United Arab Emirates – population and demographic structure

How many people live in the United Arab Emirates?

The United Arab Emirates is one of the most fascinating places in the world. This country combines Arab traditions and Middle Eastern influences with cultures from every corner of the earth. The beauty of the desert, the wildness of the Al Hajar Mountains and the best attractions in the United Arab Emirates are a magnet for tourists. It's hardly surprising! The art of Abu Dhabi, the modernity of Dubai and the beautiful dunes of the desert Sharjah can enchant anyone. However, behind this tourist success are people, more specifically migrants and citizens of the UAE. Let's get to know them better.

How many people live in the United Arab Emirates? Data for 2025 shows that the United Arab Emirates has a population of 11.3 to 11.5 million. This is the estimated but accurate population of the UAE for 2025/2026, with a forecast for further growth in 2026. Are you interested in other data and information about the United Arab Emirates? Check out our articles:

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Population of the UAE by city

The population of the Emirates, which currently stands at around 11.5 million, is of course divided among individual cities. When you go on a trip to Dubai, you can expect crowds, but in Fujairah, there will be far fewer tourists and residents. The demographics of Dubai and Abu Dhabi clearly show that these are the cities with the largest number of residents and visitors. Let's take a look at the list of the population of the United Arab Emirates by city:

• Dubai: approximately 4 million
• Abu Dhabi: approx. 1.6 million
• Sharjah: approx. 1.6 million
• Al Ain: approx. 1 million
• Ajman: approx. 400,000
• Ras Al Khaimah: approx. 190,000
• Fujairah: approx. 120,000

Residents of the United Arab Emirates by nationality

What is the demographic structure of the UAE? The ethnic and religious composition of the UAE is unique on a global scale, but typical of similar countries on the Arabian Peninsula, such as Qatar, Oman or Kuwait. There is a big difference between Emiratis and expatriates, and the cities in the United Arab Emirates were built mainly by foreign workers in the UAE, who are highly valued and appreciated at every turn. So what percentage of the UAE's population are Emiratis and what percentage are expatriates?

UAE: 1.31 million citizens, which translates to 11.50%. India: 4 million citizens, which translates to 37.96%. Pakistan: 1.90 million citizens, which translates to 16.72%. Bangladesh: 840,000 citizens, which translates to 7.38%. Philippines: 780,000 citizens, which translates to 6.89%. Iran: 540,000 citizens, which translates to 4.72%. Egypt: 480,000 citizens, which translates to 4.23%. Nepal: 360,000 citizens, which translates to 3.15%. Sri Lanka: 360,000 citizens, which translates to 3.15%. China: 250,000 citizens, which translates to 2.16%. Rest: 250,000 citizens, which translates to 2.16%.

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What is the ratio of men to women in the UAE?

In the United Arab Emirates, there are 7.24 million men and 4.11 million women, which gives 63.80% men and 36.20% women. Statistics show a much greater predominance of men in the UAE, which is due to the nature of gainful employment for migrants, where the vast majority are men. Is the UAE's population growing faster than in other countries in the region? It is difficult to answer this question, but the birth rate in the United Arab Emirates is not high, as in other countries in the region.

Questions and answers (FAQ)

• How many citizens and how many migrants live in the UAE?

The United Arab Emirates is home to a significant majority of migrants compared to Emiratis, with Emirati citizens constituting a minority (approximately 10-20% of the population, depending on the data source). The total population of the UAE exceeds 11 million, with migrants from over 200 countries (mainly India and Pakistan) making up the majority, creating a cultural melting pot.

• Which emirates have the largest populations?

The emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi have the largest populations in the United Arab Emirates, together accounting for more than two-thirds of the country's total population, with Dubai being the largest, followed by Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah being the third largest in terms of population.

• What nationalities dominate in the United Arab Emirates?

The United Arab Emirates is dominated by foreigners, with the largest groups being residents of South Asia (Indians, Pakistanis, Bengalis) and Southeast Asia (Filipinos), alongside minorities from Arab countries (Egypt, Syria, Yemen) and the West. The Emirati nationals are a minority, accounting for about 20% of the population.