Vietnam vs United Arab Emirates
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to United Arab Emirates's 11.3M. Vietnam is 9.0 times more populous than United Arab Emirates. Economically, United Arab Emirates ($552.3B) has a GDP 1.2 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Vietnam covers 331,212 km², 4.0 times larger than United Arab Emirates's 83,600 km². Life expectancy in United Arab Emirates stands at 82.9 years, 8.3 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
VietnamUnited Arab Emirates| Population | +797.3%101.3M | -88.9%11.3M |
| Area | +296.2%331,212 km² | -74.8%83,600 km² |
| GDP | -13.7%$476.4B | +15.9%$552.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -90.6%$4,717.29 | +965.7%$50,273.506 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.0%74.6 yrs | +11.2%82.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +250.0%14.0 | -71.4%4.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -29.9%1.5% | +42.7%2.2% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Abu Dhabi |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Arabic |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | AED (د.إ) |
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
Vietnam is 9.0 times more populous than United Arab Emirates, with 101.3M residents compared to 11.3M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while United Arab Emirates is a nation of 11.3M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while United Arab Emirates averages 135 people per km² (moderate). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, United Arab Emirates has grown at 3.14% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while United Arab Emirates is classified as a high-income economy. The United Arab Emirates economy ($552.3B) is 1.2 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. United Arab Emirates's GDP per capita of $50,273.506 is 349% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of United Arab Emirates are on average 10.7 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 82.9 years in United Arab Emirates, a gap of 8.3 years. United Arab Emirates (82.9 years) is 10.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 14.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Vietnam's infant mortality is 250% higher than United Arab Emirates's 4.0.
Geographic Comparison
Vietnam (331,212 km²) is 4.0 times larger by land area than United Arab Emirates (83,600 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while United Arab Emirates borders 2 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to United Arab Emirates's 1 timezone. Both Vietnam and United Arab Emirates are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and United Arab Emirates is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to United Arab Emirates's $50,273.506 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and United Arab Emirates is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to United Arab Emirates's 11.3M represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and United Arab Emirates is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to United Arab Emirates's 83,600 km² represents a 75% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and United Arab Emirates's high-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 10.7x that of Vietnam ($4,717.29). 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
Vietnam is 2.3x more densely populated than United Arab Emirates (306 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 8.3 years longer than those of Vietnam (82.9 vs 74.6 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
Vietnam's economy grew at 7.1% compared to United Arab Emirates's 4.0%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs United Arab Emirates for Families
For family travel, United Arab Emirates generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.
Vietnam vs United Arab Emirates for Budget Travelers
Vietnam is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,717.29 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Vietnam 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.
Vietnam vs United Arab Emirates for Retirees
United Arab Emirates's life expectancy of 82.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Vietnam 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.
Vietnam vs United Arab Emirates Cost of Living
United Arab Emirates's GDP per capita is 10.7x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United Arab Emirates, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Vietnam can approach or exceed average costs in United Arab Emirates's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs United Arab Emirates for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and United Arab Emirates, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while United Arab Emirates covers 1. Vietnam'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, Vietnam or United Arab Emirates by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to United Arab Emirates's 11.3M. Vietnam is 9.0 times more populous than United Arab Emirates.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has the higher GDP at $552.3B, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. United Arab Emirates's economy is 1.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has a higher life expectancy at 82.9 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.3 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while United Arab Emirates's is 10.9 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or United Arab Emirates?
Vietnam is larger by land area, covering 331,212 km² compared to United Arab Emirates's 83,600 km². Vietnam is 4.0 times larger than United Arab Emirates.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and United Arab Emirates?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. United Arab Emirates recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has lower inflation at 1.7%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. United Arab Emirates's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Vietnam's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or United Arab Emirates better for a family holiday?
For family travel, United Arab Emirates generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have fami...
Is Vietnam or United Arab Emirates cheaper to visit?
Vietnam is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,717.29 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Vietnam can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United Arab Emirates. However, United Arab Emirat...
Is Vietnam or United Arab Emirates better for retirement?
United Arab Emirates's life expectancy of 82.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Vietnam may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare ...
Is Vietnam or United Arab Emirates more expensive to live in?
United Arab Emirates's GDP per capita is 10.7x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United Arab Emirates, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of ...
Is Vietnam or United Arab Emirates better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and United Arab Emirates, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while United Arab Emirates covers 1. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive ...