United Arab Emirates

The population of United Arab Emirates is approximately 12M (2024).

The capital of United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi.

United Arab Emirates's GDP per capita is $54.4K (2024).

Life expectancy in United Arab Emirates is 83.07 years (2024).

United Arab Emirates covers 83,600 km² (32,278 sq mi).

United Arab Emirates has a moderate population density of 144 people per km², close to the global average of 60.

United Arab Emirates's population is growing rapidly at 4.7% per year — among the fastest in the world.

Yes — based on GDP per capita, United Arab Emirates falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $54.4K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

United Arab Emirates reports a very low intentional homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 people — among the safest in the world by this measure.

The official language of United Arab Emirates is Arabic.

United Arab Emirates uses the United Arab Emirates dirham (د.إ) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit United Arab Emirates are January, February, March, November, December, based on climate data for the capital.

Latest estimates show that the United Arab Emirates has a population of approximately 12 million people. The nation has a high annual population growth rate of 4.68%, and its population density has reached 169.3 people per km² (438.5 per sq mi). This growth is primarily driven by the country's large expatriate community.

The United Arab Emirates is a high-income nation with a current GDP per capita estimate of 54,367 USD. This figure ranks the country 30th globally and 3rd in Western Asia for individual wealth. The total GDP is approximately 552 billion USD, supported by robust growth in both the energy and non-oil sectors.

The adult literacy rate in the United Arab Emirates is 98.81%, which ranks 33rd globally. The government has invested heavily in the education system to foster a knowledge-based economy and ensure universal access to schooling. This commitment has resulted in nearly total literacy among the resident population and a highly skilled workforce.

The United Arab Emirates ranks 1st globally for internet usage, with 100% of its population having access to the web. This universal connectivity is a cornerstone of the nation's strategy to become a global leader in digital technology and smart city infrastructure. High-speed mobile and fixed-line services are available across all seven emirates.

Current data shows that the unemployment rate in the United Arab Emirates is 2.17%. This exceptionally low figure ranks the nation 168th out of 186 countries when sorted from the highest to lowest unemployment rates. The labor market is characterized by a high demand for international talent across diverse economic sectors.

The estimated 2026 population of the United Arab Emirates is approximately 12 million. This figure is projected from the official 2024 population of 10,986,400 people. The rapid growth is largely attributed to the country's status as a global economic hub, attracting a diverse international workforce that makes up the majority of the residents.

The United Arab Emirates currently holds the global rank of 85 out of 215 countries. In the Asia region, it is ranked 27 out of 49 nations, and it holds the 7th position out of 17 countries in Western Asia. Its rank has risen consistently over recent decades due to rapid economic expansion.

Recent data shows an estimated 2026 population density of 169.3 people per km² (438.5 per sq mi). This density is concentrated in the coastal metropolitan regions, as much of the country's 83,600 km² (32,278 sq mi) of land area consists of sparsely populated desert terrain.

The population is growing rapidly at an annual rate of 4.68 percent, which is one of the highest growth rates globally. This increase is primarily driven by high net migration, with an estimated net change of 1,410 people per day, as workers from around the world move to the country for employment.

The latest official data indicates a fertility rate of 1.21 children per woman. This rate is ranked 196th globally, which is below the replacement level. The low national average is influenced by the large number of expatriate workers who often reside in the country without extended families.

Approximately 85.8 percent of the population lives in urban areas, ranking 44th globally for urbanization. This high percentage reflects the modern, city-centric nature of the country, where infrastructure and employment are heavily concentrated in metropolitan centers like Dubai and the capital, Abu Dhabi.