In 2018, the majority of the expatriates residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hailed from India, with a population size of around *** million. The expatriate population made up the vast majority of the country’s total population, at around ** percent as of 2018.  UAE Economy  With a real gross domestic product growth rate of *** percent in 2018, the UAE is one of the biggest economies in the region. (1143018) Since its discovery of oil in the mid 90’s, the country has transformed and has become a regional hub. It has demonstrated significant growth in various economics sectors, driven by the country’s shift in focus from the hydrocarbons sector. (1143358) Along with low levels of unemployment, this has led to the influx of workers from diverse nationalities.  Migration figures The UAE is one of the top countries worldwide to attract global talent. (1039195) In 2018, around a quarter of million people migrated from the Philippines to work in the UAE. (880782) In comparison, the number of Indonesian workers amounted to less than *** thousand in 2019.

The statistic shows the total population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 2020 to 2030. In 2023, approximately 10.68 million inhabitants lived in the UAE. Population of the United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have undergone extreme demographic changes over the past decade. With the increasing developments, tourism and global recognition of cities in the UAE like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it is to no surprise that the total population has grown by about 6 million people over the past decade. However, the majority of the total population of the UAE are expatriates. Any expatriate having lived in the UAE for a minimum of 20 years can apply for a citizenship, consequently, the growing total population is mainly due to the growing number of expatriates who become citizens and the high number of immigrants which gives the UAE the world’s highest net migration rate. This becomes evident when looking at the fertility rate, the average rate of children born per fertile woman in a year in the UAE, which has been steadily declining over the last decade. Life expectancy, however, has been increasing steadily over the same time span. It is interesting to note that, despite this increase, total population of the UAE consists mainly of people between the ages of 15 to 64, another fact pointing towards expatriates and immigrants contributing to the increasing numbers.

United Arab Emirates AE: International Migrant Stock: % of Population data was reported at 88.404 % in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 87.840 % for 2010. United Arab Emirates AE: International Migrant Stock: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 78.916 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2015, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 88.404 % in 2015 and a record low of 72.128 % in 1990. United Arab Emirates AE: International Migrant Stock: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. International migrant stock is the number of people born in a country other than that in which they live. It also includes refugees. The data used to estimate the international migrant stock at a particular time are obtained mainly from population censuses. The estimates are derived from the data on foreign-born population--people who have residence in one country but were born in another country. When data on the foreign-born population are not available, data on foreign population--that is, people who are citizens of a country other than the country in which they reside--are used as estimates. After the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 people living in one of the newly independent countries who were born in another were classified as international migrants. Estimates of migrant stock in the newly independent states from 1990 on are based on the 1989 census of the Soviet Union. For countries with information on the international migrant stock for at least two points in time, interpolation or extrapolation was used to estimate the international migrant stock on July 1 of the reference years. For countries with only one observation, estimates for the reference years were derived using rates of change in the migrant stock in the years preceding or following the single observation available. A model was used to estimate migrants for countries that had no data.; ; United Nations Population Division, Trends in Total Migrant Stock: 2008 Revision.; Weighted average;

According to a survey in February 2022, the share of male expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates was about ** percent. During the same time, the share of male expatriates in the United Arab Emirates was ** percent.

United Arab Emirates AE: International Migrant Stock: Total data was reported at 8,095,126.000 Person in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 7,316,611.000 Person for 2010. United Arab Emirates AE: International Migrant Stock: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 1,157,205.500 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2015, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8,095,126.000 Person in 2015 and a record low of 2,194.000 Person in 1960. United Arab Emirates AE: International Migrant Stock: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. International migrant stock is the number of people born in a country other than that in which they live. It also includes refugees. The data used to estimate the international migrant stock at a particular time are obtained mainly from population censuses. The estimates are derived from the data on foreign-born population--people who have residence in one country but were born in another country. When data on the foreign-born population are not available, data on foreign population--that is, people who are citizens of a country other than the country in which they reside--are used as estimates. After the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 people living in one of the newly independent countries who were born in another were classified as international migrants. Estimates of migrant stock in the newly independent states from 1990 on are based on the 1989 census of the Soviet Union. For countries with information on the international migrant stock for at least two points in time, interpolation or extrapolation was used to estimate the international migrant stock on July 1 of the reference years. For countries with only one observation, estimates for the reference years were derived using rates of change in the migrant stock in the years preceding or following the single observation available. A model was used to estimate migrants for countries that had no data.; ; United Nations Population Division, Trends in Total Migrant Stock: 2012 Revision.; Sum;

As of 2018, the demographic group of 30 to 34-year-olds in the Emirate of Dubai was above *** thousand people. Considering that the total population of the Emirate of Dubai was estimated to be around *** million people in 2020, the above-mentioned age bracket is a substantial share of Dubai’s society.   In the context of the United Arab Emirates   Dubai is the most populous region in the United Arab Emirates, followed by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi the United Arab Emirates was the second largest country amongst the Gulf Cooperation Council countries with almost ** million people, behind Saudi Arabia with a population thrice the size. The United Arab Emirates has about *** million male and *** million female inhabitants altogether.  Expats and Emirati    When discussing the demographic composition of this region, the gender imbalance is not the only demographic skewness experienced in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in its Dubai region. Additionally, foreign workers and expatriates significantly outnumber the indigenous population. Only an estimated *** million people in the United Arab Emirates are nationals of their country. The majority of the expatriate’s hail from the subcontinent. In terms of the working population of the United Arab Emirates, ** percent of men and ** percent of women in the labor force are from Asia.  Outlook    The population density of the UAE is continuing to grow, though the urban population growth of the UAE had slowed down considerably.

The UAE private K12 education market, valued at $6.67 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.50% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. A rising expatriate population, coupled with increasing disposable incomes among UAE residents, fuels demand for high-quality private education. Furthermore, the government's emphasis on education reform and its commitment to attracting global talent contribute significantly to market growth. Parents prioritize international curricula, such as American, British, and Indian, seeking globally recognized qualifications for their children. This preference drives the market segmentation, with American and British curricula likely holding the largest shares. The competitive landscape features established players like GEMS Education, Nord Anglia Education, and several international school chains, alongside smaller, specialized institutions. Competition is intense, driving innovation in teaching methodologies, technology integration, and extracurricular activities to attract students. Potential restraints might include fluctuating oil prices impacting disposable income and the potential for government regulations to influence tuition fees. However, the long-term outlook remains positive, given the UAE's economic diversification strategies and ongoing investments in its human capital. The market segmentation highlights significant opportunities for growth within specific curricula and school levels. The Kindergarten to Secondary segments demonstrate consistent demand, although the intermediary (middle school) segment might experience fluctuating growth based on population demographics. The presence of multiple international curricula allows for niche market targeting, suggesting potential for specialized schools catering to specific cultural or academic preferences. Geographic variations within the UAE's regions (North, West, South, East) may also lead to localized variations in market dynamics, with potential for higher growth in specific areas based on population density and socioeconomic factors. Future growth projections will likely be influenced by factors such as government policies on education spending, the influx of skilled workers, and the evolution of technological advancements within the education sector. Therefore, a strategic approach focusing on delivering high-quality education, catering to diverse needs, and adapting to technological advancements will be crucial for success in this dynamic market. Recent developments include: May 2023: Glendale International School opened its doors to students aged 3 to 11 in Dubai. Singapore-based Global Schools Foundation announced the launch. Sprawling over 20,000 square meters, the new premises can accommodate 3000 students., March 2023: Kings’ Education, Dubai, announced a partnership with Leap, the San Francisco headquartered end-to-end study abroad platform. This helps the company to better cater to their students.. Key drivers for this market are: Government Initiatives to Achieve High Education Standards is Driving Market Growth, Growing Preferences for Private Education is Driving the Market. Potential restraints include: Government Initiatives to Achieve High Education Standards is Driving Market Growth, Growing Preferences for Private Education is Driving the Market. Notable trends are: Increased Rate of Population Growth, including Expatriates.

According to a survey in February 2022, the average age of expatriates living in Bahrain was about **** years. During the same time, the average age of expatriates in the United Arab Emirates was **** year.

According to the survey, as of February 2023, four out of the six countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council ranked amongst the top ** in the world for expatriate quality of life. Qatar and the United Arab Emirates topped the list for quality of life, whereas Saudi Arabia and Kuwait came last in the region. Quality of life; an amalgamation of many metrics Since quality of life is dependent on many indicators, it can give us a good insight into many aspects of state welfare policies and services. Saudi Arabia, where the number of foreign workers in the private sector topped *** million, also ranked as having one of the region's lowest quality of life for expatriates. Qatar, which had the second-highest quality of life for expatriates living in the GCC, was ranked as one of the most challenging countries in the region for ease of settling in. The UAE and Qatar, both of which ranked the highest in the survey, also have the highest average salaries and living standards in the region. Foreign workers are a key pillar of the GCC economy Countries in the GCC all have sizable expatriate populations for which their economies are heavily reliant. Roughly ********** of the workforce in the GCC is foreign. Although the share of foreign workers in the GCC has slightly decreased in recent years, they still considerably outweigh the local workforce. Most of these workers comprise the unskilled portion of the occupational category in the GCC. However, with diversifying investments and programs such as Vision 2030, countries have seen a rise in the number of skilled foreign workers.

Four countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) were among the ********** in the global Working Abroad Index ranking. The top three, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, also have the biggest economies in the council and rank among the highest in the world in expatriate quality of life. The ranking was conducted among ** countries worldwide and is an aggregate of four factors. These factors include career prospects, salary and job security, work and leisure, and work culture and satisfaction. Kuwait was near the bottom of the list, both among GCC countries and globally, ranking **th. Dependency on foreign workforce The share of expatriate workers in the GCC outweighs that of local workers, making the region heavily reliant on foreign workers. A high portion of the expat workers in the GCC come from Asia and work in both skilled and unskilled professions. These foreign workers not only supplement the local economy, but also send billions of U.S. dollars back each year in remittances to their home countries. Additionally, many international companies, foreign universities, research institutions, as well as domestically grown tech startups are run by foreign nationals. Policy reforms for expat working conditions Recent initiatives and policy changes have been introduced in the council to improve working conditions for foreign workers. These include addressing long-standing gaps in worker rights through Saudi Arabia’s Workers Wage Protection System, following in the footsteps of the UAE and Qatar, which have similar systems in place. Additionally, some countries, like the UAE, have announced various new visa options, which are aimed at offering more flexibility to expatriates who want to live and settle in the country. An example of this is the Golden Visa, which is valid for periods of 10 years, or the recent rollout of a freelance visa for self-employed entrepreneurs similar to that offered by many European countries. On the other end, Saudi Arabia’s workforce localization initiatives have been taking steps to train their own citizens and encourage both men and women to play a more active role in the economy.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Vegetable and Fruit Market size was valued at USD 427.33 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 612.38 Million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.60% from 2026-2032.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Vegetable and Fruit Market Drivers

High Dependence on Imports: Due to the UAE's arid climate, limited arable land, and water scarcity, the country heavily relies on imports to meet its demand for fresh fruits and vegetables. This makes it a significant market for global exporters.

Strong Purchasing Power and High Disposable Income: The UAE has a high per capita income, leading to strong consumer spending on food, including high-quality and diverse fruits and vegetables. This allows for the importation of a wide variety of produce from around the world.

Food Security Initiatives: The UAE government prioritizes food security and has launched the National Food Security Strategy 2051. This strategy aims to enhance local food production through modern technologies, diversify import sources, and establish international partnerships. While focused on increasing domestic output, it also ensures a stable supply through imports.

Increasing Health Consciousness: A growing segment of the UAE population is becoming more health-conscious, leading to increased demand for fresh, organic, and nutritious food products, including fruits and vegetables.

Diverse Expatriate Population: The UAE has a large and diverse expatriate population with varied culinary preferences, driving demand for a wide range of fruits and vegetables to cater to different cultural and dietary needs.

Growth of the Tourism and Hospitality Sector: The thriving tourism and hospitality industries create a significant demand for consistent supplies of high-quality fruits and vegetables for hotels, restaurants, and catering services.

Market Size for UAE Alcoholic Beverage Industry on the Basis of Revenue in USD Billion, 2018-2024 In 2023, Anheuser-Busch InBev launched a new premium beer range targeted at the growing middle-class and expat population in the UAE. The product was well-received in both on-trade and off-trade channels, reflecting the evolving consumer preferences towards high-quality, premium alcoholic beverages. The UAE alcoholic drinks market reached a valuation of AED 12 Billion in 2023, driven by the growing expatriate population, the rise of tourism, and changes in regulatory frameworks that have allowed for more liberalized alcohol consumption laws. Major players include Heineken, Diageo, Anheuser-Busch InBev, and Moët Hennessy. These companies are recognized for their broad product portfolios, innovative marketing strategies, and extensive distribution networks, especially in key urban centers such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The resident population in the UAE is predominantly comprised of expats. Reflecting this, expats also constitute a noteworthy 75.6% of the local HNW population – which has considerable implications when it comes to investors’ product and service demand. With strong demand for all planning services, being able to offer a holistic service proposition is a must in the UAE. Emirati HNW individuals typically come from either an entrepreneurial background or have sourced their wealth through earned income. The leading generator of wealth is oil, gas, and mining followed by property and real estate. Read More

Rapid urbanization, a growing expatriate population, and government initiatives promoting foreign investment in real estate are driving the UAE condominiums & apartments market, particularly in key cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. According to the analyst from Verified Market Research, the UAE condominiums & apartments market size is growing at a faster pace with substantial growth rates over the last few years and is estimated that the market will grow at a CAGR of 5.65% from 2026 to 2032.The UAE's growing population, economic diversification, and supportive policies like freehold ownership and long-term visas for foreigners have made the country an attractive destination for both end users and foreign investors, which in turn has fueled the condominiums and apartments market.

United Arab Emirates Poultry Meat Market size was valued at USD 1.23 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1.33 Billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 1.62 % from 2026 to 2032. The UAE poultry meat market is driven by rising consumer demand for high-protein diets and increasing health consciousness. Urbanization and higher disposable incomes have boosted the consumption of convenient and fresh poultry products across retail and foodservice sectors. Government initiatives supporting food security and local poultry production, along with investments in advanced farming technologies, also fuel market growth. Additionally, the growing expat population contributes to diverse consumption patterns, further stimulating demand.

The UAE Used Car Market has undergone significant changes since the 1990s, driven by a diversifying economy and an increasing expat community.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) had over *** million overseas Indians residing in the country as of May 2024. Saudi Arabia had the second-highest Indian population among other GCC countries. ** percent of overseas Indians reside in GCC countries. GCC, or the Gulf Cooperation Council, is a group of six nations – Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.

In 2024, the unemployment rate in the United Arab Emirates was at 2.13 percent of the total labor force. The unemployment rate depicts the share of a country's labor force without jobs but available and actively seeking employment. The United Arab Emirates’ unemployment rate is quite low, and the region has one of lowest amounts of unemployed persons worldwide. Oil-based economyOne of the most important economic centers of Western Asia, the United Arab Emirates’ gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to around 424.64 billion U.S. dollars in 2018. The United Arab Emirates’ economy is particularly reliant on oil exports, and it holds the seventh-largest proved oil reserves. Most reserves are located in Abu Dhabi in a combination of offshore and onshore locations. UAE populationDue to the profitable nature of the petroleum industry and a relatively small population, the country has one of the highest GDP per capita rates in the world, at over 40,700 U.S. dollars in 2018. The country’s population is mostly comprised of expatriate workers, the majority of whom who have cultural backgrounds from South Asia, Egypt, and the Philippines. Most of the country’s population fall between the ages of 15 and 64 years.

As of May 2025, Monaco had the largest share of foreign prisoners, with almost 90 percent of its detainees being foreigners. The United Arab Emirates was ranked second, with 87.5 percent of foreign prisoners.