The global population reached approximately 8.156 billion in 2024, an increase of about 82 million people from the previous year’s 8.083 billion, according to estimates by the German Foundation for World Population.

The milestone highlights the world’s continued population growth, though at a slower pace than in previous decades.

The United Nations previously reported the global population surpassed the eight billion mark in November 2022 and forecasts it will exceed nine billion by 2037.

A further rise to 10 billion is projected in the second half of the century, despite declining growth rates.

Global population shows deceleration

According to the foundation, the global fertility rate, currently averaging 2.2 children per woman, has played a key role in the deceleration.

Population growth is particularly pronounced in Africa, where the population is projected to double within the next two decades. The continent’s rapid expansion underscores both opportunities and challenges, including strains on infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems.

Globally, the deceleration of growth reflects demographic shifts such as ageing populations in regions such as Europe and East Asia, which are experiencing lower birth rates and longer life expectancies.

Experts emphasise that understanding these trends is crucial for addressing global challenges such as resource allocation, urbanisation, and sustainability.

The UAE will continue to increase its comprehensive economic partnership agreements (CEPAs) in 2025, targeting additional countries to further maximize benefits for the country and its global trade partners, shared Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade.

Speaking to state news agency WAM, Minister Al Zeyoudi explained that the agreements would strengthen rules-based international trade, drive sustainable development, boost investments, and enhance opportunities for trade in goods, services and re-exporting.

In the interview, Dr Al Zeyoudi highlighted that the UAE’s CEPAs programme is designed to expand the country’s commercial and investment partnerships worldwide. The initiative positions the UAE as a key gateway for non-oil goods and services and as a global hub for business and investment.

“These agreements reflect the UAE’s vision, which recognises the vital role of free trade based on clear rules in driving sustainable economic growth and inclusive development,” Dr Al Zeyoudi said. “The agreements’ diversity and the UAE’s ability to form valuable partnerships across five continents significantly increase opportunities for various sectors and open new markets.”

UAE’s CEPAs have positively impacted trade

The UAE’s CEPAs have already shown positive effects on a wide range of foreign trade areas, particularly non-oil trade, re-export services, logistics, clean and renewable energy, technology, financial services, green industries, advanced materials, agriculture, and sustainable food systems, the minister added.

Dr Al Zeyoudi further emphasised that the CEPAs continue to have a tangible and direct impact on the country’s foreign trade, particularly in sectors such as advanced technology, helping boost the UAE’s standing as a leader in global commerce.

Since its launch in September 2021, the UAE has concluded 24 CEPAs with countries and international blocs, covering approximately 2.5 billion people— about a quarter of the global population — by early December 2024.

The UAE’s foreign trade reached a historic milestone in H1 2024, surpassing Dhs1.395tn. This reflected an 11.2 per cent growth compared to the same period in 2023, with growth rates reaching 28.8 per cent, 54.7 per cent, and 66 per cent, compared to the same periods in 2022, 2021, and 2019, respectively.

The UAE’s continued expansion of CEPAs is expected to further cement the country’s role as a key player in global trade and investment.