United Arab Emirates Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
United Arab Emirates's urban population was 85.98% in 2025, ranked 44th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
United Arab Emirates's urban population stood at 85.98% in 2025, a rise of +0.16% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 85.98% by 2025. United Arab Emirates ranked 44th globally.
The United Arab Emirates’ urban population has risen steadily over the 66‑year span from 73.50 % in 1960 to an all‑time peak of 85.98 % in 2025, ranking it 44th globally. This increase reflects the nation’s rapid economic diversification and large‑scale infrastructure projects that have drawn migrants to cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The UAE’s urban share now exceeds that of Saudi Arabia (84.62 %) and is only marginally below Peru’s 85.61 %, while it remains slightly lower than the West Bank and Gaza’s 87.38 % and Switzerland’s 86.59 %. The persistent upward trajectory suggests that, barring major policy shifts or demographic shocks, the proportion of residents living in urban areas will likely continue to climb, pushing the UAE closer to the urbanisation levels of the most densely city‑centric economies.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 86.29% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 86.13% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 85.98% | - | - |
| 2025 | 85.98% | +0.16% | #44 |
| 2024 | 85.82% | +0.15% | #174 |
| 2023 | 85.67% | +0.15% | #174 |
| 2022 | 85.51% | +0.16% | #174 |
| 2021 | 85.36% | +0.16% | #174 |
| 2020 | 85.20% | +0.17% | #174 |
| 2019 | 85.03% | +0.17% | #174 |
| 2018 | 84.86% | +0.17% | #174 |
| 2017 | 84.69% | +0.18% | #174 |
| 2016 | 84.51% | +0.18% | #173 |
| 2015 | 84.33% | +0.18% | #172 |
| 2014 | 84.14% | +0.19% | #173 |
| 2013 | 83.96% | +0.19% | #173 |
| 2012 | 83.76% | +0.19% | #173 |
| 2011 | 83.57% | +0.20% | #174 |
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 urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Arab Emirates's urban population was 85.98% in 2025. Ranked 44th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
United Arab Emirates's urban population peaked at 85.98% in 2025.
The lowest urban population in United Arab Emirates was 73.50% in 1960.
United Arab Emirates ranks 44th globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Arab Emirates's urban population is projected to reach 85.98% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of United Arab Emirates in 2025 was 85.98%. This ranks 44th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-arab-emirates_urban-population,
title = {United Arab Emirates Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-arab-emirates/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}