Third Quarter | 2024

Foreigners make up over 90% of Dubai's population, and have for many years. The scale of that demographic transformation, absorbed with little local pushback, sets Dubai apart at a time when immigration divides politics across much of the wealthy world. This Think Piece sets out four ways immigration drives Dubai's economy: immigrants attract investment from their home countries, larger communities become more productive, diversity increases economic complexity, and the mix of cultures makes the city a more interesting place to live. We close with a case study drawn from personal experience: the growth of ice hockey in Dubai, from informal scrimmages in the early 1990s to international tournaments and a first purpose-built rink due to open. Dubai's ambition to reach 5.8 million people by 2040 depends on immigration. We believe the city's openness is one of its strongest competitive advantages, and one other cities cannot easily copy.