Gulf nationals hold majority of government workforce at 83.5%

• Gulf nationals make up only 14.2% in the private sector workforce. In 2022, the total workforce in GCC countries reached 31.8 million, representing 54.2% of the population.

• The workforce of GCC citizens reached 5.6 million in 2022, accounting for 17.6% of the total workforce in GCC countries. Males made up 60% of this group, while females accounted for 40%.

• The total number of public education students in GCC countries reached 9.3 million in the 2021-2022 academic year, reflecting an annual growth rate of 6.6% since 2018. The majority of these students—75%—are enrolled in government institutions.

According to the Statistical Center of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the total workforce in GCC countries reached 31.8 million in 2022, accounting for 54.2% of the total population. Males made up 78.7% of the workforce, while females comprised 21.3%, Al Rai newspaper reported, citing (Muscat – KUNA).

The center reported that the workforce of GCC citizens reached 5.6 million in 2022, accounting for 17.6% of the total workforce in GCC countries. Males made up 60% of this group, while females accounted for 40%, reflecting an increase of 600,000 female workers since 2011.

Government sector remains the largest employer of Gulf workers

It explained that the government sector remains the largest employer of Gulf workers, with significant potential for localization in the private sector. Gulf nationals comprise 83.5% of the government workforce, compared to just 14.2% in the private sector. Most Gulf workers are concentrated in the services sector, with public administration being the dominant field.

Workforce localization

He noted that GCC countries have implemented policies to enhance workforce localization, including initiatives under the common Gulf market and comprehensive development plans aimed at correcting imbalances in population and labor structures

Industrial development strategies focus on increasing the national workforce’s participation in the sector, while population policies aim to empower women in development, balance workforce demographics, and enhance training programs for national workers.

The center added that all GCC countries prioritize youth employment while advancing economic diversification and transitioning toward green, environmentally friendly jobs.

Educated national workforce

He stated that GCC countries are committed to preparing an educated national workforce, recognizing education as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Data shows that the total number of public education students in GCC countries reached 9.3 million in the 2021-2022 academic year, reflecting an annual growth rate of 6.6% since 2018. The majority of these students—75%—are enrolled in government institutions.

The center added that the total number of students in higher education institutions across GCC countries reached two million in the 2021-2022 academic year, spanning 258 institutions. These countries have made significant progress in global university rankings.

Health sector

He stated that the health sector is one of the key industries in GCC countries. Data indicates that the total number of hospital beds in 2022 reached approximately 121,200, reflecting an 8.9% growth compared to 2018. Meanwhile, the total number of medical doctors increased by 65.4%, reaching 224,300.

The center also noted that the number of pharmacists rose by 46.8%, totaling 69,400. Additionally, the total number of individuals benefiting from health services in the GCC countries reached 561,900.

1,316 patents

He highlighted that the GCC Patent Office granted approximately 1,316 patents in pharmacy and biotechnology in 2022. Additionally, pricing studies were conducted on 607 pharmaceutical preparations, while the prices of 223 pharmaceutical products were standardized.