Dubai’s population grew multiple times in the first quarter of 2025 at a steady pace, exceeding 3.9 million for the first time when the influx continued new residents.
The population of the emirate increased by 51,295 from January to March 2025 compared to 52,143 over the same period the previous year, according to data from the Dubai Statistics Centre. This indicates that Dubai and the United Arab Emirates continue to be highly attractive to foreign professionals and millionaires.
At the end of the first quarter of 2025, Dubai’s population was 3.914 million.
If the population continues at its current pace, the regional financial centre population is expected to reach 4 million landmarks in the third quarter of this year.
In 2024, the number of mayors reached over 3.825 million, from over 169,000. This was the fastest increase in annual population rates since 2018.
The growth of the Emirate’s population will primarily drive the growth of several sectors, including real estate, retail, food and drinks (F&B), travel and tourism, and hospitality.
In its Global Investment Outlook 2025, Emirates NBD Research stated that the UAE’s non-oil economy is “benefitting from expanding population.”
“A key driver of economic growth for the UAE is its expanding population. A vibrant labour market, long-term resident visas, coupled with best-in-class infrastructure for corporates, encourage white-collar workers to shift to the UAE. This steady influx of residents boosts consumption across real estate, telecom, retail and hospitality, supporting sustainable economic growth,” said Maurice Gravier, group chief investment officer, Emirates NBD Research.
He noted that the UAE’s expanding working-age population will be a key driver of economic growth and prosperity.
According to Emirates NBD Research, Dubai’s GDP increased by 3.1% in the first nine months of 2024, with total real GDP reaching Dh339 billion, up from Dh329 billion anticipated for the first nine months of 2023.
According to the Global Investment Outlook 2025, the UAE is experiencing “a growing affluent expat community,” which makes up a significant share of Dubai and the UAE’s population.
