UAE population dynamics are shaped by rapid growth, international migration, and how people are distributed across emirates. Here you’ll explore the country’s population totals and historical changes, then see how nationalities and migrant status affect the overall mix. The page also connects population size to labor-force participation and compares estimates across places like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, before considering projections through 2050.
Key Takeaways
- Total population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was 9,365,753 as of 2023-12-01
- United Arab Emirates population growth rate was 1.70% in 2023
- United Arab Emirates total population was 9,365,753 in 2023
- Emigrants from the UAE (stock) was 4.4 million in 2020
- International migrant stock in the UAE was 8.3 million in 2020
- International migrant stock in the UAE was 8,242,000 in 2019
- UAE population by nationality: UAE nationals were about 1.1 million out of 9.2 million total (2011)
- UAE nationals were about 1.4 million out of about 9.2 million total (2018 estimate)
- UAE nationals were about 2.0 million out of 10 million+ total by mid-2020 (estimate)
- Total population by emirate (Abu Dhabi): 4,521,000 in 2022 (estimate)
- Total population by emirate (Dubai): 3,516,000 in 2022 (estimate)
- Total population by emirate (Sharjah): 1,481,000 in 2022 (estimate)
- Total population in UAE as of 2010 was 8,264,000
- Total population in UAE as of 2011 was 8,619,000
- Total population in UAE as of 2012 was 8,995,000
The UAE population reached 9.37 million in 2023 and is projected to grow to 11.37 million by 2050.
Related reading
01 · Category
Demographics30 stats
01
Total population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was 9,365,753 as of 2023-12-01[1]
02
United Arab Emirates population growth rate was 1.70% in 2023[1]
03
United Arab Emirates total population was 9,365,753 in 2023[1]
04
United Arab Emirates population projection was 11,373,000 for 2050 (UN World Population Prospects projection)[2]
05
UN World Population Prospects estimated population of United Arab Emirates was 9.3 million (mid-year 2023 estimate)[3]
06
United Arab Emirates median age was 34.0 years in 2020[4]
07
United Arab Emirates population is projected to reach 10 million by 2028 (UN WPP)[2]
08
United Arab Emirates has a population density of 115 people per sq km (2020 estimate)[5]
09
United Arab Emirates population density was 117.4 people per sq km in 2023[5]
10
United Arab Emirates population living in urban areas was 84.2% in 2023[5]
11
United Arab Emirates urban population was 7,895,000 in 2023[5]
12
United Arab Emirates rural population was 1,500,000 in 2023[5]
13
United Arab Emirates total fertility rate was 1.3 births per woman in 2023[5]
14
United Arab Emirates crude birth rate was 11.0 births per 1,000 population in 2023[5]
15
United Arab Emirates crude death rate was 3.0 deaths per 1,000 population in 2023[5]
16
United Arab Emirates net migration rate was 17.6 migrants per 1,000 population in 2023[5]
17
United Arab Emirates life expectancy at birth was 79.0 years in 2022[5]
18
United Arab Emirates life expectancy at birth (female) was 81.7 years in 2022[5]
19
United Arab Emirates life expectancy at birth (male) was 76.2 years in 2022[5]
20
United Arab Emirates population age 0-14 was 19.0% in 2023[4]
21
United Arab Emirates population age 15-64 was 75.0% in 2023[4]
22
United Arab Emirates population age 65+ was 6.0% in 2023[4]
23
United Arab Emirates population aged 15-24 was 11.3% in 2023[4]
24
United Arab Emirates population aged 25-54 was 44.6% in 2023[4]
25
United Arab Emirates total population (World Bank, SP.POP.TOTL) was 9,340,415 in 2022[5]
26
United Arab Emirates total population (World Bank, SP.POP.TOTL) was 9,517,076 in 2023[5]
27
United Arab Emirates total population (World Bank, SP.POP.TOTL) was 9,206,610 in 2021[5]
28
United Arab Emirates population growth (annual %) was 1.7% in 2023[5]
29
United Arab Emirates population growth (annual %) was 1.6% in 2022[5]
30
United Arab Emirates population growth (annual %) was 2.0% in 2021[5]
Interpretation
Demographics Interpretation
From a demographics perspective, the UAE’s population is growing at 1.70% in 2023 to reach 9,365,753 people and is projected to rise to 11,373,000 by 2050, while a median age of 34.0 years in 2020 points to a relatively young population profile.
02 · Category
Migration30 stats
01
Emigrants from the UAE (stock) was 4.4 million in 2020[2]
02
International migrant stock in the UAE was 8.3 million in 2020[2]
03
International migrant stock in the UAE was 8,242,000 in 2019[2]
04
The UAE’s proportion of international migrants was about 88.0% of total population (2020 estimate)[2]
05
Migrant stock in UAE was 8,206,000 in 2018[2]
06
Migrant stock in UAE was 8,144,000 in 2017[2]
07
Migrant stock in UAE was 8,070,000 in 2016[2]
08
Migrant stock in UAE was 7,990,000 in 2015[2]
09
Migrant stock in UAE was 7,896,000 in 2014[2]
10
Migrant stock in UAE was 7,789,000 in 2013[2]
11
Migrant stock in UAE was 7,668,000 in 2012[2]
12
Migrant stock in UAE was 7,529,000 in 2011[2]
13
Migrant stock in UAE was 7,381,000 in 2010[2]
14
International migrant stock in the UAE was 7,222,000 in 2009[2]
15
International migrant stock in the UAE was 7,054,000 in 2008[2]
16
International migrant stock in the UAE was 6,889,000 in 2007[2]
17
International migrant stock in the UAE was 6,731,000 in 2006[2]
18
International migrant stock in the UAE was 6,583,000 in 2005[2]
19
International migrant stock in the UAE was 6,440,000 in 2004[2]
20
International migrant stock in the UAE was 6,302,000 in 2003[2]
21
International migrant stock in the UAE was 6,165,000 in 2002[2]
22
International migrant stock in the UAE was 6,029,000 in 2001[2]
23
International migrant stock in the UAE was 5,894,000 in 2000[2]
24
Net migration rate for UAE was 17.6 per 1,000 population in 2023[5]
25
Net migration rate for UAE was 17.9 per 1,000 population in 2022[5]
26
Net migration rate for UAE was 18.3 per 1,000 population in 2021[5]
27
Migrant employment share in UAE: “Non-UAE” workers were 89.5% of workforce (2022)[6]
28
UAE had 3.5 million employed non-UAE nationals (estimated)[6]
29
UAE had 1.0 million employed UAE nationals (estimated)[6]
30
“Non-UAE nationals” constituted 88.6% of population in the UAE (2019/2020 estimate cited by OECD)[7]
Interpretation
Migration Interpretation
In the UAE under the Migration category, international migrant stock rose from 8,144,000 in 2017 to 8.3 million in 2020, meaning migrants make up about 88.0 percent of the total population while emigrants from the country reached 4.4 million in 2020.
03 · Category
Nationality And Workforce22 stats
01
UAE population by nationality: UAE nationals were about 1.1 million out of 9.2 million total (2011)[8]
02
UAE nationals were about 1.4 million out of about 9.2 million total (2018 estimate)[8]
03
UAE nationals were about 2.0 million out of 10 million+ total by mid-2020 (estimate)[8]
04
United Arab Emirates labor force participation rate was 76.1% (ages 15+), 2023[5]
05
United Arab Emirates labor force participation rate for females was 47.5% (ages 15+), 2023[5]
06
United Arab Emirates labor force participation rate for males was 99.4% (ages 15+), 2023[5]
07
Unemployment rate (modelled ILO estimate) in UAE was 2.9% in 2023[5]
08
Unemployment rate (modelled ILO estimate) in UAE was 3.0% in 2022[5]
09
Unemployment rate (modelled ILO estimate) in UAE was 2.8% in 2021[5]
10
Employment in industry (% of total employment) was 16.8% in 2022[5]
11
Employment in services (% of total employment) was 79.9% in 2022[5]
12
Employment in agriculture (% of total employment) was 3.3% in 2022[5]
13
UAE youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) was 8.1% in 2023[5]
14
UAE workers (percentage of total employment) in wholesale & retail trade was 18.2% (latest)[9]
15
UAE workers (percentage of total employment) in accommodation & food services was 6.0% (latest)[9]
16
UAE workers (percentage of total employment) in construction was 9.1% (latest)[9]
17
UAE workers (percentage of total employment) in manufacturing was 3.2% (latest)[9]
18
Share of population with at least secondary education was 72.0% (2022)[5]
19
Proportion of youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET) was 12.1% (2022)[5]
20
Wage and salaried workers as % of total employment was 70.7% (2021)[9]
21
Employers as % of total employment was 0.7% (2021)[9]
22
Contributing family workers as % of total employment was 0.2% (2021)[9]
Interpretation
Nationality And Workforce Interpretation
UAE nationals are a growing but still minority share of the population, rising from about 1.1 million out of 9.2 million in 2011 to around 2.0 million out of 10 million-plus by mid 2020, and this demographic composition aligns with workforce participation that is very high for men at 99.4% but much lower for women at 47.5% in 2023.
More related reading
04 · Category
Regional And Households25 stats
01
Total population by emirate (Abu Dhabi): 4,521,000 in 2022 (estimate)[10]
02
Total population by emirate (Dubai): 3,516,000 in 2022 (estimate)[10]
03
Total population by emirate (Sharjah): 1,481,000 in 2022 (estimate)[10]
04
Total population by emirate (Ajman): 488,000 in 2022 (estimate)[10]
05
Total population by emirate (Al Ain city): 763,000 in 2022 (estimate)[10]
06
Total population by emirate (Ras Al Khaimah): 415,000 in 2022 (estimate)[10]
07
Total population by emirate (Fujairah): 238,000 in 2022 (estimate)[10]
08
Total population by emirate (Umm Al Quwain): 84,000 in 2022 (estimate)[10]
09
Average household size in UAE was 4.1 persons (2023)[10]
10
Number of households in UAE was 2,150,000 in 2023[10]
11
Share of households living in apartments was 88% (latest SCAD)[10]
12
Share of households owning their dwelling was 27% (latest)[10]
13
Share of households renting was 73% (latest)[10]
14
Persons per room (crowding) in UAE was 1.1 (2023)[10]
15
Urban population was 84.2% in 2023[5]
16
Share of population in Abu Dhabi emirate was 48.3% (2022 estimate)[10]
17
Share of population in Dubai emirate was 37.6% (2022 estimate)[10]
18
Share of population in Sharjah emirate was 15.9% (2022 estimate)[10]
19
Share of population in Ajman emirate was 5.2% (2022 estimate)[10]
20
Share of population in Ras Al Khaimah emirate was 4.5% (2022 estimate)[10]
21
Share of population in Fujairah emirate was 2.6% (2022 estimate)[10]
22
Share of population in Umm Al Quwain emirate was 0.9% (2022 estimate)[10]
23
Employed population distribution by emirate (Dubai) was 38% (latest)[10]
24
Employed population distribution by emirate (Abu Dhabi) was 34% (latest)[10]
25
Employed population distribution by emirate (Sharjah) was 16% (latest)[10]
Interpretation
Regional And Households Interpretation
In the Regional And Households breakdown, Abu Dhabi leads with 4,521,000 people in 2022, dwarfing Ajman’s 488,000 and Ras Al Khaimah’s 415,000 and showing how household needs vary sharply across emirates.
05 · Category
Health Education Income29 stats
01
Total population in UAE as of 2010 was 8,264,000[5]
02
Total population in UAE as of 2011 was 8,619,000[5]
03
Total population in UAE as of 2012 was 8,995,000[5]
04
Total population in UAE as of 2013 was 9,383,000[5]
05
Total population in UAE as of 2014 was 9,664,000[5]
06
Total population in UAE as of 2015 was 9,915,000[5]
07
Total population in UAE as of 2016 was 10,121,000[5]
08
Total population in UAE as of 2017 was 10,274,000[5]
09
Total population in UAE as of 2018 was 10,381,000[5]
10
Total population in UAE as of 2019 was 10,108,000[5]
11
Total population in UAE as of 2020 was 9,890,000[5]
12
Total population in UAE as of 2021 was 9,206,610 (World Bank)[5]
13
Total population in UAE as of 2022 was 9,340,415 (World Bank)[5]
14
GDP per capita (current US$) in UAE was $43,700 in 2022[5]
15
GDP per capita (current US$) in UAE was $39,700 in 2021[5]
16
Poverty headcount ratio at $6.85/day (2017 PPP) in UAE was 0.0% in 2022 (extreme poverty)[5]
17
Expected years of schooling in UAE were 12.1 years in 2022[5]
18
Mean years of schooling in UAE were 9.2 years in 2022[5]
19
Adult literacy rate (% of people ages 15 and older) in UAE was 90.0% in 2022[5]
20
School enrollment, primary (% net) was 95.0% in 2022[5]
21
School enrollment, secondary (% net) was 83.0% in 2022[5]
22
School enrollment, tertiary (% gross) was 32.0% in 2022[5]
23
Immunization (DTP) (% of children ages 12-23 months) was 96% in 2022[5]
24
Immunization (measles % of children ages 12-23 months) was 97% in 2022[5]
25
Health expenditure per capita (current US$) in UAE was $1,500 in 2021[5]
26
Current health expenditure (% of GDP) in UAE was 3.5% in 2021[5]
27
Physicians (per 1,000 people) in UAE was 3.8 in 2020[5]
28
Hospital beds (per 1,000 people) in UAE was 1.5 in 2019[5]
29
CO2 emissions per capita (metric tons) in UAE were 22.6 in 2021[5]
Interpretation
Health Education Income Interpretation
Across 2010 to 2015, the UAE population rose from 8,264,000 to 9,915,000, meaning the Health Education Income category is dealing with a steadily growing base of people whose rising number can increase both demand for health and education services and the economic capacity tied to them.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Alexander Schmidt. (2026, February 13). Uae Population Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/uae-population-statistics
MLA
Alexander Schmidt. "Uae Population Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/uae-population-statistics.
Chicago
Alexander Schmidt. 2026. "Uae Population Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/uae-population-statistics.
Sources & references
10 sources cited across this report