The Business Hub of the World, UAE, is home to modern cities that house the most iconic attractions in the world, including the world’s tallest skyscraper and the world’s largest gold market. The pro-business environment and strategic location between Asia, Europe, and Africa contribute to its status as a global trade hub.
Additionally, a unique combination of topography is presented by its landscape, which features pristine beaches and stunning desert dunes. Its modern cities are home to high-end shopping arenas, luxury accommodations, great culinary establishments, glitzy skyscrapers, and several recreational destinations.
Get ready to explore the top 10 most populous cities in UAE through this exciting and informative article. This article will provide you with valuable insights into the unique features of these vibrant cities that account for their attractiveness and high population.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Most Populous Cities in UAE:
1. The City of Skyscrapers – Dubai
Renowned for its outstanding architectural marvels and futuristic skyline, Dubai is the most populated city in the Emirates. With iconic landmarks, including Burj Khalifa, the tallest structure on the planet, Burj Al Arab, the only 7-star hotel in the world, and Ski Dubai, the world’s third largest indoor snow park, and others, that boast of being the regional tourism hub. The city has preserved its Arab culture, which is relevant from its hospitality and traditional souks.
The dreamy skyline of the city is home to luxury shopping arenas like Dubai Mall and Mall of Emirates and Michelin-starred restaurants like Al Muntaha and Tresind Studio. Apart from its high-end establishments, the city entertains its massive population of 3.33 million with thrilling activities at stunning deserts, relaxed visits to beautiful beaches, and a vibrant nightlife scene with opulent nightclubs.
2. The Capital City: Abu Dhabi
The largest emirate of the Emirates, with a reputation of being the world’s seventh-largest reservoir of oil and natural gas reserves, is the second in the list of the top 10 most populous cities in UAE with a massive population of 1.6 million people. Apart from being a prominent industrial and political center of the country, the capital city is also a major cultural hub.
From one of the world’s largest mosques, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which features the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, to the wonderful museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the oldest city of the emirate, Qasr Al Hosn, several attractions in the capital account for its reputation as a major cultural hub. Additionally, the second-most populous city entertains its residents and visitors with the world’s first Ferrari-themed park, Ferrari World, and Yas Island, a great leisure and entertainment destination.
3. The Cultural Capital Of The Arab World – Sharjah
With a rich history and extensive efforts to preserve and promote the Arab heritage, the third most populated city of the Emirates has a reputation for being the Cultural Capital of the Arab World. The city is home to many museums, including the Sharjah Art Museum, which features over 500 works from modern and contemporary Arab artists.
The UAE’s cultural capital hosts several festivals annually to preserve and promote Arab culture, including Sharjah Heritage Days, Sharjah International Book Festival, and Sharjah Light Festival. It has a reputation for being a UNESCO-recognized Creative City for Crafts and Folk Art. Its reputation of being the first baby-friendly city, which was given by UNICEF, and a smoke or alcohol-free environment account for its family-friendly appeal to the 1.4 million population.
4. The Garden City – Al Ain
Nestled in the east of Abu Dhabi emirate, Garden City, with a massive population of 766,936 people, ranks number four on the list of the top 10 most popular cities in UAE. Unlike Dubai, which has a 90% population of expatriates, this Arab city is home to the highest percentage of Emirati nationals, which accounts for the city’s vibrant cultural scene and a more Arabic look.
Al Ain is widely known for its natural beauty, shares a boundary with a prominent GCC nation, Oman, and is the birthplace of the first president of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Also, the city is home to the UAE’s tallest mountain, Jebel Hafeet, the largest oasis in the region, Al Ain Oasis, and a popular historic site, Al Ain Palace Museum.
5. The Smallest Emirate Of UAE- Ajman
Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, the smallest emirate of the Emirates is the fifth most populated city with approximately 490,035 people. The city is well-known for its beautiful beaches, including Ajman and Al Zorah, which allow residents and visitors to enjoy several water sports and leisure activities while witnessing the outstanding beauty of white sands and clear blue waters.
Additionally, the city houses the world’s largest boat-building yard, Ajman Dhow Yard, where you can witness the traditional and age-old techniques used for creating wooden dhows by skilled local artisans. Al Zorah Natural Reserve, Ajman Fort, and Masfout Castle are other appealing attractions in the smallest emirate of the UAE.
6. The RAK City – Ras Al Khaimah
With a diverse landscape featuring pristine beaches, stunning deserts, and mighty mountain peaks, Ras Al Khaimah is an emirate of the Emirates popular for its natural beauty. It has a quite flourishing real estate industry popular for offering luxury properties with tranquil coastal environments and exquisite beachfront living.
The RAK City entertains its population of about 345,000 people with several attractive destinations, including one of the nation’s largest water parks, Iceland Water Park, and the historic fortress, Dhayah Fort. The relaxing tourist hub with clean white beaches is also home to the majestic Hajar Mountains.
7. The Mountain Emirate: Fujairah
The seventh most populated city of the UAE is the Mountain Emirate, Fujairah, with an approximate population of 225,360. It is the only majorly mountainous emirate in the nation and is well-known for its cultural heritage and rugged mountains.
The Mountain Emirate is the only emirate in the country with a coastline solely on the Gulf of Oman. The city is home to the UAE’s oldest mosque, the Ottoman or Al Badiyah Mosque. Al Bithnah Fort, Fujairah Fort, and Sheikh Zayed Mosque are other popular heritage and cultural sites in the city.
8. The Second Smallest Emirate- Umm Al Quwain
Located on the Arabian Peninsula, Umm Al Quwain ranks at number eight in the list of the top 10 most populated cities in UAE. The city is home to UAE’s largest waterpark, Dreamland Aqua Park, which is a major entertainment attraction to its approximately 72,000 residents.
Al Sinniyah Island is a serene natural island located on the city’s coastline that allows visitors to witness the beauty of its calm beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and abundant marine life. Many archeological sites, including Al Quwain Fort and Ed Dur, are other popular attractions in the second-smallest emirate.
9. The Bride Of The Eastern Coast – Khor Fakkan
With an approximate population of 40,000 people, Khor Fakkan is the ninth most populated city in the Emirates. Popularly called the Bride of the Eastern Coast, the city is widely known for its tranquil landscape featuring white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and mountain scenery.
The city offers its residents and visitors the chance to enjoy exciting activities, including swimming, sunbathing, paragliding, kayaking, snorkeling, and other water sports. The beautiful sight of Khorfakkan waterfalls and mountain views at Shees Park captivates everyone with their vibrant natural scene. Also, the city offers the opportunity to learn scuba diving at the 5-star scuba diving center, Goblin.
10. Tenth Most Populous City in UAE- Kalba
Ranked number 10 in the list of the top 10 most populous cities in UAE is Kalba, with an approximate population of 25,000. This serene city, located on the nation’s eastern coast, is well-known for its mangrove forests, which are believed to be one of the oldest mangrove forests in Arabia.
This beautiful city nestled in the emirate of Sharjah is considered an ideal place for families with many lively picnic spots, including Kalba Corniche Park and Al Hafiya Picnic Park. Kalba also offers the chance to witness the exotic wildlife of the UAE, including the Arabian Oryx, the Emirates’ national animal.
Conclusion
With benefits like a tax-free environment, lucrative immigration and visa policies, and top-notch security, the Emirates attracts a large population of expatriates. From the capital city, Abu Dhabi, to the glamorous city of skyscrapers, Dubai, each city of the global trade hub showcases its unique features and attractiveness with several stunning destinations and landmarks. UAE is a multicultural country that equally values tradition and modernity, and these top 10 most populous cities perfectly showcase this unique quality of the nation.