Abu Dhabi’s population surged to over 4.1 million in 2024, marking a 7.5% increase in just one year, according to new data released by the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD). The emirate has seen a remarkable 51% rise over the past decade, growing from 2.7 million in 2014 to 4,135,985 today.
This population boom runs parallel with strong economic performance. Abu Dhabi’s GDP climbed 3.8% in 2023, reaching a record Dh1.2 trillion. Notably, non-oil sectors now contribute 54.7% of the economy, a sign of successful efforts to diversify beyond hydrocarbons.
Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab, chairman of the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi and SCAD, called the latest figures a testament to the emirate’s global magnetism. “Abu Dhabi’s sustained population growth reflects the government’s success in creating an environment that attracts international talent and investment,” he said.
He added that the 7.5% population jump “validates Abu Dhabi’s talent-first strategy” and praised the emirate’s focus on innovation, healthcare, and safety. “Abu Dhabi is not competing in the traditional talent market — the emirate is creating an entirely new category as a global career destination,” he emphasized.
Fueling this transformation is the ambitious Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025–2027, which is laying the groundwork for the world’s first AI-native government. The strategy aims to preemptively meet citizen needs and overhaul service delivery using artificial intelligence and data analytics.
This digital shift is also reshaping the job market. The workforce grew by 9.1% last year, with professional roles up 6.4%. Abu Dhabi is now actively seeking specialists in digital governance, AI, policy analytics, and service design — highlighting its emergence as a hub for advanced, tech-driven careers.
Demographically, the emirate is thriving with energy: 54% of its residents are between 25 and 44 years old, a powerful indicator of its growing reputation as a destination for dynamic, high-skilled workers.