United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +4.68%
United Arab Emirates is a Western Asia country of around 11.0 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 83,600 km², translating to a density of 131 people per km². Its capital is Abu Dhabi, and Arabic is the official language, while the United Arab Emirates dirham serves as the national currency.
Population
10,986,400
Area
83,600 km²
Density
131/km²
World Rank
#86
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 9.8 per thousand against deaths at 0.9 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 16.1% of residents under 15 and 1.8% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Abu Dhabi
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Western Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Arabic
- Currencies
- United Arab Emirates dirham (د.إ)
- Calling Code
- +971
- Top-Level Domain
- .ae, امارات.
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+04:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 10,986,400
- Land Area
- 83,600 km²
- Population Density
- 131 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +4.68%
- Annual Growth
- +514,164 people
- Daily Growth
- +1,409 people
- World Population Share
- 0.14%
- Coordinates
- 24.00°, 54.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $50.3k, United Arab Emirates sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 2.2%—well below the world average. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 26.4.
Life Expectancy
82.9 years
GDP per Capita
$50,274
Birth Rate
9.8 per 1,000
Death Rate
0.9 per 1,000
Urban Population
85.8%
Fertility Rate
1.20 births/woman
Infant Mortality
4.0 per 1,000
Unemployment
2.2%
Literacy Rate
98.8%
Internet Users
100.0%
Under 15
16.1%
Over 65
1.8%
Health Spending
5.0% GDP
Gini Index
26.4
Age Distribution
0-14 years
1.8M
15-64 years
9.0M
65+ years
194K
Urbanization
United Arab Emirates is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 85.8% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. The capital, Abu Dhabi, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net inward migration of 158634.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
9.4M
85.8%
1.6M
14.2%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 82.9 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 4.0 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. The literacy rate of 98.8% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates has 16 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that United Arab Emirates is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.2 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, United Arab Emirates participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 10,986,400 |
| 2030 | 13,050,173 |
| 2035 | 15,830,104 |
| 2040 | 18,796,240 |
| 2045 | 21,910,743 |
| 2050 | 25,139,043 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for United Arab Emirates.
Largest Cities in United Arab Emirates
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in United Arab Emirates by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of United Arab Emirates?
The population of United Arab Emirates is approximately 11.0 million as of 2026, making it #86 in the world by population.
What is the capital of United Arab Emirates?
The capital of United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi.
What languages are spoken in United Arab Emirates?
The main languages spoken in United Arab Emirates are Arabic.
How big is United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates covers an area of 83,600 km² with a population density of 131 people per km².
Is United Arab Emirates growing or shrinking?
United Arab Emirates is growing at a rate of 4.68% per year, adding approximately 514,164 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in United Arab Emirates?
The average life expectancy in United Arab Emirates is 82.9 years.
What is the GDP per capita of United Arab Emirates?
The GDP per capita of United Arab Emirates is $50,274.