United Arab Emirates: immigration

What is the population of the UAE?

The UAE's population was about 11.5 million in 2025, according to the World Bank, which uses UN estimates. The UAE Government fact sheet gives the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre's last published national figure of 9,282,410 in 2020.

The emirates publish their own figures. SCAD reports that Abu Dhabi's population grew 7.5% in 2024 to 4.14 million. Most residents are foreign nationals, so the population changes quickly with the labour market.

Official sources: World Bank: population, UAE · u.ae: Fact sheet · Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi

What share of UAE residents are foreigners?

International migrants made up 74% of the UAE's population in 2024, according to UN migrant stock estimates published by the World Bank. The share was 76% in 2020 and 79.1% in 2015.

The UN counts people born outside the country, so the figure is close to, but not the same as, the share of non-citizens. The UAE Government fact sheet says expatriates outnumber UAE nationals and men outnumber women. The UAE does not publish a regular national breakdown by nationality.

Official sources: World Bank: international migrant stock (% of population), UAE · u.ae: Fact sheet

How many people migrate to the UAE each year?

Net migration to the UAE was 158,634 people in 2025, according to the World Bank, which uses UN World Population Prospects estimates. The figure was 278,439 in 2024 and 300,004 in 2023.

Net migration is arrivals minus departures. It is a modelled estimate, not a count from border records. UAE migration is driven by employment, and foreign residents need an employer, investor, student or family sponsor for a residence visa, so flows follow the job market. The ICP, which issues residence visas, does not publish annual migration totals.

Official sources: World Bank: net migration, UAE

How many refugees are in the UAE?

UNHCR counted 1,377 refugees and 6,257 asylum seekers in the UAE in 2025, according to its Refugee Data Finder.

The UAE is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and has no national asylum law, so UNHCR registers asylum seekers itself. Many people displaced from conflicts in the region live in the UAE on ordinary work or family residence visas and are not counted as refugees. UNHCR publishes mid-year and end-year figures.

Official sources: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is a long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years, according to the UAE Government portal. The 10-year visa for public investments requires minimum capital of AED 2 million, property ownership, or a contribution to a business that pays at least AED 250,000 a year in taxes.

Other categories cover property investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, and humanitarian workers, each with its own conditions. Unlike standard residence visas, the Golden Visa does not need an employer sponsor. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and Dubai's residency directorate issue it.

Official sources: u.ae: Golden visa · ICP

How many foreign-born people live in the United Arab Emirates?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2024, is 74.0%. That compares with 79.1% in 2015. It is 2nd highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 11.5%. Worldwide: 2nd of 193.

Are more people leaving the United Arab Emirates than arriving?

According to the UN Population Division, net migration in the United Arab Emirates was 158,634 in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2007, at 722,380; its low point was 2019, at -125,186. It is 2nd highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is -376. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 8th highest.

How many refugees live in the United Arab Emirates?

1,377: that is the number of refugees in the country in the United Arab Emirates for 2025, according to UNHCR. Its high point since 2005 was 2023, at 1,416; its low point was 2005, at 104. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 15,377, and the United Arab Emirates placed 16th highest of 22. Of 169 countries with 2025 data, 121st highest.

How many refugees have fled the United Arab Emirates?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees from the country living abroad in the United Arab Emirates at 252 in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2012, at 580; its low point was 2005, at 31. It is 19th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 7,322. Of 189 countries with 2025 data, 132nd highest.