GCC population to hit 83.6mn by 2050

Muscat: The population of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is projected to reach 83.6 million by 2050, according to a new report issued by the Gulf Statistical Centre.

The report predicts continued population growth across the GCC during the period from 2025 to 2050, with the total population expected to rise significantly. It also forecasts a doubling of the elderly population to more than 5.5 million, underscoring the need for long-term planning.

Sustainable policies

The findings highlight the importance of developing sustainable policies in key areas such as urban planning, healthcare, labour markets and social protection to support future development across the region.

According to the population indicators report, the GCC’s total population stood at approximately 61.5 million by the end of 2024, marking an increase of 8.5 million people compared to 2019. The average annual population growth rate reached 2.8 per cent, nearly three times the global average, reflecting the region’s rapid demographic expansion.

In terms of age structure, the working-age population (15–64 years) accounted for 76.7 percent of the total population, while children (0–14 years) made up 20.6 per cent, and the elderly (65 years and above) represented 2.6 per cent.

This distribution reflects the GCC’s relatively young population and strong labour-force base, with a total dependency ratio of about 30 dependents per 100 working-age individuals.

The report also noted a significant gender imbalance, with males comprising 62.7 percent of the population compared to 37.3 percent females, resulting in a gender ratio of 168 males per 100 females. This imbalance is largely attributed to the demographic structure associated with the expatriate workforce in GCC countries. – ONA