The Gulf Cooperation Council's population has climbed steadily over the past three years, reaching 61.5 million in 2024 and projected to hit 62.8 million in 2025, according to new data from the GCC Statistical Center.
The figures, released in the center's Weekly Bulletin No. 338 to mark World Population Day on July 11, show the region's population rose from 56.6 million in 2022, adding 6.2 million people over the period at an average annual growth rate of 3.5%. This year's bulletin was themed around empowering young people to realize their hopes and future aspirations.
Despite housing just 0.8% of the world's population, the GCC is expected to see continued expansion, with projections putting the figure at 83.6 million by 2050, a jump of nearly 34% from 2025 levels.
The data underscores the region's notably youthful population structure. Young people aged 15 to 34 numbered 23.5 million in 2024, making up 38.2% of the total. Working-age residents between 15 and 64 accounted for 76.7% of the population, while children under 15 represented 20.6% and those aged 65 and above just 2.6%.
Other indicators revealed a sex ratio of 168 males for every 100 females and a population density of roughly 25.5 people per square kilometre in 2024. The total dependency ratio stood at 30.4 dependants per 100 working-age people, split between 27.0 child dependants and 3.4 older dependants, highlighting how children currently outweigh the elderly in the region's dependency burden.
The bulletin noted that this dominant working-age share offers a strong foundation for economic growth and productivity, while stressing the need to invest in youth as key drivers of the GCC's future development.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
