Abu dhabi: The population of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states is projected to reach approximately 62.8 million by 2025, marking a steady increase from 56.6 million in 2022, 59.1 million in 2023, and 61.5 million in 2024. This represents a growth of 6.2 million people over the 2022-2025 period, with an average annual growth rate of 3.5%.
According to Emirates News Agency, the GCC Statistical Center (GCC-Stat) issued its Weekly Bulletin No. 338, coinciding with World Population Day. The bulletin, themed 'Empowering Young People to Realise Their Hopes and Future Aspirations,' reviewed significant population indicators within the GCC states. It highlighted the ongoing population growth and the youthful demographic structure of the region, which presents opportunities for sustainable development.
The data revealed that the GCC states comprise around 0.8% of the global population. Projections suggest that the population will continue to grow, reaching approximately 83.6 million by 2050, representing a 33.61% increase from 2025.
The bulletin emphasized the youthful demographic structure of the GCC, noting that in 2024, the region's population was around 61.5 million, with 23.5 million young people aged 15-34, making up 38.2% of the total population. The working-age population, aged 15-64, constituted 76.7%, while children under 15 accounted for 20.6%. Older individuals aged 65 and above represented just 2.6%, reflecting the youthful nature of the GCC's demographic.
Indicators also showed a sex ratio of 168 males for every 100 females in 2024, with a population density of around 25.5 people per square kilometre. The demographic dependency ratio was 30.4 dependants for every 100 working-age people, with children comprising a larger share of the dependency burden than older persons. The old-age dependency ratio is expected to gradually increase due to anticipated demographic changes.
The bulletin highlighted that the high proportion of working-age individuals, representing over three-quarters of the population, is crucial for supporting economic growth and enhancing productivity. It stressed the importance of investing in and empowering young people as key drivers of development across the GCC.
Source: Emirates News Agency