City Population Surpasses Four Million as Growth Marches On

The city’s population has crossed the four million milestone, marking a significant moment in its rapid transformation into one of the world’s leading urban centres. Figures show the population reached 4,000,387 in late August, according to official statistics. The pace of growth reflects the emirate’s continued attraction for new residents and businesses, with projections indicating the population will rise to five million in the coming years and reach 5.8 million by 2040.

The milestone underscores how dramatically the city has expanded. In the past 15 years, the population has more than doubled, driven by ambitious development plans, a thriving economy and its positioning as a global hub for trade, tourism and investment.

Authorities are advancing a series of major projects to support the growing population. These include the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, with capacity expected to reach 150 million passengers annually by 2032, and a Dh10 billion expansion of Expo City’s Exhibition Centre, which will create the region’s largest indoor exhibition and conference venue by 2033. Investments in public transport are also underway, including the Dubai Metro Blue Line, due to open in 2029, alongside upgrades to bus and road networks. These schemes form part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the city’s economy by 2033 while cementing its status as one of the world’s top three destinations to invest, live and work.

Experts say the focus is shifting from expansion to densification, as planners seek to limit sprawl and promote sustainable living. Initiatives such as the Super Block project — creating car-free zones in districts including Karama, Al Fahidi and Al Quoz — and the Dubai Walk plan, which will add 3,300km of pedestrian pathways by 2040, are aimed at reshaping mobility. The 20-minute city concept, where essential services are accessible within a short walk, cycle ride or public transport trip, is at the heart of the 2040 Urban Master Plan. By that year, 55 per cent of residents are expected to live within 800 metres of a mass transit station.

While the city has thrived on a model of car-centric development, experts highlight the need for a more integrated public transport system to avoid congestion and sustain growth. “The awareness is certainly there that urbanism needs to change,” said Dr Frederic Schneider of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs. “It’s a huge undertaking … but it will probably be going in the right direction once many of the projects are completed.”

As Dubai grows beyond four million residents, its evolution will be closely watched. The journey towards nearly six million people by 2040 presents challenges, but also opportunities to redefine what a modern, global city can look like.