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Time Out Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi's population has boomed in the last year, here's why

If you've noticed the capital's brunch spots, beaches and business lounges feeling a little buzzier lately, you're not imagining it – Abu Dhabi just got a whole lot busier. According to fresh figures from the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD), the emirate's population jumped by a whopping 7.5 percent in 2024, reaching 4.14 million people. That's a serious leap and it's not just about numbers – it's a sign of Abu Dhabi's rising global pull as a place to live, work and grow. Over the past decade, the population has shot up by 51 percent, up from 2.7 million in 2014. It's part of a much bigger story: one where international professionals, entrepreneurs and investors are flocking to the UAE capital for its stability, safety and next-gen opportunities in everything from AI to finance. Behind the boom? A thriving economy that grew 3.8 percent in 2024, with non-oil sectors making up over half of Abu Dhabi's GDP – a sign the emirate's big bet on diversification is paying off. And it's not just about spreadsheets. Abu Dhabi is rapidly positioning itself as a global talent magnet, with world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge digital services and a forward-thinking government already laying the groundwork for what it calls an 'AI-native' future. Think smart governance that uses data and AI to predict your needs before you even speak up – whether you're a resident renewing a license or a startup scaling up operations. It's all part of the Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027. The workforce is growing fast too – up 9.1 percent last year, with professional roles increasing across tech, advanced manufacturing and finance. Over half the population is now aged between 25 and 44, making it one of the most economically dynamic populations anywhere in the world. Add to that the fact Abu Dhabi has been ranked the safest city in the world for nine years running and the most liveable city in MENA for the seventh and it's easy to see why so many are choosing to call it home. What's next? With Dhs107.4 billion worth of construction projects underway and record-breaking investment flowing into sectors like AI and finance, don't expect the momentum to slow any time soon. Whether you're a long-time local or a recent arrival, one thing's for sure: this city is growing – fast. And we're not mad at it. You might also like… Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus: How to travel between the two cities Everything you need to know, from getting a Nol card to bus timetables Old Abu Dhabi: 15 best spots to uncover the history of the capital Peel back the layers of time