The Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD) has announced that the population of the UAE capital reached 4,135,985 by the end of 2024 — marking an unprecedented 7.5% increase and crossing the four-million mark for the first time in history. This surge is attributed to a decade of major urban investments and the successful attraction of skilled professionals from around the world.
Workforce Boom and a Young Demographic
In the same year, the number of employed individuals in Abu Dhabi grew by a staggering 91%, reaching 2.76 million. New opportunities in artificial intelligence, technology, financial services, and advanced industries have made the emirate a global hub for international talent.
Most current residents fall within the 25 to 44 age group, with the average age now at 33.
Rapid Housing and Commercial Expansion
To meet soaring demand, construction has accelerated across the emirate:
Residential units have increased from 320,199 to 411,185.
Commercial units have grown from 50,808 to 64,054.
Currently, there are nearly 784,000 active residential units across Abu Dhabi — and the number continues to rise.
Outlook and Regional Momentum
The sharp population growth reflects Abu Dhabi’s success in positioning itself as a leading destination for living, working, and investing. Authorities remain focused on improving livability, boosting job creation, and fostering innovation.
Meanwhile, Dubai is also approaching a population milestone, reaching 3.96 million by the end of 2024 — signaling a new era of urban scale, energy, and growth for both emirates
