Population surpass will be marking a significant milestone in the city’s rapid growth and global appeal.

Dubai’s population witnessed a steady and significant increase in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing 3.9 million for the first time as the city continued to attract a strong influx of new residents.

According to data from the Dubai Statistics Centre, the emirate’s population grew by 51,295 between January and March 2025, closely matching the 52,143 increase recorded during the same period in 2024. This trend reinforces Dubai’s and the wider UAE’s status as a global magnet for foreign professionals, investors, and high-net-worth individuals.

By the end of Q1 2025, Dubai’s population stood at 3.914 million. If this pace of growth continues, the city is expected to cross the 4 million mark by the third quarter of the year — a major milestone in its demographic and economic expansion.

In comparison, the population in 2024 reached 3.825 million, with a year-on-year growth of over 169,000 residents, marking the fastest annual population growth since 2018.

This dynamic population growth is expected to be a key driver across several sectors, including real estate, retail, food & beverage (F&B), travel and tourism, and hospitality, injecting sustained momentum into the local economy.

In its Global Investment Outlook 2025, Emirates NBD Research emphasized the pivotal role of population growth in strengthening the UAE’s non-oil economy.

“A key driver of economic growth for the UAE is its expanding population. A vibrant labour market, long-term residency options, and world-class infrastructure continue to attract white-collar professionals to the region,” said Maurice Gravier, Group Chief Investment Officer at Emirates NBD Research.

“This steady influx fuels consumer spending across real estate, telecommunications, retail, and hospitality, laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth.”

Emirates NBD Research also highlighted the positive impact of a growing working-age population on long-term economic prosperity.

Dubai’s GDP grew by 3.1% during the first nine months of 2024, reaching Dh339 billion, up from Dh329 billion over the same period in 2023 — reflecting the direct impact of demographic expansion on economic output.

The report also noted that the UAE is home to a rapidly growing, affluent expatriate community, which forms a substantial portion of the population and contributes significantly to the nation’s vibrant economy.