Abu Dhabi’s population reached 4.13 million in 2024, marking a 7.5% annual increase, according to new data released by the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD).
The rise is part of a broader trend of sustained demographic and economic growth, driven by strong non-oil sector performance and investment in digital governance.
Long-term population growth
Over the past decade, Abu Dhabi’s population has grown by 51%, rising from 2.7 million in 2014 to more than 4.1 million in 2024. SCAD data shows this increase aligns with wider economic achievements. The emirate’s GDP grew by 3.8% last year, reaching an all-time high of Dhs1.2 trillion. Non-oil sectors accounted for 54.7% of this output, growing by 6.2%.
“The 7.5 per cent population growth validates Abu Dhabi’s talent-first strategy,” said His Excellency Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab, Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi and Chairman of SCAD. “The government and its leadership continue to demonstrate that in today’s knowledge economy, communities that offer genuine innovation opportunities—like pioneering AI-native governance—combined with world-class healthcare and safety standards, will attract the world’s best professionals.”
Expanding workforce and demand
In 2024, Abu Dhabi’s workforce grew by 9.1%, with professional roles increasing by 6.4%. More than half of the emirate’s population—54%—is aged between 25 and 44, representing a strong productive base for emerging sectors such as AI, digital governance, and financial services.
Abu Dhabi’s government has outlined its commitment to becoming the world’s first AI-native government under the 2025–2027 digital strategy. The approach aims to anticipate citizen needs and enhance services using data analytics and artificial intelligence.
Investment and infrastructure
Abu Dhabi’s talent strategy is also reflected in strong investor confidence. In 2024, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) surpassed Dhs3 trillion in market capitalisation, placing it among the top 20 global stock markets. The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) recorded a 245% increase in assets under management, with a 32% rise in operational entities.
Foreign investment has grown 300% since 2011, while economic licenses rose by 16% in 2024. Construction activity also remained strong, with Dhs107.4 billion in total project value recorded last year.
Abu Dhabi was ranked the safest city in the world for the ninth consecutive year and the most liveable city in the MENA region for the seventh year in a row in 2025.
SCAD confirmed that population figures are subject to regular revision under its Statistical Revision Policy. Following updates to data sources and methods, the revised 2023 population figure stands at 3,847,585, reflecting improved accuracy in line with international best practices.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
