Abu Dhabi’s population surpassed 4 million in 2024, reflecting a 7.5% increase, according to the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD) on Monday.
Over the past 10 years, the emirate’s population has grown by 51%, climbing from 2.7 million in 2014 to over 4.1 million in 2024. This steady population growth has paralleled notable economic progress, with the emirate’s GDP rising by 3.8% last year to a record AED 1.2 trillion.
The expansion was largely fuelled by non-oil sectors, which grew by 6.2% and contributed 54.7% of total economic output, highlighting the success of Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification efforts, ARN News reports.
“Abu Dhabi's sustained population growth reflects the government's success in creating an environment that attracts international talent and investment. Through strategic policy development and infrastructure investment, Abu Dhabi has established itself as a leading destination for professionals seeking growth opportunities in a stable, innovative environment,” said Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi and Chairman of SCAD, Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab.
He went on to say that the 7.5% population growth affirms Abu Dhabi’s talent-centric strategy. The government and its leadership consistently show that in today’s knowledge-driven economy, regions that provide authentic opportunities for innovation, such as leading in AI-native governance, alongside top-tier healthcare and safety standards, are well-positioned to draw the world’s most skilled professionals.
“Abu Dhabi is not competing in the traditional talent market, the emirate is creating an entirely new category as a global career destination,” Al Kuttab said.
Abu Dhabi’s population growth is laying the groundwork for its transformation into the world’s first AI-native government.
Guided by the Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025–2027, the emirate is spearheading a model of data-driven governance that proactively anticipates citizen needs and enhances service delivery using advanced analytics and artificial intelligence.
Furthermore, Abu Dhabi’s workforce grew by 9.1% in 2024, with gains seen across all skill levels.
Professional roles rose by 6.4%, underscoring the emirate’s ongoing shift toward knowledge-based sectors such as artificial intelligence, technology, financial services, and advanced manufacturing.
The demographic makeup highlights this momentum: 54% of residents are between the ages of 25 and 44, considered peak productive years, forming what has been described as “one of the world's most economically dynamic talent pools.”