Dubai, UAE — More than 23.5 million people aged between 15 and 34 lived across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in 2024, accounting for 38.2% of the region’s total population, according to new figures released by the GCC Statistical Centre.
The data, published to mark GCC Youth Day, showed that young men represented 64.5% of the youth population, while women accounted for 35.5%.
Demographic Trends Reshape the Gulf
The proportion of youth within the GCC population has eased slightly over the past decade, falling from 38.9% in 2010 to 38.2% in 2024.
The trend mirrors broader global demographic changes driven by rising life expectancy and lower fertility rates. At the same time, the share of people aged 35 and above has increased, while the proportion of children under 15 has declined.
Despite this shift, youth continue to represent one of the largest and most influential demographic groups in Gulf societies.
Employment Growth Continues
Youth employment across the GCC reached approximately 14.2 million people in 2025, representing 38.1% of the region’s workforce and marking annual growth of 5.1%.
Among GCC nationals, around 2.5 million young citizens were employed, accounting for 43.5% of all employed nationals. That figure increased 3.1% from the previous year.
The data points to the growing contribution of young people to economic diversification efforts across the Gulf.
Education and Labour Integration Improve
One of the most notable indicators was the decline in the proportion of young people aged 15 to 24 who were not in education, employment or training.
The so-called NEET rate fell from 20.1% in 2010 to 15.7% in 2024, reflecting progress in policies aimed at improving access to education, skills development and labour-market participation.
Officials said the trend suggests stronger integration of young people into economic and social life.
Looking Toward 2050
United Nations projections indicate the GCC youth population could reach 28.6 million by 2050, an increase of roughly 5.9 million people from 2024 levels.
The figures underline the growing importance of youth in supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development strategies as Gulf economies continue their transformation beyond hydrocarbons.
