A Closer Look: How will Dubai host a surging population?


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In A Closer Look, The National offers an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week.

Dubai's population is rising as every year more people head to the UAE and fewer people leave.

According to the Dubai Statistics Centre, the emirate's population has increased by 86,607 over the past year, hitting 3,597,829 earlier this month.

The growth amplifies a post-Covid surge that resulted in Dubai's population hitting the 3.5 million mark in April 2022.

This increase is expected to place pressure on infrastructure and amenities, as well as drive huge demand for new schools, better public transport and hundreds of thousands of new homes.

Host Sarah Forster speaks to The National's John Dennehy to find out how Dubai is preparing to cater for more people.

Read more

Dubai’s population is surging. How can it prepare?

Waiting lists at Dubai schools grow longer as fewer families leave

How Dubai can prepare for a surging population – in pictures

  • Dubai's population increased by 86,607 within a year, to reach 3,597,829 on Friday, authorities say. AP
    Dubai's population increased by 86,607 within a year, to reach 3,597,829 on Friday, authorities say. AP
  • This increase is expected to place pressure on infrastructure and amenities, as well as drive huge demand for new schools and housing. Antonie Robertson / The National
    This increase is expected to place pressure on infrastructure and amenities, as well as drive huge demand for new schools and housing. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The resurrected Jebel Ali Palm is expected to eventually accommodate about 250,000 people when complete. Dubai Media Office
    The resurrected Jebel Ali Palm is expected to eventually accommodate about 250,000 people when complete. Dubai Media Office
  • Taaleem will open the Dubai British School Jumeirah in August, in time for the 2024-25 academic year. Taaleem
    Taaleem will open the Dubai British School Jumeirah in August, in time for the 2024-25 academic year. Taaleem
  • Bridges such as Infinity Bride that opened in 2022 have improved connectivity across Dubai Creek while new roads have improved access across the city and to other emirates. Ruel Pableo / The National
    Bridges such as Infinity Bride that opened in 2022 have improved connectivity across Dubai Creek while new roads have improved access across the city and to other emirates. Ruel Pableo / The National
  • Dr Frederic Schneider, an economist and consultant on Gulf labour and human capital issues, said while a booming property market could top-up spending for local infrastructure, the skills market could face disruption due to higher rents and sale prices. Dr Schneider.
    Dr Frederic Schneider, an economist and consultant on Gulf labour and human capital issues, said while a booming property market could top-up spending for local infrastructure, the skills market could face disruption due to higher rents and sale prices. Dr Schneider.
  • The Damac Lagoons cluster of 11 themed residential communities off Hessa Street is set to be completed around 2026.
    The Damac Lagoons cluster of 11 themed residential communities off Hessa Street is set to be completed around 2026.
  • A rendering of the three-million-square-metre community in Tilal Al Ghaf. Majid Al Futtaim
    A rendering of the three-million-square-metre community in Tilal Al Ghaf. Majid Al Futtaim
  • The overall Tilal Al Ghaf project, built over multiple phases with completion scheduled for 2027, will include more than 6,500 freehold homes ranging from flats and town houses to larger, luxury villas. Reem Mohammed / The National
    The overall Tilal Al Ghaf project, built over multiple phases with completion scheduled for 2027, will include more than 6,500 freehold homes ranging from flats and town houses to larger, luxury villas. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • A metro extension – Route 2020 – to bring passengers to the World Expo site opened in 2021 but new stations were also constructed in residential areas such as The Gardens, Discovery Gardens and Al Furjan. RTA
    A metro extension – Route 2020 – to bring passengers to the World Expo site opened in 2021 but new stations were also constructed in residential areas such as The Gardens, Discovery Gardens and Al Furjan. RTA
  • The Dubai Centre for Intelligent Traffic Systems reduce accident response times and helps manage congestion. RTA
    The Dubai Centre for Intelligent Traffic Systems reduce accident response times and helps manage congestion. RTA
Poland Statement
All people fleeing from Ukraine before the armed conflict are allowed to enter Poland. Our country shelters every person whose life is in danger - regardless of their nationality.

The dominant group of refugees in Poland are citizens of Ukraine, but among the people checked by the Border Guard are also citizens of the USA, Nigeria, India, Georgia and other countries.

All persons admitted to Poland are verified by the Border Guard. In relation to those who are in doubt, e.g. do not have documents, Border Guard officers apply appropriate checking procedures.

No person who has received refuge in Poland will be sent back to a country torn by war.

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

THE SPECS

Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre

Transmission: Seven-speed auto

Power: 165hp

Torque: 241Nm

Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000

On sale: now

PROFILE OF INVYGO

Started: 2018

Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo

Based: Dubai

Sector: Transport

Size: 9 employees

Investment: $1,275,000

Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri

Updated: March 06, 2024, 7:58 AM
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