Current GDP Per Capita
The UAE’s nominal GDP per capita reached approximately USD 53,700 in 2024, based on an estimated population of 9.48 million. On a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis, GDP per capita stood at approximately USD 78,300, reflecting the relatively low domestic price level compared to nominal output.
These figures place the UAE among the top 25 economies globally by nominal GDP per capita and within the top 10 on a PPP-adjusted basis.
Global Ranking and Peer Comparison
| Country | Nominal GDP Per Capita (USD) | PPP GDP Per Capita (USD) | Global Rank (Nominal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar | 87,400 | 112,600 | 4 |
| UAE | 53,700 | 78,300 | 22 |
| Saudi Arabia | 32,800 | 59,100 | 39 |
| Kuwait | 41,200 | 52,400 | 30 |
| Bahrain | 29,600 | 57,800 | 42 |
| Oman | 25,100 | 46,200 | 48 |
Historical Trend
UAE GDP per capita has fluctuated significantly over the past decade, driven by oil price cycles and population growth dynamics. The rapid population expansion between 2005 and 2019 moderated per capita gains even as aggregate GDP rose.
| Year | Nominal GDP Per Capita (USD) | Population (millions) | Nominal GDP (USD bn) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 40,700 | 9.15 | 372.3 |
| 2018 | 43,900 | 9.54 | 418.8 |
| 2020 | 36,300 | 9.28 | 336.9 |
| 2022 | 50,600 | 9.36 | 473.6 |
| 2024 | 53,700 | 9.48 | 509.0 |
Structural Considerations
Per capita figures in the UAE require contextual interpretation due to the demographic structure. Expatriate residents constitute approximately 88% of the total population, and income distribution varies significantly between nationals and non-nationals, as well as across skill levels within the expatriate workforce.
The government’s long-term economic strategy targets per capita GDP growth through productivity-led gains rather than population expansion, emphasising higher value-added sectors and technology adoption to raise output per worker across the economy.
OECD Comparison
Relative to OECD economies, the UAE’s nominal GDP per capita exceeds the OECD average of approximately USD 46,200 but trails leading economies such as the United States (USD 82,700) and Switzerland (USD 98,800). The PPP-adjusted measure narrows this gap considerably, reflecting the UAE’s lower cost base relative to high-income Western economies.