Abu Dhabi Population Grows 7.5% to Hit 4.14 Million in 2024

Abu Dhabi’s population soared by 7.5% in 2024, reaching 4,135,985 residents, according to new data from the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD). This marks one of the fastest growth rates globally and highlights the emirate's rising status as a hub for global talent, investment, and innovation.

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A Decade of Rapid Growth

Over the past ten years, Abu Dhabi’s population has grown by 51%, jumping from 2.7 million in 2014 to over 4.1 million today. This expansion goes hand-in-hand with the emirate’s strong economic performance, including a 3.8% rise in GDP in 2023, reaching a record AED 1.2 trillion. Notably, non-oil sectors contributed 54.7% of the GDP after growing 6.2%, underscoring the success of Abu Dhabi’s diversification efforts.

A Magnet for Global Talent and Investment

Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab, Chairman of SCAD and the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, credited this growth to smart policies and infrastructure investments. “Abu Dhabi's sustained population growth reflects the government's success in creating an environment that attracts international talent and investment,” he said.

He emphasised that the 7.5% growth validates the emirate’s talent-first strategy. With world-class healthcare, safety standards, and a vision rooted in innovation, including pioneering AI-native governance, Abu Dhabi is setting itself apart as a global career destination.

Building the World’s First AI-Native Government

Abu Dhabi is laying the groundwork to become the world’s first AI-native government through its Digital Strategy 2025–2027. By using AI and data to anticipate citizen needs and optimise services, the emirate is creating demand for specialists in digital governance, service design, policy analytics, and tech integration.

The population growth is fueling this transition. In 2024, the workforce expanded by 9.1%, with professional roles up 6.4%. More than half of the population is between the ages of 25 and 44, forming a dynamic, highly productive talent pool.

Investment Confidence Hits Record Highs

International confidence in Abu Dhabi’s growth strategy is reflected in booming investments. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange hit over AED 3 trillion in market capitalisation, placing it among the world’s top 20 stock markets.

Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) reported major gains in 2024, assets under management (AUM) jumped 245%, operational entities increased by 32%, and 39% of the workforce in its jurisdiction are now employed in high-value sectors.

Safe, Liveable, and Growing

Foreign direct investment has grown by 300% since 2011, and new economic licences issued rose by 16% in 2024 alone. Abu Dhabi’s consistent ranking as the world’s safest city for nine years and the most liveable city in MENA for seven years running supports its appeal to global professionals and families.

The emirate is also investing heavily in infrastructure. With over AED 107.4 billion worth of construction in 2024, Abu Dhabi is building more than just homes, it’s creating communities designed for long-term growth and quality of life.

Census Update and Data Accuracy

Following the integration of new data sources and a more robust register-based census methodology, SCAD revised the 2023 population figure to 3,847,585. These ongoing enhancements ensure Abu Dhabi’s statistics align with global standards and accurately reflect its evolving landscape.