By Desmond Nleya
Dubai’s population reached 4.58 million by the end of 2025, reflecting an increase of approximately 332,000 residents and an annual growth rate of 7.5 percent, according to new figures released by the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, part of Digital Dubai.
The announcement coincided with the approval of an innovative real-time population census and monitoring system by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council. The new system replaces traditional census methods with a dynamic, continuously updated model that relies on administrative records, smart technologies and integrated government data.
Beyond its resident population, Dubai’s daytime population reaches 6.392 million during peak hours, driven by more than 1.812 million temporary visitors, including commuters, tourists and students.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, described the initiative as a major step towards building a data- and AI-driven government, emphasizing that accurate population data is a strategic national asset that supports informed planning, forecasting and decision-making.
Meanwhile, Younus Al Nasser, CEO of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, attributed the emirate’s strong population growth to its expanding economy. He noted that Dubai’s real GDP grew by 5.4 percent in 2025, while the city welcomed 19.6 million international visitors and handled nearly 96 million passengers through its airports.
The real-time census project brings together data from several government entities, including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai), Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Dubai Land Department, creating a unified and continuously updated population database.
Officials also highlighted Dubai’s remarkable demographic transformation. From a population of around 12,000 people in 1881, the emirate has expanded nearly 380-fold, with the current pace of growth ranking among the fastest in its history.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM).
