Habibi, they’re heading to Dubai…
Dubai has seen its biggest population growth since 2018 in 2024, with the number of expats moving to the emirate continuing to rise. The population has now surpassed 3.8 million.
According to the Dubai Statistics Centre, Dubai’s population grew by more than 169,000 in 2024, reaching 3.825 million by the end of the year.
Khaleej Times recently reported that Dubai’s population grew by over 104,000 in 2023, 71,500 in 2022, and 67,000 in 2021. Back in 2019, the population surged by more than 162,000, and in 2018, it expanded by over 215,000.
In September 2024, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, announced a new population census. This initiative will provide the government with a deeper understanding of Dubai’s population, offering “real-time data on Dubai’s residents.”
It’s no surprise that so many people are flocking to the UAE — there are countless reasons why it’s considered one of the best places to live. Whether it’s the safety, the year-round sunshine, the tax-free salaries, or the abundance of opportunities, this country offers so many incredible perks, and people are eager to move here to enjoy all the benefits the UAE has to offer.
Dubai’s residential population is projected to reach 5.8 million by 2040, and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan is designed to fully prepare the city for this growth.
According to a 2024 survey, 88.5% of Dubai’s population is made up of expats. This unique citizen-to-migrant ratio is a rare and fascinating demographic feature on a global scale. Dubai’s multicultural fabric, combined with the leadership’s commitment to tolerance, gives the city a distinctive cultural depth, fostering a vibrant mix of talent and ideas.
The world could truly gain valuable insights by studying Dubai’s population dynamics and leadership approach.