The population of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries reached 61.2 million by the end of 2024, according to new data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat).
The figures show an increase of over 2.1 million people compared to 2023, reflecting a year-on-year growth rate of 3.6 percent. The data, released on the occasion of World Population Day (July 11), marks a significant rebound in population growth across the region following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since 2021, the GCC population has expanded by approximately 7.6 million people — a 14.2% increase, highlighting a rapid demographic recovery following a pandemic-induced slowdown.
The GCC’s population now makes up 0.7 percent of the global population, according to the report.
Gender Breakdown
The 2024 figures show a notable gender disparity:
- Males: 38.5 million (62.8%)
- Females: 22.7 million (37.2%)
This translates to a sex ratio of 169 males for every 100 females in the GCC, significantly higher than the global average of 101 males per 100 females for the same period.
The demographic structure continues to reflect the heavy presence of male expatriate workers, a trend consistent across labor-importing economies in the Gulf.
(With input from WAM)
