GCC population to hit record highs by 2050
Young workforce dominates as ageing population begins to expand
DUBAI – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is heading towards a significant demographic milestone, according to a new report released by the Gulf Statistical Center.
Based on United Nations projections, the analysis outlines how population growth across GCC countries is set to remain strong well into the coming decades. The findings point to far-reaching implications for labour markets, healthcare systems and long-term development strategies across the region.
By the end of 2024, the total population of GCC countries reached approximately 61.5 million. This marked an increase of 8.5 million compared to 2019, translating into an average annual growth rate of 2.8 percent. The pace is nearly three times higher than the global average, underlining the Gulf’s position as one of the fastest-growing regions in the world.
What lies ahead?
Looking forward, GCC-Stat projects that population growth will continue between 2025 and 2050. By the middle of the century, the total population across GCC states is expected to rise to around 83.6 million. The sustained increase reflects continued economic expansion, regional development projects and steady inflows of labour to support key industries.
How young is the Gulf?
The report shows that the GCC remains overwhelmingly working-age. People aged between 15 and 64 account for 76.7 percent of the population, providing a strong labour force foundation. Children aged up to 14 make up 20.6 percent, while those aged 65 and above represent around 2.6 percent.
This results in a total dependency ratio of nearly 30 children and elderly persons for every 100 working-age individuals.
When ageing accelerates?
While older residents currently form a small share, their numbers are expected to rise sharply. The population aged 65 and above is projected to more than double, exceeding 5.5 million by 2050. GCC-Stat highlights the growing importance of long-term planning in healthcare, urban development, labour markets and social protection to address this shift.
Gender imbalance remains a defining feature of the region’s demographics. Males account for 62.7 percent of the population, compared to 37.3 percent for females, resulting in a sex ratio of 168 males per 100 females. The report attributes this largely to the structure of expatriate labour across GCC countries.