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United Arab Emirates vs Dominican Republic

United Arab Emirates has a population of 11.3M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. United Arab Emirates is 1.0 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, United Arab Emirates ($552.3B) has a GDP 4.4 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). United Arab Emirates covers 83,600 km², 1.7 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in United Arab Emirates stands at 82.9 years, 9.2 years higher than Dominican Republic's 73.7 years.

Metric
Flag of United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates
Flag of Dominican RepublicDominican Republic
Population
+4.9%11.3M
-4.6%10.8M
Area
+71.8%83,600 km²
-41.8%48,671 km²
GDP
+344.4%$552.3B
-77.5%$124.3B
GDP Per Capita
+362.3%$50,273.506
-78.4%$10,875.662
Life Expectancy
+12.5%82.9 yrs
-11.1%73.7 yrs
Infant Mortality
-85.9%4.0
+610.0%28.4
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
-57.3%2.2%
+134.2%5.1%
Capital
Abu Dhabi
Santo Domingo
Region
Asia
Americas
Languages
Arabic
Spanish
Currencies
AED (د.إ)
DOP ($)

Last updated: March 2026

All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.

Population Comparison

United Arab Emirates is 1.0 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 11.3M residents compared to 10.8M. United Arab Emirates is a nation of 11.3M people, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, United Arab Emirates averages 135 people per km² (moderate), while Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense). United Arab Emirates has grown at 3.14% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Dominican Republic.

Economy Comparison

United Arab Emirates is classified as a high-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The United Arab Emirates economy ($552.3B) is 4.4 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). United Arab Emirates's GDP per capita of $50,273.506 is 349% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of United Arab Emirates are on average 4.6 times wealthier than those in Dominican Republic.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in United Arab Emirates is 82.9 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 9.2 years. United Arab Emirates (82.9 years) is 10.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 28.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Dominican Republic's infant mortality is 610% higher than United Arab Emirates's 4.0.

Geographic Comparison

United Arab Emirates (83,600 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). United Arab Emirates shares borders with 2 countries, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. United Arab Emirates spans 1 timezone, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. United Arab Emirates lies in Asia, while Dominican Republic is located in North America. United Arab Emirates is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Dominican Republic belongs to Americas (Caribbean).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between United Arab Emirates and Dominican Republic is in infant mortality: United Arab Emirates's 4.0 per 1,000 compared to Dominican Republic's 28.4 per 1,000 represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between United Arab Emirates and Dominican Republic is in GDP per capita: United Arab Emirates's $50,273.506 compared to Dominican Republic's $10,875.662 represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between United Arab Emirates and Dominican Republic is in GDP: United Arab Emirates's $552.3B compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B represents a 77% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between United Arab Emirates's high-income economy and Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Living Standards

United Arab Emirates has a GDP per capita of $50,273.506, which is 4.6x that of Dominican Republic ($10,875.662). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in United Arab Emirates is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.

Population Density

Dominican Republic is 1.6x more densely populated than United Arab Emirates (221 vs 135 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. United Arab Emirates's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of United Arab Emirates live an average of 9.2 years longer than those of Dominican Republic (82.9 vs 73.7 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.

Economic Momentum

Dominican Republic's economy grew at 5.0% compared to United Arab Emirates's 4.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Dominican Republic has a modest edge in economic dynamism.

Travel Comparison

United Arab Emirates vs Dominican Republic for Families

For family travel, United Arab Emirates generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though United Arab Emirates's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

United Arab Emirates vs Dominican Republic for Budget Travelers

Dominican Republic is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,875.662 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Dominican Republic can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United Arab Emirates. However, United Arab Emirates may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.

United Arab Emirates vs Dominican Republic for Retirees

United Arab Emirates's life expectancy of 82.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.

United Arab Emirates vs Dominican Republic Cost of Living

United Arab Emirates's GDP per capita is 4.6x that of Dominican Republic, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United Arab Emirates, while Dominican Republic offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Dominican Republic can approach or exceed average costs in United Arab Emirates's smaller cities.

United Arab Emirates vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between United Arab Emirates and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United Arab Emirates spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Dominican Republic's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, United Arab Emirates or Dominican Republic by population?

United Arab Emirates is larger by population, with 11.3M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. United Arab Emirates is 1.0 times more populous than Dominican Republic.

Which country has a higher GDP, United Arab Emirates or Dominican Republic?

United Arab Emirates has the higher GDP at $552.3B, compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B. United Arab Emirates's economy is 4.4 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between United Arab Emirates and Dominican Republic?

United Arab Emirates has a higher life expectancy at 82.9 years, compared to Dominican Republic's 73.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.2 years. United Arab Emirates's life expectancy is 10.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic's is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, United Arab Emirates or Dominican Republic?

United Arab Emirates is larger by land area, covering 83,600 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². United Arab Emirates is 1.7 times larger than Dominican Republic.

What languages are spoken in United Arab Emirates and Dominican Republic?

United Arab Emirates recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, United Arab Emirates or Dominican Republic?

United Arab Emirates has lower inflation at 1.7%, compared to Dominican Republic's 3.3%. United Arab Emirates's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Dominican Republic's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.

Is United Arab Emirates or Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?

For family travel, United Arab Emirates generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate wit...

Is United Arab Emirates or Dominican Republic cheaper to visit?

Dominican Republic is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,875.662 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Dominican Republic can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United Arab Emirates. How...

Is United Arab Emirates or Dominican Republic better for retirement?

United Arab Emirates's life expectancy of 82.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, ...

Is United Arab Emirates or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?

United Arab Emirates's GDP per capita is 4.6x that of Dominican Republic, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United Arab Emirates, while Dominican Republic offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expens...

Is United Arab Emirates or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between United Arab Emirates and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United Arab Emirates spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Dominican Republic's lower co...