The Demographic Boon in the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi
The Demographic Boon in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Department of Economic Development | Planning & Studies Division | Studies Directorate| – February 2010
The Demographic Boon in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Executive Summary
The demographic boon- the subject of this study- is meant to denote the structure or
composition of the population that enables, supporting development plans and
programs. Since the Department of Economic Development is the entity officially
entrusted with formulation and setting of development plans and programs for the
Emirate, its key role prioritizes supporting all efforts which lead to the achievement of
set goals.
Based on the above, this study gains importance for being conducted for the first time
in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the State; It addresses the relationship between the
demographic boon and demographic structure, with emphasis on the analysis of all
aspects pertinent to the demographic widow, which enables achieve economic and
sociL development in the emirate.
This study embarks on the analysis of the various factors including and birth and
death rates, migration, labor force, dependency rates ,fertility, life expectancy at birth
for males and female, in order to determine the standpoint and posture, with regards
to the most ideal demographic platform for the economy to set forth along the
development surge.
It should be noted that the adding of foreign labor in the equation, would accelerate
theentry of the community of Abu Dhabi into the demographic boon status, because
the foreign workers are mostly young males, with low unemployment rate dependency
ratios. The study analyzes these factors at the level of citizens, and also at the level of
emirate as a whloe, including both citizens and expatriates. This helps determine the
impact of including expatriates in the demographic equation, and the actual standing
of the emirate relevant to the demographic window.
Department of Economic Development | Planning & Studies Division | Studies Directorate| – February 2010
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The Demographic Boon in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Key Results:
1- The ideal demographic population structure is calculated to enable reaching
the demographic window, before entering into the demographic boon upon
securing
required
conditions
(education,
health,
dependency,
unemployment... etc.) provided that the size of the first category (0-14 years)
should comprise 30% for the total population, the size of the second category
(15-64 years) should be between 55% and 60% of the total population, and
the last age group (> 64 years) should constitute 15% of the total population.
However, in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and due to the peculiar status of its big
labor market and its ability to absorb more foreign workers, the middle class
(15-64) years, must not be less than 60% of the total population. The first
category (0-14 years) should form 35%, and the third category (> 64 years)
should comprise 5% of the total population. This blend would be the optimal
population structure for reaching the demographic window in the community.
2- It should be noted that meeting the condition of the ideal demographics
structure, and increase in the income of members of society, do not mean that
the door is open to enter into the demographic boon and enjoy its benefits,
as there are other important aspects .. in the community, which must be
taken into account; such as fertility rates, dependency, unemployment, health,
and education ... etc
Recommendations:
1- Strengthening coordination with the "Statistics Center-Abu Dhabi" to provide
detailed and updated data on population, labor force, economic activities, the
structure of occupations at the fourth or fifth levels. This is essential due to
the nature of demographic studies which require more details to enable
preparation of specialized and sound studies to aid decision making and policy
formulation; especially that all previous studies on the demographic structure
did not exceed the first level of activity, or structure of professions. The next
stage requires more specialized in-depth studies.
2- A workshop to address demographic transformations and shifts and their role
in the development process; and empowerment 0f economic and social
policies, should be organized in collaboration with the "Economic and Social
Department of Economic Development | Planning & Studies Division | Studies Directorate| – February 2010
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The Demographic Boon in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Commission for Western Asia "ESCWA", with participation of competent
authorities on the level of the emirate and the state.
3- The need to make TV and radio interviews to raise awareness and institute
the culture of knowledge on the demographic window and transitions, which
began to take its place in recent years, though it might not be known to many
in the emirate.
4- A committee shall be formed under the chairmanship of the Department of
Economic Development, and the participation of: the Statistics Center-Abu
Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Council for Tawteen, to be entrusted with following-up
of the demographics structure, and the preparation of studies, forecasts and
development of the anticipated demographic boon, and required preparations
for the utilizing the advantages and avoiding the disadvantages of foregoing
such benefits.
Department of Economic Development | Planning & Studies Division | Studies Directorate| – February 2010
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