UAE population jumps nearly 30% to more than 12 million in five years

Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s population increased by about 2.8 million between 2020 and 2025, growing by 29.9% to reach 12,063,953 by the end of 2025, according to statistics from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre. The population stood at 9,289,297 in 2020, meaning the country added an average of about 555,000 people annually over the five-year period. The data showed continuous population growth, with the total rising to 9.86 million in 2021 and exceeding 10 million in 2022, when it reached 10.29 million. The population climbed further to 10.68 million in 2023 and 11.29 million in 2024 before surpassing 12 million in 2025. The biggest annual increase during the period was recorded in 2025, when the UAE added about 770,000 people compared with the previous year, representing growth of 6.8%. This followed an increase of about 616,000 people in 2024, reflecting an acceleration in population growth during the final two years of the period. The number of males increased from 5.98 million in 2020 to 7.71 million in 2025, an increase of about 1.73 million, or 28.9%. The female population rose from 3.30 million to 4.35 million over the same period, an increase of about 1.05 million, or 31.6%. The growth rate among females was therefore higher than among males. The population increase coincided with a further decline in the UAE’s unemployment rate, which fell to 1.7% from 1.9% in 2024. The figures reflect continued expansion in the UAE’s population alongside growth in economic activity and demand for labour across sectors including technology, financial services, tourism, trade, real estate and industry. Major development projects have also increased demand for workers across a range of specialisations and professional levels, while diversification of the economy and the development of the business environment have strengthened the country’s attractiveness as a destination for work and residence. Changes to the UAE’s residency system, including the introduction and expansion of long-term residency pathways such as the Golden and Green Visas, have also provided investors, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals with greater opportunities for long-term settlement with their families. The development of infrastructure, healthcare, education, transport networks and residential and recreational facilities has further supported the UAE’s attractiveness as a place to live and work. Continued population growth is expected to increase demand for services and facilities in the coming years.