The population of Dubai increased by 7.6 per cent last year, the emirate's statistical body said yesterday.
The population grew from 1.645 million in 2008 to 1.771 million by the last quarter of 2009. The figure runs counter to widespread estimates by banks and consultancies that Dubai's population shrank by as much as 17 per cent last year due to the cancelling of work visas between the end of 2008 and early last year.
Some banks based their population forecasts on the estimated number of layoffs in property companies.
Yesterday's figures, published by the Dubai Statistics Centre, showed that Dubai is a largely male society, with 1.37 million men and slightly over 400,000 women.
There were 3,679 marriages in the emirate in 2009, an increase of 436, or 13 per cent, from 2008. Dubai also experienced a 10 per cent increase in divorces, from 656 in 2008 to 720 last year.
The federal Government estimated in January that the country's population would reach 7.55 million this year, a significant increase from 5.63 million in 2006.
The National Human Resources Development and Employment Authority also stated that the country's population doubles every 8.7 years. By comparison, the world population doubles every 55 years.
Emirati citizens are estimated to represent 13.3 per cent of the country's population.
The Dubai Statistics Centre did not reveal how it arrived at its estimations, but the statistics sheet quoted the Dubai Courts Department for figures on population. It was not clear whether thousands of people who work in Abu Dhabi but rent flats in Dubai were included in the figure.
The last year has seen a trickle of people moving from the capital to Dubai, attracted by relatively affordable rates after rents dropped, and by the larger amount of properties available for rent in the emirate.
For example, according to a report released in August of last year by Landmark Advisory, a property consultancy company, the annual rent for a two-bedroom apartment on the Palm Jumeirah dropped by Dh60,000 (US$16,300) between March and August 2009.
Andrew Chambers, a consultant with Asteco, a property sales, leasing and management company, said the increase in Dubai's population was surprising.
"There are people going from Abu Dhabi to Dubai because of the cost of accommodation and shortage in Abu Dhabi, but I don't think this accounts for all of [the population increase]. Some of it must be natural growth."
In 2007, the Government of Abu Dhabi estimated the capital's population at 930,000.
Statistics on real estate showed that 2,501 buildings, mostly commercial, were completed in Dubai last year.
mhabboush@thenational.ae
jgerson@thenational.ae
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Barcelona v Liverpool, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE).
Second leg
Liverpool v Barcelona, Tuesday, May 7, 11pm
Games on BeIN Sports
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
SPECS
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Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
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.
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Company%20Profile
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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)
The%20specs
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The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
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The biog
First Job: Abu Dhabi Department of Petroleum in 1974
Current role: Chairperson of Al Maskari Holding since 2008
Career high: Regularly cited on Forbes list of 100 most powerful Arab Businesswomen
Achievement: Helped establish Al Maskari Medical Centre in 1969 in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region
Future plan: Will now concentrate on her charitable work
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BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
RESULTS
Manchester United 2
Anthony Martial 30'
Scott McTominay 90 6'
Manchester City 0
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
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