The Arab presence in the Netherlands is not new — it dates back to the 1960s and 70s when North African workers arrived as part of guest worker programs. Over the following decades, migration, asylum, and education expanded Arab communities across the country. Today, the Arab community in the Netherlands is diverse, vibrant, and growing — contributing significantly to Dutch culture, economy, and society. Here are the key facts and figures every Arab expat should know.

Key Statistics: Arabs in the Netherlands

Overall Population

The Netherlands is home to an estimated 400,000 to 500,000 people of Arab origin, making it one of the larger Arab diaspora communities in Western Europe. This includes people of Moroccan, Egyptian, Syrian, Iraqi, Libyan, Lebanese, Palestinian, and other Arab backgrounds.

The Moroccan-Dutch Community

The largest Arab group is the Moroccan-Dutch community, numbering approximately 400,000 people. Established since the 1960s, they have deep cultural roots — particularly in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht.

Other Arab Communities

• Syrian migrants and refugees: significantly increased after 2015, with tens of thousands granted asylum across the Netherlands
• Egyptian expats: primarily professionals and students concentrated in major cities
• Iraqi community: established since the 1990s, with concentrations in Tilburg and Eindhoven
• Lebanese and Palestinian communities: smaller but well-established in Amsterdam and The Hague

Geographic Distribution

Arabs in the Netherlands are concentrated in the four major cities:

• Amsterdam: Home to a large Moroccan-Dutch population alongside Egyptian, Syrian, and Lebanese expats
• Rotterdam: Europe's largest port city with a diverse Moroccan and wider Arab community
• The Hague: Host to many diplomatic families and a significant Arab professional community
• Utrecht: Popular with students and young Arab professionals

Outside the Randstad, significant Arab communities also exist in Tilburg, Eindhoven, Breda, and Arnhem.

The Arabic Food Economy in the Netherlands

Arab entrepreneurs have established thousands of businesses in the Netherlands — from restaurants and grocery stores to tech startups and professional services. The Arabic food and grocery market alone is worth hundreds of millions of euros annually, driving demand for platforms that connect Arab vendors with Arab consumers.

This is precisely why MnBaladna exists — to serve a community that wants to maintain its culinary and cultural identity without compromise. With over 200 Arabic stores and 500 restaurants on the platform, MnBaladna is the marketplace built for and by this community.

Explore Your Community

Download MnBaladna on iOS or Android and discover hundreds of Arab stores and restaurants near you. Your community is larger than you think — and it's all on one platform.