Emirati Births Drop 7.52% Despite 15% Rise in Total UAE Newborns
New figures from the Ministry of Health and Prevention show a clear divergence in family demographics across the country, marked by a drop in citizen newborns even as overall birth numbers climb.
Data released by the Ministry shows that the number of Emirati births across the UAE fell by 7.52 per cent between 2021 and 2024. That translates to a decrease of 2,385 newborns, with citizen births dropping from 31,732 down to 29,347 over the three-year period.
At the same time, the broader picture tells a different story. Total births across the country, covering both citizens and residents, increased by 15.24 per cent. Overall numbers rose from 92,777 in 2021 to reach 106,915 in 2024, an addition of 14,138 births.
The trend varies significantly when looking at individual emirates. Abu Dhabi continues to record the highest volume of births nationwide, reaching 39,333 total births in 2024, which included 15,628 Emirati newborns. However, Abu Dhabi saw a decline in citizen births compared to 2021, when the emirate recorded 17,143 Emirati newborns. Dubai moved in the opposite direction for its citizen population, seeing Emirati births rise from 6,487 in 2021 to 7,126 in 2024.
Longer-term figures from the Ministry show that citizen births peaked in 2015 at 34,794 before beginning a steady downward trend, falling by 13.55 per cent overall between 2014 and 2023.
Lawmakers and community experts have flagged several social and lifestyle factors behind the trend. A parliamentary committee expressed concern over the long-term implications, pointing to later marriage ages, health issues, and changing lifestyles as key pressures. Dr Ahmed Al Barkani, a social guidance consultant, noted that researchers and policymakers must distinguish between overall birth numbers and actual fertility rates, taking a closer look at the age distribution and size of the Emirati female population of reproductive age to properly understand the shift.
