Market Facts

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

  • Population: Over 10 million (2024), with a majority expat population.
  • Urbanization: Approximately 90% urbanized; major cities include Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
  • Gender Distribution: 70% male, 30% female, largely due to the large male expat workforce.
  • Age Distribution: Predominantly working-age population, with 65% aged 25-45 years. The median age is approximately 34 years.
  • Expats vs Locals: Expats constitute about 88% of the population, with Emirati nationals making up around 12%.
  • Literacy Rate: Very high, at 96%. The UAE places a strong emphasis on education, particularly at the university level.
  • Languages: Arabic (official), English is the business language; Hindi, Urdu, and Filipino widely spoken due to the large expatriate community.
  • Key Sectors: Telecom, Tourism, Retail, Financial Services, E-commerce, Real Estate.
  • Digital Penetration: One of the highest smartphone penetration rates globally (over 95%). High adoption of mobile payments, online banking, and e-commerce.
  • Consumer Behavior: UAE consumers are tech-forward, demanding convenience and luxury. There’s significant growth in mobile commerce, digital content consumption, and social media engagement.
  • Cultural Nuances: A diverse, multicultural society with high demand for luxury experiences and exclusive services. Strong governmental support for digital transformation through initiatives like Smart Dubai and UAE Vision 2021.