United Arab Emirates Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
United Arab Emirates's dependency ratio was 21.76 in 2025, ranked 215th globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
United Arab Emirates's dependency ratio stood at 21.76 in 2025, a decline of +0.01 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 21.76 by 2025. United Arab Emirates ranked 215th globally.
The United Arab Emirates’ total dependency ratio has fallen dramatically from an all‑time peak of 67.00 in 1960 to a trough of 21.76 in 2025, placing it 215th in the world among 66 years of data. This steep decline reflects the rapid expansion of the working‑age population relative to dependents, driven by sustained immigration of expatriate labour and high fertility rates in earlier decades that later gave way to lower birth rates and longer life expectancy. By 2025 the UAE’s ratio is lower than that of Kuwait (24.92) and only slightly above Qatar’s 20.12, indicating a more favourable support base for economic growth than many regional peers. The continued influx of skilled migrants and ongoing reforms to increase female labour participation are likely to keep the dependency ratio low, although any slowdown in labour inflows or a rise in the native birth rate could moderate the downward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 21.58 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 21.67 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 21.76 | - | - |
| 2025 | 21.76 | −0.01 | #215 |
| 2024 | 21.77 | −0.23 | #2 |
| 2023 | 22.00 | −0.12 | #2 |
| 2022 | 22.12 | −0.02 | #2 |
| 2021 | 22.14 | −0.02 | #2 |
| 2020 | 22.17 | −0.05 | #2 |
| 2019 | 22.22 | −0.05 | #2 |
| 2018 | 22.26 | −0.05 | #2 |
| 2017 | 22.31 | −0.08 | #2 |
| 2016 | 22.39 | −0.06 | #2 |
| 2015 | 22.45 | −0.00 | #2 |
| 2014 | 22.46 | +0.04 | #2 |
| 2013 | 22.42 | +0.07 | #2 |
| 2012 | 22.35 | +0.03 | #2 |
| 2011 | 22.33 | −0.07 | #2 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Arab Emirates matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Arab Emirates's dependency ratio was 21.76 in 2025. Ranked 215th globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from the previous year.
United Arab Emirates's dependency ratio peaked at 67.00 in 1960.
The lowest dependency ratio in United Arab Emirates was 21.76 in 2025.
United Arab Emirates ranks 215th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Arab Emirates's dependency ratio is projected to reach 21.76 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of United Arab Emirates in 2025 was 21.76. This ranks 215th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-arab-emirates_dependency-ratio,
title = {United Arab Emirates Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-arab-emirates/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}