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;

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.

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;

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 (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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

The size of the Medical Supplies Industry in UAE market was valued at USD 4.3 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 6.64 Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 6.40% during the forecast period. The medical supplies industry in the UAE is a dynamic and rapidly expanding sector, driven by significant healthcare infrastructure development, rising demand for advanced medical products, and growing healthcare needs among both the local and expatriate population. The UAE government’s commitment to becoming a global healthcare hub has spurred investments in the medical supplies market, making it one of the most attractive regions for healthcare-related businesses in the Middle East. The aging population and the growth in healthcare awareness have also contributed to a rise in demand for medical supplies, particularly in long-term care facilities and home care settings. Recent developments include: In June 2022, Vamstar, a UAE-based sourcing and procurement platform for medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, received USD 9.5 million in a Series A funding round. Hence, the increasing investment would increase streamline processing in the procurement of hospital supplies., In January 2022, Bridge Medical GPO launched the e-Procurement platform in the country. The Bridge Medical GPO e-Procurement, contracting, and spend analytics software modules, will allow healthcare providers in the UAE to employ best practices in procurement and supply chain management.. Key drivers for this market are: Digital healthcare and remote monitoring devices are becoming increasingly popular, particularly for managing chronic diseases, contributing to the demand for advanced diagnostic and monitoring supplies . Potential restraints include: The cost of advanced medical supplies, particularly high-tech diagnostic and therapeutic devices, remains a challenge for smaller healthcare providers. Importing these products can be expensive due to tariffs, shipping, and handling costs . Notable trends are: The use of disposable medical supplies is growing, especially in surgical and infection control applications. The shift towards single-use products is driven by the need to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and infection in healthcare settings .

The UAE maternity health insurance market is anticipated to grow at over 9.18% CAGR from 2024 to 2029, supported by a growing expatriate population and an expanding healthcare infr

Future Outlook and Projections for UAE On Demand Home Services Industry on the Basis of Revenues in USD Million, 2024-2029 The UAE on-demand home services market is projected to grow steadily through 2029, with a respectable CAGR during the forecast period. This growth will be fueled by increasing digitalization, the growing expatriate population, and rising demand for convenience in daily tasks.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) full-service restaurant (FSR) market exhibits robust growth, driven by a thriving tourism sector, a significant expatriate population with diverse culinary preferences, and a rising disposable income among residents. The market's segmentation reveals a strong preference for diverse cuisines, with Asian, European, and Middle Eastern options leading the demand. The presence of both chained and independent outlets caters to varied consumer preferences and price points. Location-wise, leisure and lodging segments significantly contribute to the market’s growth, fueled by the UAE's popularity as a tourist and business destination. Key players like Al Khaja Group, Americana Restaurants, and M H Alshaya Co. dominate the market, reflecting a competitive landscape characterized by established brands and emerging local players. While the precise market size for 2025 is unavailable, considering a conservative CAGR of 5% (a reasonable estimate given the region's economic growth and tourism trends) and a potential 2024 market size of approximately $2 Billion, the 2025 market size could be estimated around $2.1 Billion. This growth trajectory is projected to continue through 2033, driven by sustained tourism, infrastructure development, and the ongoing diversification of the UAE economy. Potential restraints include fluctuations in oil prices, economic downturns, and intense competition. However, the UAE's strategic focus on tourism and hospitality, coupled with ongoing investments in infrastructure, makes the FSR market a promising investment opportunity. The sector is likely to see innovation in food delivery and technology integration in the coming years. The strategic location of the UAE, coupled with its reputation as a global hub, fuels the growth of the FSR market. The increasing focus on experiential dining and unique culinary concepts is shaping consumer preferences. Furthermore, the government's initiatives to promote tourism and attract foreign investment significantly contribute to the market's positive outlook. Segments like "Leisure" and "Lodging" are particularly strong due to the concentration of hotels and entertainment venues. While independent outlets provide a diverse culinary landscape, established chains benefit from brand recognition and economies of scale. The market's future hinges on maintaining a balance between catering to diverse culinary preferences while adapting to evolving consumer demands and technological advancements, including online ordering and delivery services, which are becoming increasingly crucial aspects of the FSR experience. Further research into specific sub-segments, such as fine dining versus casual dining, and the impact of consumer preferences on pricing strategies, will provide a more nuanced understanding of this dynamic market. Recent developments include: January 2022: Tim Hortons expanded its presence by opening six outlets across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Al Ain.. Notable trends are: High demand for traditional cuisines has led to the growth of Middle Eastern Cuisines.

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.

Abstract

Well-functioning financial systems serve a vital purpose, offering savings, credit, payment, and risk management products to people with a wide range of needs. Yet until now little had been known about the global reach of the financial sector - the extent of financial inclusion and the degree to which such groups as the poor, women, and youth are excluded from formal financial systems. Systematic indicators of the use of different financial services had been lacking for most economies.

The Global Financial Inclusion (Global Findex) database provides such indicators. This database contains the first round of Global Findex indicators, measuring how adults in more than 140 economies save, borrow, make payments, and manage risk. The data set can be used to track the effects of financial inclusion policies globally and develop a deeper and more nuanced understanding of how people around the world manage their day-to-day finances. By making it possible to identify segments of the population excluded from the formal financial sector, the data can help policy makers prioritize reforms and design new policies.

Geographic coverage

National Coverage.

Analysis unit

Individual

Universe

The sample includes only Emiratis and Arab expatriates. The included population represents approximately 50% of the total adult population.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The Global Findex indicators are drawn from survey data collected by Gallup, Inc. over the 2011 calendar year, covering more than 150,000 adults in 148 economies and representing about 97 percent of the world's population. Since 2005, Gallup has surveyed adults annually around the world, using a uniform methodology and randomly selected, nationally representative samples. The second round of Global Findex indicators was collected in 2014 and is forthcoming in 2015. The set of indicators will be collected again in 2017.

Surveys were conducted face-to-face in economies where landline telephone penetration is less than 80 percent, or where face-to-face interviewing is customary. The first stage of sampling is the identification of primary sampling units, consisting of clusters of households. The primary sampling units are stratified by population size, geography, or both, and clustering is achieved through one or more stages of sampling. Where population information is available, sample selection is based on probabilities proportional to population size; otherwise, simple random sampling is used. Random route procedures are used to select sampled households. Unless an outright refusal occurs, interviewers make up to three attempts to survey the sampled household. If an interview cannot be obtained at the initial sampled household, a simple substitution method is used. Respondents are randomly selected within the selected households by means of the Kish grid.

Surveys were conducted by telephone in economies where landline telephone penetration is over 80 percent. The telephone surveys were conducted using random digit dialing or a nationally representative list of phone numbers. In selected countries where cell phone penetration is high, a dual sampling frame is used. Random respondent selection is achieved by using either the latest birthday or Kish grid method. At least three attempts are made to teach a person in each household, spread over different days and times of year.

The sample size in the majority of economies was 1,000 individuals.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The questionnaire was designed by the World Bank, in conjunction with a Technical Advisory Board composed of leading academics, practitioners, and policy makers in the field of financial inclusion. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Gallup, Inc. also provided valuable input. The questionnaire was piloted in over 20 countries using focus groups, cognitive interviews, and field testing. The questionnaire is available in 142 languages upon request.

Questions on insurance, mobile payments, and loan purposes were asked only in developing economies. The indicators on awareness and use of microfinance insitutions (MFIs) are not included in the public dataset. However, adults who report saving at an MFI are considered to have an account; this is reflected in the composite account indicator.

Sampling error estimates

Estimates of standard errors (which account for sampling error) vary by country and indicator. For country- and indicator-specific standard errors, refer to the Annex and Country Table in Demirguc-Kunt, Asli and L. Klapper. 2012. "Measuring Financial Inclusion: The Global Findex." Policy Research Working Paper 6025, World Bank, Washington, D.C.

In general, foreign direct investments (FDIs) play a crucial role in driving a country’s economic development, promoting diversification, and enhancing competitiveness. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which heavily rely on the oil and gas sectors, are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices. However, these countries have recognized the imperative of economic diversification and have increasingly turned to inward FDIs to achieve it. By attracting capital, advanced technology, and expertise from foreign investors, FDIs enable the GCC countries to expand their economic base beyond the oil and gas sectors. This diversification not only creates employment opportunities but also fosters resilient economic growth, ultimately leading to an improvement in the living standards of the local population. This study investigates the macroeconomic and environmental factors that potentially attract foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the long run. Additionally, the study explores the causal relationship between these factors and FDI inflows. The panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to co-integration is the primary analytical technique used, utilizing long time-series data from six GCC countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the period 1990–2019. The empirical results indicate that, in the long run, almost all independent variables significantly influence FDI in GCC countries. Variables such as GDP growth (GDPG), inflation (INFL), carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), and urbanization (URB) are found to be highly significant (p≤0.01) in their impact on FDI. Moreover, unemployment (UNEMP) also positively and significantly influences FDI in these countries in the long run. Based on the key findings, strategies aimed at reducing persistently high unemployment rates, maintaining population growth, viewing FDI as a driver for GDP growth, and continuing with infrastructure development and urbanization are expected to attract more FDI inflows into GCC countries in the long run. Additionally, fostering both long-term economic incentives and creating a conducive business infrastructure for investors are vital for attracting inward FDI into any nation, including those in the GCC. This research would benefit various stakeholders, including governments, local businesses, investors, academia, and the local society, by providing valuable knowledge and informing decision-making processes related to economic development, diversification, and investment promotion.