The GCC population is projected to reach approximately 83.6 million by 2050, according to new demographic projections by the United Nations. The figures point to sustained population growth across the Gulf region, alongside a rapid increase in the number of older residents.
Population growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council is expected to continue steadily over the next 25 years. However, this expansion will occur alongside a significant demographic shift, as ageing accelerates and places new demands on public services, labour markets, and long-term economic planning.
Ageing population doubles across the GCC
A new report released by the Gulf Statistical Centre indicates that the number of people aged 65 and above in the GCC will more than double by 2050. The elderly population is expected to exceed 5.5 million over the same period.
This trend highlights the growing need for forward-looking policies in healthcare, housing, social protection, and workforce participation. Governments across the GCC are expected to face increasing pressure to adapt infrastructure and services to meet the needs of an ageing population while sustaining economic growth.
GCC population growth outpaces global average
According to the report, the total GCC population reached approximately 61.5 million by the end of 2024. This represents an increase of 8.5 million compared to 2019, with an average annual growth rate of 2.8 percent.
The pace of growth remains significantly higher than the global average, underscoring the rapid demographic transformation underway across Gulf economies. Migration, urban development, and economic expansion continue to play a central role in shaping population trends across the region.
Working-age population dominates demographic structure
The GCC population remains relatively young, with working-age residents forming the largest demographic group. Individuals aged between 15 and 64 years accounted for 76.7 percent of the population, providing a strong labour force base for regional economies.
Children aged 0 to 14 years made up 20.6 percent of the population, while residents aged 65 and above represented around 2.6 percent. The total dependency ratio stood at nearly 30 dependents per 100 working-age individuals, reflecting manageable demographic pressure for now.
Gender imbalance driven by expatriate labour
The report also highlighted a pronounced gender imbalance across the GCC population. Males accounted for 62.7 percent of residents, compared with 37.3 percent females, resulting in a sex ratio of approximately 168 males per 100 females.
This imbalance is largely attributed to the region’s reliance on expatriate labour, particularly in construction, energy, logistics, and industrial sectors. Policymakers are expected to continue addressing the long-term social and economic implications of this demographic structure.
As the GCC population continues to grow and age simultaneously, the findings reinforce the importance of long-term planning to ensure sustainable development, economic resilience, and social stability across the region.
