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.

As of 2023, the population density of the Gulf Cooperation Council was 23.9 people per square kilometer, which was a slight increase from the previous year. The GCC has seen its population density steadily increase since 2013, with the region being an attractive destination for foreign workers, this trend is likely to continue.

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;

The statistic shows the age structure among the population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 2014 to 2024. In 2024, 16.11 percent of the UAE's total population were aged 0 to 14 years.

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;

In 2022, the number of marriage cases in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stood at 15.8 thousand cases. This was a 13.9 percent decrease from the previous year. During this period, there were also 5.3 thousand divorces registered in the country.

As of September 30th, 2023, nearly 2.5 million people in the emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates lived in the main Abu Dhabi region. The Al Ain region had the second highest share of the population, with around one million people. The total population of the emirate during this period was approximately 3.79 million. Gender imbalance and migration The male population in Abu Dhabi is far greater than that of women. As of 2023, males constituted about 67 percent of the population, more than double the 33 percent share of women. This significant sex gap is often attributed to the migrant population in the emirate, which constitutes largely working-age men. The non-citizen population contributes predominantly to the economic sectors of construction, manufacturing, wholesale, and retail trade. The UAE has been very successful in attracting foreign nationals by offering high-paying jobs, modern infrastructure, and favorable regulation, making Abu Dhabi and Dubai among the most attractive cities to start a new job worldwide. The rise of Dubai and Abu Dhabi The UAE has managed to position its two biggest cities among the leading global hubs and most enticing destinations. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become increasingly important financial hubs and list among the financial centers that are most likely to become significant in the incoming years. The emirates also receive the greatest share of the visitors to the country. In 2023, the number of airport passenger arrivals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi was roughly 26.7 and 6.3 million, respectively .

The UAE private K12 education market, valued at $6.67 billion in 2025, exhibits robust growth potential, projected to expand at a 7.5% CAGR from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers: a burgeoning expatriate population demanding high-quality international education, increasing disposable incomes among UAE residents, a rising preference for English-medium instruction, and government initiatives promoting the nation's education sector. The market's segmentation reflects the diverse educational landscape, with significant revenue contributions from Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary levels. Curriculum preferences are varied, with strong demand for American, British, and Indian curricula alongside Arabic/UAE offerings. Leading education providers like GEMS Education, Athena Education, and others cater to this demand, fostering competition and continuous improvement in educational offerings. While the market faces challenges such as fluctuating oil prices potentially impacting disposable incomes and the ongoing need for skilled educators, the overall positive trajectory is expected to persist. The market’s regional distribution (North, West, South, East regions) will likely mirror population density and economic activity, with major urban centers experiencing higher demand. The historical period (2019-2024) likely saw a period of consolidation and growth, paving the way for the projected expansion. The forecast period (2025-2033) presents ample opportunities for existing players to expand their reach and for new entrants to establish themselves. Strategic partnerships, curriculum innovation, and technology integration will be crucial for success in this competitive and evolving market. Further growth is anticipated through diversification of educational offerings, embracing technological advancements in learning, and catering to the specific needs of a multicultural student population. 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.

In 2023, the total fertility rate in children per woman in the United Arab Emirates stood at 1.2. Between 1960 and 2023, the figure dropped by 5.3, though the decline followed an uneven course rather than a steady trajectory.

As of September, 30th 2023, people aged between 15 and 64 years constituted the overwhelming majority of the population in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, at roughly 3.12 million. Children up to the age of fourteen had the second highest number of inhabitants, accounting for approximately 600 thousand people.

UAE Digital Remittance & P2P Platforms Market valued at USD 590 million, driven by expat population and fintech adoption, with growth in outward remittances and mobile tech.

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.

As of September, 30th 2023, nearly 66 percent of people in the emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates lived in the main Abu Dhabi region. The Al Ain region had the second-highest share of the population, with roughly 27 percent. The total population of the emirate during this period was approximately 3.79 million.

The UAE frozen potato market is anticipated to grow at more than 6.9% CAGR from 2024 to 2029.The UAE's frozen ready meals market expands with a diverse expatriate population and a

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

As of September 30th, 2023, there were approximately 2.54 million men living in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Women, on the other hand, totaled almost 1.25 million. Men constituted roughly two-thirds of the total population in the emirate. Gender imbalance The 2-to-1 male-to-female population ratio in Abu Dhabi does not go unnoticed. This gender imbalance is often attributed to the migrant population in the emirate, which consists largely of working-age men. This skewed sex ratio, coupled with the lower female labor market participation, has led to a relatively low number of female employees in the emirate. The number of employees for men and women in Abu Dhabi was about 1.97 million and 552 thousand, respectively. The UAE had the second-lowest share of women worldwide as of 2023, with just over a third of its population being women. A walk downtown Abu Dhabi The second-most populous and the capital city of the UAE is both a national and international hub for culture and finance. The emirate of Abu Dhabi is divided into three regions: Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. Among the leading districts in the emirate, Mohamed Bin Zayed City had the largest number of buildings, exceeding 17 thousand as of 2023. A breakdown of real estate units by use showed that 58 percent of the units were residential and 36 percent of them commercial. The real estate sector has received considerable investments as part of the country's economic diversification strategy .

The UAE's funeral and cremation services market is projected to exceed USD 140 million by 2029, fueled by a rising expatriate population and changing attitudes.

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.

UAE Health and Medical Insurance Market size was valued at $ 8 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach $ 15.20 Bn by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.6% from 2026 to 2032Mandatory Health Insurance: The most significant driver is the government's implementation of mandatory health insurance. In both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it is a legal requirement for employers to provide health insurance coverage for their employees. This regulation has created a massive, captive market for insurance providers and ensures that a large portion of the population is covered. This policy has fundamentally transformed the market, ensuring consistent demand and increasing the overall size of the insured population.Large Expatriate Population: With expatriates making up a vast majority of the UAE's population, they are a primary consumer of health insurance. Many of these residents are not covered by government-funded public healthcare and are legally required to be insured by their employers.