Dubai’s population has surpassed its prewar level, countering the narrative that the Iran conflict would drive out the city’s expats.
After an initial exodus — and a brief windfall for armored vehicle escorts and private jet operators — the loss of 61,000 residents was quickly reversed. The population reached a record 4.73 million last month, according to AGBI.
Population growth underpins Dubai’s real estate market and its wider economy: Off-plan sales, rental yields, retail, and infrastructure developments all depend on people choosing to settle in the city.
A prolonged outflow would have pressured valuations in one of the world’s hottest property markets. Instead, the rapid rebound suggests confidence that Dubai’s appeal as a business hub has endured, despite five months of conflict.
