UAE, Dubai: Estimates of population by nationality (Emiratis/ non-Emiratis) at selected dates (1975-2016)

Years	Emiratis	Non-Emiratis	Total	% non-nationals
1975	50,816	132,371	183,187	72.3
1980	62,516	213,785	276,301	77.4
1985	76,692	294,096	370,788	79.3
1995	107,741	581,679	689,420	84.4
2005	137,573	1,183,880	1,321,453	89.6
2010	168,029	1,737,447	1,905,476	91.2
2014*	212,000	2,115,350	2,327,350	90.9
2015*	222,875	2,223,800	2,446,675	90.9
2016*	233,430	2,465,170	2,698,600	91.3

Source: Dubai Statistics Center

ANNEXED NOTE

1. Characteristics of data, definitions and population counting operations in the UAE

* Figures since 2014 are estimates for the end of the given year.

The first population census was conducted in 1968 by the Council of Developing Trucial States.
After Independence in 1971, a population census of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi was conducted that same year.
The first general population and establishments census in the UAE was conducted in 1975.
The other federal censuses were conducted in 1980, 1985, 1995 and 2005.
Reference days for UAE censuses: 30/12/1975; 15/12/1980, 16/12/1985, 16/12/1995; 29/10/2001; 06/12/2005.
Implementation method: the census was carried out according to de jure methodology, i.e. counting persons using their usual place of residence
Population of reference: Emirati nationals usually residing in the country+
all foreign residents holding a valid residence permit+resident GCC nationals (nationals of other GCC states don’t need a permit to stay in the UAE)

2. Institution which provides data

Dubai Statistics Centre (DSC).

3. Data availability

2014-2016: data is available in the “Reports” section, “Estimated Population Number by Nationality”
Data is presented in PDF and Excel formats.
https://www.dsc.gov.ae/en-us/Themes/Pages/Population-and-Vital-Statistics.aspx?Theme=42&year=2016#DSC_Tab1
Population at census dates: Dubai Statistical Yearbooks, DSC.

Last date of access: February 3, 2018.