How many Arab people live in the Netherlands?
According to Eurostat, on 1 January 2025 the Netherlands had 177,314 residents born in Morocco and 166,006 born in Syria, plus 50,912 born in Iraq and 21,219 born in Egypt.
415,451born in these 4 countries
177,314born in Morocco
166,006born in Syria
50,912born in Iraq
21,219born in Egypt
Eurostat, population by country of birth, 1 January 2025. Children born in the Netherlands are not counted, so the communities are bigger.
Where they live in the Netherlands
In the big cities, above all Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
AMS
Amsterdam79,628 people of Moroccan origin, 8,442 of Syrian and 7,533 of Egyptian origin.
RTM
Rotterdam47,634 people of Moroccan origin and 9,198 of Syrian origin.
DH
The Hague32,980 people of Moroccan origin, 5,675 of Syrian, 3,449 of Iraqi and 3,436 of Egyptian origin.
UTR
Utrecht32,270 people of Moroccan origin and 4,314 of Syrian origin.
CBS, 1 January 2026: people by origin (born in that country, or born in the Netherlands with a parent born there).
A piece of home, close by
Msq
The Essalam Mosque, RotterdamThe Essalam Mosque in Rotterdam has existed since 1987 and welcomes everyone. It offers guided tours for groups.
Edu
Arabic at schoolArabic is a final-exam subject in Dutch secondary schools at vmbo, havo and vwo level. Associations and mosques run weekend classes too.
Emb
Embassies and consulatesYour country's embassy and consulates: passports and papers.
Shop
Arab shopsHalal butchers, bakeries and Arab restaurants in the big cities.
TV
No TV feeThe Netherlands abolished its TV licence fee in 2000.
Film
Rotterdam Arab Film FestivalThe 26th edition ran from 10 to 14 June 2026 at the LantarenVenster cinema.
Mkt
The Haagse Markt, The HagueIn the Schilderswijk: one of the largest open-air markets in Europe, with food from all over the world. Open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
TV
Arabic TVThe channels from home, live in the Netherlands.Read the TV guide →
