UN estimates suggest the number of young people in GCC countries will continue to rise, reinforcing their central role in the region’s social and economic development.
According to the Statistical Center of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, the population aged 15–34 reached around 23.5 million in 2024, accounting for 38.2% of the total GCC population. The report noted that young men numbered 15.1 million, while young women stood at 8.4 million.
The center said the share of youth in the GCC population has slightly declined from 38.9% in 2010 to 38.2% in 2024, reflecting broader global demographic shifts linked to lower birth rates and higher life expectancy. It also highlighted a growing proportion of people aged 35 and above, alongside a decline in the share of children under 15.
In the labor market, young workers reached about 14.2 million in 2025, representing 38.1% of the total workforce, with a 5.1% increase compared to 2024. The number of young GCC citizens in employment reached 2.5 million, accounting for 43.5% of the national workforce.
The report also showed improvement in youth participation in education and employment, with the rate of young people aged 15–24 not in education, employment or training falling from 20.1% in 2010 to 15.7% in 2024, reflecting the impact of policies aimed at boosting youth engagement.
Looking ahead, UN estimates cited in the report project that the number of young people in the GCC will rise to 28.6 million by 2050, an increase of about 5.9 million compared to 2024.
The findings underline the growing importance of youth in GCC societies and their expanding role in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth across the region.
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