United Arab Emirates Population 2026: 9.8M People, Density & Key Facts
United Arab Emirates is a country with a moderate, fairly even population spread: 9.8M people across 83,600 km², giving a density of 117/km².
GDP per capita stands at $51,720: placing it among the world's wealthiest nations per person. The capital, Abu Dhabi, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About United Arab Emirates's Population
With a population of 9.8M, United Arab Emirates is home to a significant number of people within its 83,600 km² of territory. The population density of 117/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: a moderate density typical of many countries in the region.
The capital city, Abu Dhabi, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates has a coastline of 1,318 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, United Arab Emirates has a total GDP of $507B, translating to $51,720 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Dirham (AED).
United Arab Emirates gained independence in 1971 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Arabic, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the Middle East region, United Arab Emirates sits alongside Jordan (10.2M), Iran (87.9M), Israel (9.6M). This regional context helps illustrate how United Arab Emirates's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about United Arab Emirates's Population
What is the population of United Arab Emirates in 2026?
The population of United Arab Emirates is approximately 9.8M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of United Arab Emirates?
The capital city of United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has a population density of 117/km². This is a moderate population density.
What is the GDP per capita of United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has a GDP per capita of $51,720, with a total GDP of $507B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in United Arab Emirates?
The official language of United Arab Emirates is Arabic.
How big is United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates covers a total area of 83,600 km². With a population of 9.8M, that gives a density of 117/km².
When did United Arab Emirates gain independence?
United Arab Emirates gained independence in 1971.
What currency is used in United Arab Emirates?
The official currency of United Arab Emirates is the Dirham (AED).
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