Sophia Turner
united arab emirates population 2024
The numbers and figures mentioned in this article might surprise you. You may even find it hard to believe that in recent years, the United Arab Emirates has been moving towards a decline in population. Between 2000 and 2010, the UAE experienced a population growth of five million people. The current population of the country stands at 9.89 million. According to forecasts, the UAE will continue its upward trend, reaching its peak of 10.71 million by 2033. Interestingly, it is said that after this increase, the united arab emirates population 2024 will follow a downward trend until it stabilizes. By the end of the current century (21st), the population of the United Arab Emirates is expected to be around 9.03 million.
Population Growth and Fertility Rate in the UAE
From 2019 to 2020, the UAE experienced significant growth. During this period, the population grew by 1.23%, equivalent to approximately 120,000 people. The annual population growth rate has fluctuated between 5.35% and 13.26%. Given these figures, you might assume that the fertility rate has been similarly increasing. However, the fertility rate in the UAE is just 1.42 births per woman, which is considered very low.
The Emirati government is deeply concerned about these low fertility figures and is actively seeking ways to address the issue. If the fertility rate does not rise, the UAE’s population will continue to age. Even now, the median age in 2020 was 32.6 years.
What is UAE
The UAE, also known as the United Arab Emirates, is an Arab country located in the southeastern region of the Arabian Peninsula. The country is made up of seven monarchies, or more accurately, federations, named Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Qaiwain. Each of these federations is governed by a ruler, and there may be differences in their laws. Together, all these rulers from the Federal Supreme Council.
Language and Age Demographics of the UAE
The median age in the United Arab Emirates is approximately 30.3 years, and life expectancy at birth is estimated at 77.7 years. This is not an ordinary country—93.8% of individuals over the age of 15 are considered literate.
Causes of Population Growth in the United Arab Emirates
Due to its vast size and the fact that it comprises seven separate emirates, there are numerous reasons for population growth or decline in the UAE. However, in recent years, the overall population growth can largely be attributed to significant immigration, particularly in 2024, which has contributed to the UAE’s steady rise in population.
Population Projections
As mentioned earlier, predicting the UAE’s population trends is challenging. However, based on studies and research conducted, no significant spikes in population growth are expected. The decline in population growth in the UAE began in 2010, and projections suggest this trend will continue, albeit gradually. The growth rate is expected to decrease to 1.47% by 2050.
You might be wondering why a rapidly developing country like the UAE is experiencing a population slowdown. One of the main reasons is its negative fertility growth rate. In 2020, the UAE had a population of 9,813,170. According to forecasts, this figure will rise to 11,054,579 by 2030 and 12,207,333 by 2040. It is even projected that the population will reach 13,163,548 by 2050.
Area and Population Density
Let’s take a look at the area and population density of the United Arab Emirates. The country spans an area of 83,600 square kilometers and is composed of seven different monarchies: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Qaiwain. Geographically, the UAE shares borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia and boasts a 1,318-kilometer coastline along the Persian Gulf.
The population density is 114 individuals per square kilometer. Approximately 85% of the UAE’s population resides in three of its largest emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. This population concentration is largely due to the comfort, prosperity, climate, and facilities available in these three areas.
Largest Cities in the United Arab Emirates
The capital of the country is Abu Dhabi. You might have heard about Dubai so often that you assumed it was the capital, but Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the two main cities of the UAE. These cities are cultural and commercial hubs of the country and are far more developed than the other cities in the region.
Dubai, with a population of around 2.4 million, is the largest city in the UAE. Now you know that Dubai is not the UAE itself but rather one of its major cities. Many people mistakenly refer to the entire UAE as “Dubai.” This is a testament to the city’s influence and global reputation.
