Abu Dhabi population reaches 4.1M in 2024

Abu Dhabi's population has nearly doubled in the past decade reaching 4.1 million in 2024, official figures revealed Monday.

New data from the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD) shows the emirate recorded a 7.5% population increase in 2024, bringing the total number of residents to 4,135,985.

In 2014, the population stood at 2.7 million.

This surge reflects Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a magnet for international professionals, businesses, and investment, SCAD noted.

The emirate’s labor force has also grown significantly. Employment among individuals aged 15 and above increased by 9.1% to 2.76 million year-on-year, rising from 2.53 million in 2023.

Employment among individuals aged 15 and above rose 9.1% year-on-year, from 2.53 million in 2023 to 2.76 million in 2024, with growth seen across all skill levels. Professional roles increased by 6.4%, driven by the emirate’s push toward knowledge-based industries such as artificial intelligence, technology, advanced manufacturing, and financial services.

54% population in productive years

The demographic data highlights the transformation: 54% of Abu Dhabi’s population is aged 25–44, aligning with the most economically productive years and reinforcing the emirate’s position as a globally competitive talent hub.

Abu Dhabi also saw a 3.9% increase in real estate units, which now total 783,970. Of these, 59.5% (466,700) are residential and 40.5% (317,270) are non-residential.

This sustained demographic growth mirrors the emirate’s strong economic performance. In 2023, Abu Dhabi’s GDP grew by 3.8% to reach an all-time high of AED 1.2 trillion, with non-oil sectors driving the expansion—a testament to the success of its economic diversification strategy, according to state news agency WAM.

Global talent magnet

Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab, chairman of SCAD, said the latest figures underscore Abu Dhabi’s ability to create an environment that attracts global talent and long-term investment.

“Abu Dhabi’s sustained population growth reflects the government’s success in creating an environment that attracts international talent and investment,” Al Kuttab said. “This validates the emirate’s talent-first strategy.”

He added, “In today’s knowledge economy, communities that offer genuine innovation opportunities will attract the world’s best professionals. Abu Dhabi is not competing in the traditional talent market—the emirate is creating an entirely new category as a global career destination.”

International confidence in Abu Dhabi’s strategy is also reflected in record-breaking financial indicators. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange surpassed AED 3 trillion in market capitalization, placing it among the world’s top 20 stock markets.

Foreign direct investment has also surged, rising 300% since 2011, according to 2023 data.

The emirate’s appeal extends beyond economics. Abu Dhabi has been ranked the safest city in the world for nine consecutive years and the most liveable city in the MENA region for seven years in a row, as of 2025.