The Boom: Population and Urban Growth of Dubai City

Abstract

<p>The total population of Dubai has grown by 1000% over the last 40 years alone. In 1975 the total population was 183,000 inhabitances, which increased in 2015 to about 2 million. This increase makes Dubai population one of the fastest growing in the world. In a related context, the guest workers (immigrants) have profoundly contributed to this population growth since they constituted 91% of the total population. Dubai is a good example of a rapidly developing city. Until 1955 Dubai was characterized by its slow growing economy. Its population lived in traditional houses made of palm fronds with poor infrastructure. In 1957 Dubai municipality was established and the first master plan was formed which resulted into the appearance of a road system and anew town center in addition to the construction of new modern buildings made of concrete blocks. These buildings started to emerge at that time. Nevertheless, the urban growth continued a slow pace. From 1975 to present the urban area expanded enormously, the rapid development of the city transforms Dubai from a small regional business, financial and leisure hub into a global center. During the last two decades Dubai built up area expanded like never before, the economic growth accelerated and so did the investment level, more development projects were planned to support the urban growth. The total built up area increased from only 54 square Kms in 1975 to 977 square Kms in 2015, as Dubai increased (1700 % in only 38 years) that high percentage make Dubai one of the fastest growing cities in the world.</p><p><em>Key Words</em>: Dubai. Economic boom, Guest workers, Asians, Infrastructure, Built up area, global business hub</p>