The aim of the census is to identify the demographic, social and economic characteristics of the society, and to make use of this information in planning and implementing the development programmes.

The census is an official activity and will cover all nationals and expatriates who are resident, either permanently or temporarily, within the boundaries of the United Arab Emirates.

There are various ways of carrying out a census. In the United Arab Emirates direct contact will be made with each individual household, and the data collected will give the population figures on a particular evening.

The government relies heavily on the results of a census for identifying the needs of the community for e.g. hospitals, schools, housing etc. and also for identifying ways and means of providing the facilities in the various regions of the country.

Commercial establishments make use of census results when conducting market surveys or measuring the present and future volume of demand for locally manufactured or imported goods.

Researchers also make use of census statistics when undertaking studies to identify the norms and characteristics of the society