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Kabila

Bani Yas

A major tribal confederation of Najdi origin in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar

The Bani Yas are a large tribal confederation of Najdi origin, mainly based in the United Arab Emirates, especially Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and parts of southeast Qatar. Historically the largest tribe in the region, they are best known for their leading families, the Al Nahyan and Al Maktoum, who rule Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Their numbers have shifted over time due to migration and social change.

  • The Al Nahyan family of Bani Yas rules Abu Dhabi.
  • The Al Maktoum family of Bani Yas rules Dubai.
  • Historically the largest tribe in the UAE region.
  • Traditional homeland includes Liwa Oasis and Abu Dhabi.
  • Bani Yas consists of over 20 tribal sections.

Who are the Bani Yas?

The Bani Yas are a tribal confederation of Najdi origin, historically the largest indigenous tribe in what is now the United Arab Emirates. The confederation consists of over 20 sections or branches, including the Al Nahyan and Al Maktoum families, who are central to the leadership of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Their identity is rooted in shared ancestry, alliances, and traditional leadership. The Bani Yas have played a key role in the formation and governance of the UAE, with their influence extending across the region.

Where do the Bani Yas live?

The traditional homeland of the Bani Yas covers much of present-day Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including the Liwa Oasis and Khor Al Adaid in southeast Qatar. Historically, many settled in the Liwa Oasis, Abu Dhabi town, Dubai, Buraimi Oasis, and smaller settlements. The landscape is a mix of desert, oases, and coastal areas, which shaped their way of life and movement.

How do the Bani Yas live?

The sources do not provide detailed information on the traditional livelihoods of the Bani Yas. However, their settlement patterns in oases and coastal towns suggest a mix of settled and nomadic life, with some members living as Bedouin and others in towns. Over time, many migrated for work, especially during the oil boom, and later returned as the region developed.

How is Bani Yas society organised?

The Bani Yas are organized as a confederation of tribes, each with its own sections and branches. Leadership is traditionally held by the Al Nahyan family in Abu Dhabi and the Al Maktoum family in Dubai. The confederation has included various allied and incorporated tribes over time, with shifting relationships and degrees of autonomy. Social structure is based on kinship, alliances, and the authority of ruling families.

The history of the Bani Yas

The Bani Yas trace their origins to the Najd region of Central Arabia. Around 1700, the Al Bu Falah branch settled with other Bani Yas clans in the Liwa Oasis, later moving to Abu Dhabi island in 1793 after the discovery of fresh water. They established Abu Dhabi as a center of trade and power. In 1822, the Al Maktoum branch took control of Dubai. The confederation expanded and incorporated other tribes, with members also settling in southeast Qatar. Population declined in the 20th century due to emigration for work, but many returned as Abu Dhabi developed.

Bani Yas life today

Today, the Bani Yas remain influential, especially through the ruling families of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Their numbers are not precisely recorded in recent censuses, but they continue to play a central role in the UAE's leadership and society. Migration, urbanization, and economic change have shaped their community, but their tribal identity and historical legacy remain important.

Questions people ask about the Bani Yas

Where do the Bani Yas live?

The Bani Yas traditionally live in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, the Liwa Oasis, and Khor Al Adaid in southeast Qatar.

How many Bani Yas are there?

The 1968 census in Abu Dhabi recorded about 5,884 Bani Yas, but numbers have changed over time due to migration and are not precisely recorded today.

Who are the leading families of the Bani Yas?

The Al Nahyan family leads Abu Dhabi, and the Al Maktoum family leads Dubai; both are branches of the Bani Yas.

What is the origin of the Bani Yas?

The Bani Yas originated in the Najd region of Central Arabia and settled in the Liwa Oasis and later Abu Dhabi.

What language do the Bani Yas speak?

The sources do not specify the language spoken by the Bani Yas.

Sources and further reading

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Bani Yas themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.

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