The United Arab Emirates’ expanding working-age population is set to be a major driver of economic growth in the coming years, according to a senior economist at Emirates NBD.
Speaking at the annual media briefing in Dubai on Monday, Maurice Gravier, Group Chief Investment Officer at Emirates NBD, highlighted how the UAE continues to attract a skilled and diverse workforce, boosting productivity and economic prosperity.
“Working-age population growth is a driver of prosperity because, at the end of the day, it improves productivity,” Gravier said in an interview with Khaleej Times. “The good news is that in some countries, the working-age population grows, but there is no productivity. But here in the UAE, you have a growing population with many more qualified people coming here. We have productivity gains because there is capital and access to technology as well.”
Population Growth Fuels Economic Expansion
The UAE has seen an exceptional rise in population over the past four years, reaching 11.22 million in 2025, according to Worldometer. This growth has been driven by an influx of talented professionals across key sectors, including finance, technology, HR, legal, tourism, and real estate.
According to Global Media Insights, individuals aged 25 to 54 make up 68.6% of the UAE’s population, forming the core of its workforce. An additional 9.14% are aged 15 to 24, further strengthening the country’s labor market for the future.
UAE Leads Economic Growth in GCC
Economic forecasts from Emirates NBD Research indicate that the UAE’s GDP is expected to grow by 5% in 2025, the highest rate among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Both the oil and non-oil sectors are projected to expand at the same rate.
The 2025 Global Investment Outlook by Emirates NBD also predicts GCC’s non-oil economy will grow by 4.3%, up from 4.0% in 2024. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are expected to lead this growth, with projected rates of 5.0% and 4.5%, respectively.
“Both countries are benefitting from growing populations, strong levels of project developments from both the public and private sectors, expanding tourism industries, and the growth of the nascent tech industries,” the report stated.
AI and Technology to Strengthen UAE’s Position
Gravier emphasized that the UAE’s role as a financial and technology hub positions it for long-term economic success, particularly with its rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI).
“The country is strongly embracing AI technology, which will put it in a wonderful position over the next 10 years,” he noted.
With continued investment in technology, infrastructure, and human capital, the UAE is set to sustain its economic momentum, reinforcing its status as a global business powerhouse.
