Dubai population on track to reach 4 million this year
According to Dubai Statistics Centre data, the emirate's population grew 51,295 during January to March 2025 as compared to 52,143 during the same period last year, reflecting Dubai and UAE's maintaining strong appeal for foreign professionals and millionaires.
At the end of the first quarter of 2025, Dubai's population stood at 3.914 million.
If the population continues at the current pace, it is expected that the population of the regional financial centre is set to reach 4 million landmark in the third quarter of this year.
In 2024, the emirate's population grew by over 169,000 to 3.825 million. It was the fastest increase in annual population rate since 2018.
The emirate's growing population will drive growth of multiple sectors mainly real estate, retail, food and beverages (F&B), travel and tourism, hospitality and many others.
Emirates NBD Research noted in its Global Investment Outlook 2025 that the UAE's non-oil economy is 'benefitting from growing population.'
'A key driver of economic growth for the UAE is its expanding population. A vibrant labour market, long-term resident visas, coupled with best-in-class infrastructure for corporates, encourage white-collar workers to shift to the UAE. This steady influx of residents boosts consumption across real estate, telecom, retail and hospitality, supporting sustainable economic growth,' said Maurice Gravier, group chief investment officer, Emirates NBD Research.
He added that the UAE's growing working-age population will be one of the main economic growth drivers and prosperity in the country.
According to Emirates NBD Research, Dubai's GDP grew 3.1 per cent in the first 9 months of 2024 as the total level of real GDP reached Dh339 billion, up from Dh329 billion estimated for the first 9 months of 2023.
According to the Global Investment Outlook 2025, the UAE is witnessing 'a growing affluent expat population' which accounts for a major portion of Dubai and UAE's population.
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