When comparing cities like Dubai and Toronto, it’s essential to consider various metrics, including land area, population, and metropolitan reach. As of 2024, both cities are significant global hubs, each with unique characteristics and growth trajectories.
Land Area
- Dubai: The city covers approximately 1,610 square kilometers.
- Toronto: The city proper spans about 630 square kilometers.
In terms of land area, Dubai is substantially larger than Toronto.
Population
- Dubai: As of December 2024, Dubai’s population is approximately 3.81 million residents.
- Toronto: The estimated 2024 population of Toronto is around 2.83 million.
Thus, Dubai has a larger population compared to Toronto.
Metropolitan Areas
- Dubai Metropolitan Area: The Dubai–Sharjah–Ajman metropolitan area encompasses about 1,994 square kilometers, with a combined population of approximately 6.18 million as of 2024.
- Greater Toronto Area (GTA): The GTA covers around 5,903 square kilometers, with a population of approximately 6.47 million as of July 2022.
While the GTA covers a larger land area, both metropolitan regions have comparable populations.
Population Density
- Dubai: With its land area and population, Dubai’s population density is approximately 2,366 people per square kilometer.
- Toronto: The city has a population density of about 4,500 people per square kilometer.
Toronto’s higher population density reflects its more compact urban development compared to Dubai.
Economic Indicators
- Dubai: The GDP of the Dubai–Sharjah–Ajman metropolitan area is estimated at US$202.8 billion in 2023, with a per capita GDP of approximately US$33,800.
- Toronto: The City of Toronto’s GDP was $171 billion in 2021 (in 2012 dollars).
These figures highlight the significant economic contributions of both cities to their respective regions.
Urban Development and Growth
- Dubai: The city has experienced rapid growth, with its population increasing from 1.86 million in 2010 to 3.77 million in 2024—a 102% increase over 14 years.
- Toronto: The GTA’s population is projected to grow by 41% from 2023 to 2046, adding another 3.1 million people to reach 10.5 million residents.
Both cities are planning for significant population growth, with Toronto’s projections indicating substantial future expansion.
Conclusion
In summary, Dubai is larger than Toronto in terms of land area and has a higher population within the city proper. However, when considering the broader metropolitan regions, Toronto’s Greater Toronto Area covers a more extensive land area and has a slightly larger population compared to the Dubai–Sharjah–Ajman metropolitan area. Both cities are major economic centers with dynamic growth patterns, reflecting their importance on the global stage.
