The following is a comparison between Qatar and UAE (United Arab Emirates), two neighboring countries in the Middle East. Let’s read.
Qatar vs UAE – country comparison
GDP
The United Arab Emirates has a larger economy, while Qatar has a higher GDP per capita. The oil and natural gas industries play a major role in the economies of both countries. Both countries are working to diversify their economies to reduce their dependence on the energy sector. The table below compares the GDP and GDP per capita of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
| 2025 (IMF) | Qatar | UAE |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Qatari Riyal | United Arab Emirates Dirham |
| GDP (nominal, USD) | $221.23 billion | $571.64 billion |
| GDP per capita (nominal, USD) | $69.68 thousand | $50.23 thousand |
| GDP (PPP, international $) | $381.35 billion | $948.46 billion |
| GDP per capita (PPP, international $) | $120.11 thousand | $83.34 thousand |
Population
The United Arab Emirates has a larger population, while Qatar is more densely populated. The table below compares the population, total fertility rate (TFR), and the percentage of the population in different age groups in the two countries.
| 2025 estimate | Qatar | UAE |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3.1 million | 11.4 million |
| Population aged 0-14 | 15% | 16% |
| Population aged 15-64 | 83% | 82% |
| Population aged 65 and older | 2% | 2% |
| Total fertility rate, per woman | 1.7 | 1.2 |
Life
| Qatar | UAE | |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy at birth (2023/UN) | 82.37 | 82.91 |
| Human Development Index rank (2023) | 43rd | 15th |
| Human Development Index value | 0.886 | 0.940 |
Overview
In terms of area, the United Arab Emirates is over seven times larger than Qatar.
| Qatar | UAE | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Middle East | Middle East |
| Area | approximately 11,580 sq km | approximately 83,600 sq km |
| Population | 3.1 million (2025 estimate) | 11.4 million (2025 estimate) |
| Capital city | Doha | Abu Dhabi |
| Largest city | Doha | Dubai |
| Most spoken language | Arabic | English |
| Most popular sport | Football (Soccer) | Football (Soccer) |
| Forest cover (2023) | 0% | 4.5% |
| Total number of time zones | 1 | 1 |
| Highest point | Qurayn Abu al Bawl (103 m/338 ft) | Jebel Jais (1,934 m/6,345 ft) |
| International tourist arrivals | 5.1 million (2025) | 28.1 million (2023) |
| Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites | 1 | 2 |
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