United Arab Emirates Population
Middle East & North Africa · 83rd most populous · High income
Population right now (estimate)
11,757,202
The population of United Arab Emirates is about 11,757,202 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 11.7 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.14% of the world's people.
United Arab Emirates is ranked 83rd of 217 by population. The population is still growing, by about 1.68% a year. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 15.4 million. That is 89.1 times its 1960 population of 131 thousand. Population density is 165 people per square kilometre. 86% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
11.7 million
Yearly change
+1.68%
World rank
83rd
Share of world
0.14%
Density
165/km²
Land area
71,020 km²
Life expectancy
83.1 yrs
Births per woman
1.21
GDP per capita
$50,274
GDP
$552.3B
Population of United Arab Emirates, 1960–2050
United Arab Emirates population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 131,334 | — | 2 |
| 1970 | 286,536 | +19.56% | 4 |
| 1980 | 1,015,700 | +11.37% | 14 |
| 1990 | 1,898,220 | +6.05% | 27 |
| 2000 | 3,493,575 | +6.97% | 49 |
| 2010 | 6,869,838 | +2.43% | 97 |
| 2020 | 9,401,038 | −0.47% | 132 |
| 2024 | 10,986,400 | +4.79% | 155 |
| 2026proj. | 11,706,447 | +1.68% | 165 |
| 2030proj. | 12,279,500 | +1.08% | 173 |
| 2040proj. | 13,768,774 | +1.16% | 194 |
| 2050proj. | 15,414,665 | +1.13% | 217 |
United Arab Emirates vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 15.2 times as many people as United Arab Emirates. Bangladesh is 8.3 times more densely populated.
United Arab Emirates population: questions and answers
What is the population of United Arab Emirates in 2026?
About 11,706,447 (11.7 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is United Arab Emirates's population growing?
Yes, by about 1.68% a year (2026).
What is the population density of United Arab Emirates?
About 165 people per km², with a land area of 71,020 km².
What will the population of United Arab Emirates be in 2050?
About 15.4 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of United Arab Emirates?
Abu Dhabi.
What is the life expectancy in United Arab Emirates?
83.1 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.