According to the latest data from the Abu Dhabi Statistics Center (SCAD), the population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital, Abu Dhabi, increased by 7.5% in 2024, reaching 4,135,985 people.
This growth rate is among the highest of global financial centers and reflects Abu Dhabi's growing importance as a global hub for business, investment, and talent.
Over the past 10 years, the emirate's population grew by 51%, increasing from 2.7 million in 2014 to over 4.1 million in 2024. This growth has been accompanied by significant economic achievements. Gross domestic product increased by 3.8%, reaching a historic high of AED 1.2 trillion. Non-oil sectors now account for 54.7% of the total economy.
Population growth is not just a statistic; it reflects Abu Dhabi's strategic approach to creating a favorable environment for international professionals and investors. "We are shaping an ecosystem where innovation, security, and quality of life go hand in hand," said Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab, Chairman of SCAD.
According to Al Kuttab, the 7.5% population growth confirms that Abu Dhabi has become more than an attractive city; it has entered a new global category of career destination. He noted that digital governance is currently being actively promoted in the capital. Implementing the digital strategy for 2025–2027 enables the government to anticipate citizens' needs and improve the efficiency of public services. This transition is driving demand for specialists in areas such as digital governance, policy analytics, service design, and the integration of advanced technologies.
In 2024, Abu Dhabi's workforce grew by 9.1%, with growth observed across all skill levels.
The share of professional roles increased by 6.4%, reflecting the shift toward a knowledge-based economy. With more than 54% of the population in the prime working age range of 25 to 44, the emirate is one of the most economically active and dynamic in the world.
Investors from around the world have expressed confidence in Abu Dhabi's development strategy. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange's market capitalization exceeded AED 3 trillion, placing it among the top 20 global stock markets. In 2024, assets under management (AUM), the number of operating units, and ADGM employees grew by 245%, 32%, and 39%, respectively. Foreign investment has increased 300% since 2011, and the number of new business licenses issued increased 16% in 2024 alone.
Abu Dhabi was recognized as the most livable city in the MENA region for the seventh consecutive year and the safest city in the world for the ninth consecutive year. Investments in infrastructure and amenities—more than AED 107.4 billion in 2024 alone—reinforce the emirate's commitment to creating a world-class environment in which to live and work.
Demographic indicators, including data from the 2023 census, are regularly updated in accordance with a register-based methodology to ensure high accuracy and compliance with international standards.