Dubai is growing again after the conflict. The population has exceeded 4.8 million

Back in the spring of this year, questions were raised in connection with the regional conflict as to whether Dubai might start losing residents. In March, the number of residents did indeed drop briefly by approximately 61,000 to 4.65 million. However, the trend reversed in the following months, and by the end of June, the population had reached 4.74 million.

More than 4.8 million residents

At the end of September, the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment recorded 4,807,185 residents. Compared to the end of 2025, when 4.58 million people lived in the emirate, this represents an increase of nearly 227,000 residents over nine months. Current RTA data from mid-October continues to work with a population of around 4.8 million.

This development is particularly interesting in the context of the previous months. The spring decline did not turn into a long-term exodus of residents. On the contrary, Dubai quickly offset the loss, and the number of residents subsequently reached a new high.

This is not just a short-term trend. During 2025 alone, approximately 332,000 residents were added in Dubai, and year-on-year growth reached 7.5%. This is among the highest figures in the emirate's history.

The city is growing primarily thanks to people of working age

It is not just the size of the population that is important, but also its structure. More than 80% of Dubai's residents in 2025 were between the ages of 20 and 59, with the largest group consisting of people aged 30 to 34.

This group is essential for both the labor market and the demand for housing. These are not just visitors or tourists, but people moving to Dubai for work, business, or family life who are looking for a long-term base.

Moreover, official statistics define residents as individuals who have lived in the emirate for at least six months or intend to stay for that period. Therefore, current figures should not be confused with tourist numbers.

There are around 6.5 million people in Dubai during the day

The difference between the number of residents and the city's actual daily load is even more significant. In October, the RTA stated that while about 4.8 million residents live in Dubai, the number of people present during the day is around 6.5 million. People regularly come to the emirate for work, business, and tourism.

A growing population therefore affects more than just housing. It is reflected in the planning of transport, infrastructure, schools, healthcare, and public services. For this very reason, Dubai launched a new system this year called Dubai Population Now, which utilizes administrative records, smart systems, and real-time data.

What new residents mean for the real estate market

For an investor, population growth is important primarily as an indicator of future demand. More people settling in the city long-term means a greater need for rental apartments and owner-occupied housing.

However, this does not mean that prices automatically rise at the same rate as the population. A Cavendish Maxwell analysis points out that the correlation between population growth and residential property prices may only become apparent after a delay of one to two years. At the same time, the result is influenced by the volume of new supply, the availability of financing, and current investor sentiment.

This year shows why it is necessary to read individual indicators together. In the third quarter, the real estate market moved into a calmer phase, and according to current data, buyers are more selective. However, underlying demand continues to be supported by population growth, economic activity, and the arrival of new companies and residents.

The spring fluctuation did not signal a change in direction

The number of Dubai's residents not only offset the spring decline but continued to grow over the following months, surpassing the 4.8 million mark. From a long-term perspective, the city's ability to attract new residents is one of the most important factors driving housing demand.

For investors, however, it is equally essential to read these numbers in a broader context. A growing city creates opportunities, but not an automatic guarantee of returns. The outcome continues to be determined by the choice of a specific location, developer, and property.