihood. To solve this problem, many qualified individuals shift from disasters residence to work‑residence status in order to legally access the labor market.To change one’s residency status or obtain a labour- residency permit, the essential requirement is securing an employment contract with an approved sponsor. In practice, many migrants resort to so- called “shell companies” that sell sponsorship contracts at disproportionately high prices, exploiting individuals’ urgent need to regularize their legal status. However, the issue of securing employment in the UAE remained challenging due to intense competition and the complex set of requirements and skills imposed across sectors.
For health and medical professions, participants reported that they were required to complete and pass multiple professional examinations which is often at considerable financial cost—and they should have prior work experience obtained specifically within the UAE. Individuals from other professional fields reflected the same problem, noting that employers frequently demanded local experience and that competition was heightened by the presence of diverse nationalities in the workforce. Another recurring theme involved the issue of credential recognition. Several participants explained that people who arrived after war lack authorized documentation for their certificates, this created an additional layer of vulnerability and restricted their opportunities for professional integration.
4- Housing and Banking barriers:
Housing represent a major, complicated problem for disasters residents. According to the country’s laws, rental contracts requires bank cheques, while opening a bank account is not allowed under disasters residence. Consequently, people with disasters
residence had to search for someone who have a bank account to do this procedure the thing that increase vulnerability to informal activities.
5- Education and healthcare challenges:
For families with children and elderly members the most important challenges are education and health. The absence of Sudanese curriculum schools in UAE created a significant challenge for Sudanese, despite the easy admission in the UAE schools. The option of changing from Sudanese to UAE curriculum has two difficulties, the first is the gap between the tow curricula, the second is to find an opportunity in the public sector schools with low or free cost, otherwise it is very difficult to take the option of private sector schools with a very high expenses. The data also shows that healthcare is one of the main challenges facing Sudanese migrants with no income. People emphasized that both heath service and medications are very expensive with seasonal offers of health services reducing the accessibility cost. Noting that while it is relatively low in the public sector, long waiting periods reduce accessibility. The lack of health insurance further exacerbated these difficulties, because it is not affordable by many migrants.
6- Residence and official documents costs:
One of the main difficulties experienced is the cost of violation of residence renewal requirements. Relating to this issue, people struggle with the cost and procedures in the Sudanese Embassy particularly in relation to the renewal of the passports. In case a family has a new born they have to wait longer until the passport issued by the Sudanese austerities, the situation which results in residence violation beyond the four months given by the UAE government as exception.
7- Social Tension, Stigma and community fragmentation:
Social challenges were also noted during the field work. Long-term Sudanese residents feeling negatively affected by the influx of Sudanese following the war. In addition to the economic pressure , some new comers are associated with strange behavior resulting in social stigma for the long residence. This perception contributed to labeling and discrimination within the community of Sudanese.
Social relations among Sudanese migrants varied by location, workplace, and residency status. While strong social cohesion was observed in areas with high Sudanese concentration—such as Nuaimiah and Rashidiyah—many participants described a tendency to avoid social interaction in public spaces. Interviewees attributed this behavior to fear of financial requests for assistance and differences in residency status.
Adaptation Strategies Among Sudanese Displaced to the UAE:
The findings indicate that Sudanese individuals who arrived in the UAE following the outbreak of conflict employ a range of economic, social, and cultural strategies to cope with the challenges of displacement and to sustain their livelihoods.
1- Economic Adaptation:
Economically, many Sudanese—particularly those who arrived after the war—engage in informal employment or small-scale mobile trade (a strategy especially common among women). A smaller group with access to financial capital has been able to establish micro‑enterprises, including Sudanese groceries, restaurants, cafés, barbershops, beauty salons, and various online services.
Given that a large proportion of new arrivals lack both formal employment opportunities and capital for investment, many rely heavily on assistance from charitable organizations such as Zayed Charity Association, Al Ihsan Charity Association, and Sharjah Charity Association. These organizations provide a wide range of support, including food and non‑food items, as well as financial assistance for healthcare, education, and housing, based on specific eligibility criteria. Some individuals also depend on remittances from relatives abroad, while a few engage in informal wage labour when opportunities arise.
2- Social Networks and Community Support:
Social networks play a central role in the adaptation process. Most Sudanese who arrived after the conflict—particularly those holding disasters ‑resident status—prefer to settle in areas where established Sudanese communities already exist. This proximity facilitates social interaction in a multicultural environment and provides access to informal support systems. It also enables newcomers to market their goods and services within a familiar community. Maintaining cultural identity is another important aspect of adaptation. Sudanese-owned shops, restaurants, cafés, and groceries commonly adopt culturally significant names such as Omdurman, Kassala, Nahr El Neel, Kandaka, El Khairat, and Bait Haboba. Participants consistently reported a preference for purchasing Sudanese products from Sudanese-owned groceries, even when similar items are available at lower prices in other markets. In terms of dress, men frequently wear traditional Sudanese clothing in daily life, whereas women—except for older women—tend not to wear the traditional toab on a regular basis.
Role of Socioeconomic Institutions:
Several socioeconomic institutions play a vital role in supporting Sudanese adaptation, particularly during the initial period after arrival when individuals have limited knowledge of local systems and conditions.
1- The Bazar System:
One such institution is the Bazar, a marketplace typically composed of small shops and narrow walkways, often located in open areas. In Ajman, both permanent and seasonal Bazars operate. Permanent Bazars are usually managed by business owners of various nationalities—Sudanese, Syrian, Moroccan, Pakistani, and Egyptian—who rent the space from the municipality, fence it, and provide basic services such as electricity and security. They then sub‑rent small shops or spaces to traders.
Sudanese participation in these Bazars is concentrated in activities such as preparing coffee and tea, selling Sudanese foods, and trading Sudanese products. Individuals unable to afford shop rental often sell their goods while moving around the Bazar or sitting on the ground inside or near the entrance. Notably, there is limited social interaction between Sudanese and traders of other nationalities within these spaces. The majority of Sudanese working in Bazars are women.
Beyond their economic function, Bazars serve as important social spaces. They provide opportunities for socialization, where people gather to eat Sudanese food, drink coffee, converse, and engage in leisure activities such as playing cards or dominoes. Women, in particular, find in these spaces a familiar cultural environment, while children benefit from small play areas. These Bazars are especially significant for Sudanese individuals facing economic hardship.
A second type of Bazar is organized by Sudanese business owners for the purpose of marketing specific products or brands. These events last one or two days, take place in rented halls, and often feature performances by well‑known Sudanese singers. They target a more affluent segment of the Sudanese community and offer higher‑priced goods such as traditional perfumes, Sudanese cosmetic and cloths brands, and services from large restaurants. Despite their commercial focus, these events also serve an important social function.
2- Sudanese Cultural Club
The Sudanese Cultural Club, working under the UAE’s Public Benefit Associations, plays a key facilitative role. It coordinates between charitable organizations and Sudanese beneficiaries by supporting registration processes, distributing aid, and organizing medical camps in collaboration with local hospitals. The Club also assists in marketing products made by productive families, particularly during events such as Ramadan and the national days of Sudan and the UAE.
3- Digital Platforms and Social Media
Social media platforms—including Facebook pages and WhatsApp groups—constitute another essential mechanism of adaptation. These platforms enable Sudanese individuals to request and offer assistance related to daily needs, medication, and accommodation. They also serve as spaces for exchanging advice on administrative procedures, legal requirements, and living conditions in the UAE.
Several community-led initiatives have emerged through social media, such as Rifga, which helps address transportation challenges across different parts of the country. Social media also functions as a cost‑free marketing tool, allowing individuals to promote their products and services without the financial burden of renting physical shop space. Additionally, continuous communication with family members and relatives abroad provides emotional support that contributes to the overall adaptation process.
Results:
The findings of this study reveal that Sudanese who arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after the outbreak of war represent a new and emerging form of displacement. Although they share certain characteristics with traditionally defined refugees, their situation differs in important ways. Most Sudanese did not anticipate the duration or requirements of their stay when they initially choose the UAE as a destination. Upon arrival, many were unaware of the economic and social implications of their status, only later realizing the challenges associated with adapting to life in the UAE.
1. A New Form of Refuge
Sudanese displaced to the UAE occupy a unique position: they were forced to leave their homes due to conflict, yet they entered a country that does not classify them as refugees, instead, they were granted residence permits that allow entry and basic stability.
A significant proportion rely on assistance from local charity associations rather than international humanitarian organizations as known to be in other countries (e.g.UNHCR and INGOs). Although this support functions similarly to humanitarian aid, it is not labeled as such, and the providers differ from those who provide assistance for refugees. At the same time, individuals holding disasters -related residence permits are prohibited from working, and any travel outside the UAE results in automatic cancellation of their status.
2. Living in a State of Uncertainty
Sudanese newcomers experience a persistent sense of uncertainty. They face multiple challenges simultaneously—economic, legal, and psychological—yet do not consider returning to Sudan a viable option. This duality intensifies stress and complicates
daily life.
Psychologically, many feel constant pressure due to the high cost of living and the need to secure their continued stay in the UAE. These pressures have, in some cases, led to negative coping behaviors, which in turn have affected trust within the community. Landlords and other residents sometimes perceive Sudanese tenants as unreliable, and the actions of a few have shaped broader attitudes toward the group.
3. Social vs. Economic Adaptation
The findings indicate that social adaptation is significantly easier than economic adaptation. Within Ajman, Sudanese newcomers can integrate relatively quickly into the existing Sudanese community. However, securing employment or meeting the financial demands of daily life remains extremely difficult due to legal restrictions and limited opportunities.
Children and young people demonstrate higher levels of adaptability, particularly through school environments and social interactions. Older adults, especially those who remain at home or face language barriers, struggle more with adaptation.
4. Gendered Adaptation Strategies
Gender plays a notable role in shaping adaptation strategies. Women generally exhibit more flexible and effective coping mechanisms. They engage in small-scale economic activities, seek support from charitable organizations, and actively pursue solutions to sustain their families. Their primary motivation is achieving stability for their households.
Men, by contrast, face greater difficulty adapting. Many continue to search for employment aligned with their skills and experience, or for sponsors who can help them transition out of disasters residence status. Their limited opportunities contribute to frustration and a slower adaptation process.
5. The Role of Social Networks
In response to their precarious circumstances, Sudanese in the UAE rely heavily on social networks—both in-person and online. These networks provide emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging. They function as informal systems of social security, helping individuals navigate challenges and reinforcing community cohesion. Through these networks, Sudanese newcomers cultivate a sense of strength and collective resilience despite their uncertain legal and economic situation.
Difficulties and Limitations of the Study:
During the implementation of the study, a number of challenges were encountered:
Explaining the purpose of the research to participants was sometimes difficult, as some individuals initially believed that the study was intended to provide direct assistance or humanitarian support rather than collect research data.
Limited access to statistical data on the Sudanese population in the UAE posed another challenge. Most official statistics are available through governmental offices located in Abu Dhabi, and obtaining such data requires complex administrative
procedures.
Time constraints affected the scope of the study and limited the amount of data that could be collected within the available research period. Limited availability of participants, particularly male respondents, created scheduling difficulties, as many were only available for interviews during late evening hours, which was not always suitable for the researcher.
Recommendations:
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are proposed:
Conduct more in-depth studies on the situation of Sudanese migrants in the UAE, particularly comparing conditions before and after the 2023 war in Sudan.
Strengthen coordination and collaboration among Sudanese community institutions in the UAE, such as cultural clubs, community associations, and the Sudanese Consulate, in order to better support members of the Sudanese community.
Encourage the Sudanese Embassy and community organizations to organize awareness events that inform Sudanese migrants about the importance of respecting the laws and regulations of the host country, including the timely renewal of residence permits and compliance with administrative procedures.
Conclusion:
The study explored the socio-economic challenges faced by Sudanese migrants in Ajman following the outbreak of the 2023 war in Sudan and examined the strategies they adopted to adapt to their new circumstances. The findings show that the decision to migrate to the United Arab Emirates was mainly influenced by the search for safety, stability, and better living conditions after the escalation of the conflict. However, upon arrival many migrants encountered several difficulties, particularly related to the high cost of living, limited employment opportunities, and the challenges associated with renewing their residence permits.
Despite these constraints, Sudanese migrants demonstrated different forms of resilience and adaptation. Many relied on small-scale income-generating activities, self-employment, and informal work to secure basic livelihoods. In addition, social networks and community institutions, such as Sudanese cultural clubs and social gatherings, played an important role in providing support, sharing information, and strengthening solidarity within the community.
The study highlights the importance of community-based support systems in helping migrants cope with socioeconomic pressures. It also emphasizes the need for further research and stronger cooperation between Sudanese community institutions and official bodies in order to better understand and address the needs of Sudanese migrants in the UAE.
Appendixes:
1. Costs:
1.1. Cost of travelling to UAE and residence:

*source: field work
1.2. Councilor services fees in the Sudanese consulate (Dubai):
*source: field work
1.3. Cost of housing compared to Portsudan:
*source: field work
2. Photos:
Sudanese Social Club – Ajman, productive families.
El Ihsan Charity Association – Ajman, women waiting for food items distribution.
Sudanese Resturat, Ajman – Nuaimiah.
Sudanese Resturat, Ajman – Nuaimiah.
Disasters Residency Card ID
Footnotes:
[1] The UAE issues several forms of residency. Golden Residency is granted to individuals with distinguished achievements, including outstanding students and volunteers who have completed more than 500 hours of voluntary work. Labour Residency applies to workers and entrepreneurs and requires a valid employment contract with an approved sponsor. Disaster Residency is provided to nationals of countries experiencing conflict or humanitarian crises—most commonly Sudan, Ukraine, and Palestine—as a temporary protection measure.
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OpenEdition vous propose de citer ce billet de la manière suivante :
cedejsudan (7 mai 2026). Navigating Forced Displacement: Socioeconomic Challenges and adaptation strategies among the Sudanese in the United Arab Emirates – Ajman. CEDEJ Khartoum. Consulté le 18 mai 2026 à l’adresse https://doi.org/10.58079/166t6








