Tedad is the Arabic word for census. The 2005 general census of population, buildings and establishments will be the UAE's most statistically ambitious task ever conducted. It will help form developmental plans and policies in an accurate and scientific manner, based on figures and information that reveal a clear picture of the UAE. The census is highly important in planning economic and social activities that will encourage development and prosperity in the Emirates. 

Why do we need a census? 
The UAE's huge developmental and social projects have created an increasing demand for manpower which has resulted in changes in the demographic structure of the country. That is why the process of enumeration of population is so important. It will aid researchers and planners in formulating productive policies and provide a framework for research conducted by different public and private organisations. The census allows authorities to observe and track everything, right from the basic needs of society like education, healthcare and housing facilities, electricity, water and transportation to more complex social issues like illiteracy, divorce, widowhood, and the inflow of domestic help. 

The benefits of a census 

• Setting economic, social & population policies and plans.
• Calculating the growth rate of the population, estimating the required workforce, formulating policies and prioritising educational & training programs.
• Provision of comprehensive and updated framework of all economic & statistical surveys and studies by sample methodology.
• Collection of wide database for research & studies and availability of a reliable source of data for international organisations.