Economists have long grumbled about a lack of timely and reliable statistics to measure changes in Dubai's population.
Now Citigroup has come up with a novel way of gauging growth: school enrolment figures.
"We have used the school enrolment patterns as a blueprint for white-collar expatriate population growth more widely in the emirate," wrote Farouk Soussa,the chief economist for Citi in the Middle East and North Africa region, in a just-released research report.
The data shows growth among expatriate school students reached 8 per cent in the 2011-2012 academic year.
The statistics also show a steady recovery in school populations since 2009, when enrolment growth plummeted to just 1.7 per cent, reflecting an exodus of expatriates after a wave of job losses following the global financial crisis.
Citi said the data provided further evidence of Dubai's recovery, reflecting a rise in employment.
"In an economy where 96 per cent of the workforce is made up of expatriates whose right to reside in the emirate is linked to their ongoing employment, the feedback between growth and demographics is particularly acute," wrote Mr Soussa.
"Not only does a growing population indicate higher employment and thus a healthy economy, it is also reinforces economic growth as it equates, prima facie, to higher domestic demand."
Availability of official data examining the emirate's population in detail is patchy. The emirate's population stood at 2.08 million yesterday, according to a gauge on the website of the Dubai Statistics Centre.
The population crossed the 2 million mark last year, according to the centre.
But Citi believes analysis of population growth should focus more on the white-collar segment rather than the total labour force, which includes a large proportion of unskilled foreign workers.
The white-collar population provided a greater contribution to housing and overall consumer demand, the report said.
Signs from across the emirate's economy have pointed towards a pick-up in activity this year. Expanding non-oil trade, record numbers of passengers flying through Dubai International Airport and a tentative recovery in the once-sickly property market have all helped to bolster output.
tarnold@thenational.ae
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TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
Changing visa rules
For decades the UAE has granted two and three year visas to foreign workers, tied to their current employer. Now that's changing.
Last year, the UAE cabinet also approved providing 10-year visas to foreigners with investments in the UAE of at least Dh10 million, if non-real estate assets account for at least 60 per cent of the total. Investors can bring their spouses and children into the country.
It also approved five-year residency to owners of UAE real estate worth at least 5 million dirhams.
The government also said that leading academics, medical doctors, scientists, engineers and star students would be eligible for similar long-term visas, without the need for financial investments in the country.
The first batch - 20 finalists for the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinction.- were awarded in January and more are expected to follow.
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
SPECS
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BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
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Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai
Gulf Under 19
Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy
Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2
Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina
Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
Company%20Profile
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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