Abu Dhabi, UAE — The population of Abu Dhabi has surged to 3,789,860, marking an 83% increase since 2011, according to the preliminary results of the 2023 Abu Dhabi Census.
This milestone census, the first to be entirely based on administrative registers, reveals significant demographic and economic transformations within the emirate over the past decade.
Gender and Age Distribution
The latest census data indicates a gender disparity within the population, with males constituting 67% (2,541,465 individuals) and females making up the remaining 33% (1,248,395 individuals).
The median age of Abu Dhabi’s population is now 33 years, reflecting a relatively young demographic structure.
Regional Population Breakdown
Abu Dhabi region remains the most populous area, housing 2,495,925 residents, which represents 66% of the emirate’s total population. The Al Ain region follows with 1,009,735 people (27%), and the Al Dhafra region accounts for 284,205 residents (7%).
Economic Growth and Employment
The census underscores Abu Dhabi’s robust economic growth and its transition towards a knowledge-based economy. The employed population has risen by 82% since 2011, reaching a total of 2,522,390 individuals. This remarkable growth underscores Abu Dhabi’s evolution into a preferred destination for business, investment, and talent.
Employment is now almost evenly split between white-collar and blue-collar workers. White-collar employment has seen a significant 109% increase since 2011, now comprising 46% of the workforce. Blue-collar employment, which constitutes 54% of the workforce, has grown by 65% over the same period. This balance highlights the emirate’s dynamic and diverse labor market.
Residential and Non-Residential Development
The emirate has also experienced substantial growth in housing and infrastructure. The number of residential and non-residential units has risen by 66% since 2011, totaling 754,555 units.
Of these, residential units account for 58% (441,410 units), while non-residential units make up the remaining 42% (313,145 units). This development is attributed to ongoing infrastructure enhancements across Abu Dhabi.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
The successful execution of the Abu Dhabi Census 2023 has been credited to the strategic guidance and support of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab, Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement and the Higher Census Committee, emphasized the crucial role of coordination and integration among government entities in achieving this milestone.
Al Kuttab highlighted that the reliance on administrative records for this census exemplifies the high level of inter-agency collaboration and integration achieved, setting a new standard for future data collection and analysis initiatives.
Advancing Statistical Ecosystem
Abdulla Gharib Alqemzi, Acting Director General of the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD), reiterated the center’s commitment to aligning with the emirate’s comprehensive strategic transformations. SCAD is dedicated to enhancing the statistical ecosystem to support Abu Dhabi’s goals of digital transformation.
“SCAD is dedicated to ensuring that the statistical ecosystem aligns with the goals of digital transformation in the emirate and supports the work environment with optimal procedures for managing and governing Abu Dhabi Census 2023 data,” Alqemzi stated. He underscored the role of digital infrastructure, innovative solutions, artificial intelligence techniques, and adherence to best technical practices in achieving the census’s success.
With the support and collaboration of relevant government entities, SCAD has improved the integration and coordination required to link and merge administrative records with statistical data, ensuring high-quality and comprehensive census outputs.
Future Outlook
Looking forward, SCAD aims to develop an integrated and advanced statistical ecosystem further by unifying and organizing all aspects of statistical work in Abu Dhabi. This includes the periodic update of statistical frameworks for various activities and sectors and providing technical supervision.
By adopting advanced technologies for data collection and processing, SCAD is committed to delivering forward-looking statistics that will support decision-makers, researchers, planners, and the public in making informed decisions.
Conclusion
The 2023 Abu Dhabi Census has not only provided a detailed snapshot of the emirate’s demographic and economic landscape but also highlighted the significant progress made in digital transformation and data integration.
The substantial population growth, employment expansion, and infrastructure development are testaments to Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision and commitment to sustainable development.
As Abu Dhabi continues to evolve as a global hub for business and innovation, the insights gained from this census will be instrumental in guiding future policies and development initiatives, ensuring the emirate’s continued prosperity and growth.