Among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Kuwait had the highest projected real gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2021 at about *** percent. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) had the largest expected decrease in its real GDP growth in 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic at negative *** percent.

This statistic describes the GDP growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in 2015, by country. In that year, the United Arab Emirates experienced five percent growth of their gross domestic product.

The gross domestic product (GDP) growth in Oman in 2022 was forecasted to be 7.4 percent. The United Arab Emirates had the lowest forecasted GDP growth in that year of *** percent.

This statistic describes the non-oil GDP growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council from 2009 to 2015, with estimates for 2016 and 2017. It is forecasted that the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council will have a GDP growth of *** percent in 2017 excluding the oil sector or their national economies.

In general, foreign direct investments (FDIs) play a crucial role in driving a country’s economic development, promoting diversification, and enhancing competitiveness. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which heavily rely on the oil and gas sectors, are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices. However, these countries have recognized the imperative of economic diversification and have increasingly turned to inward FDIs to achieve it. By attracting capital, advanced technology, and expertise from foreign investors, FDIs enable the GCC countries to expand their economic base beyond the oil and gas sectors. This diversification not only creates employment opportunities but also fosters resilient economic growth, ultimately leading to an improvement in the living standards of the local population. This study investigates the macroeconomic and environmental factors that potentially attract foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the long run. Additionally, the study explores the causal relationship between these factors and FDI inflows. The panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to co-integration is the primary analytical technique used, utilizing long time-series data from six GCC countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the period 1990–2019. The empirical results indicate that, in the long run, almost all independent variables significantly influence FDI in GCC countries. Variables such as GDP growth (GDPG), inflation (INFL), carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), and urbanization (URB) are found to be highly significant (p≤0.01) in their impact on FDI. Moreover, unemployment (UNEMP) also positively and significantly influences FDI in these countries in the long run. Based on the key findings, strategies aimed at reducing persistently high unemployment rates, maintaining population growth, viewing FDI as a driver for GDP growth, and continuing with infrastructure development and urbanization are expected to attract more FDI inflows into GCC countries in the long run. Additionally, fostering both long-term economic incentives and creating a conducive business infrastructure for investors are vital for attracting inward FDI into any nation, including those in the GCC. This research would benefit various stakeholders, including governments, local businesses, investors, academia, and the local society, by providing valuable knowledge and informing decision-making processes related to economic development, diversification, and investment promotion.

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia were expected to have the highest GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council in 2022 at an *** and *** percent increase, respectively. Outside the GCC, Iraq and Israel were expected to see the biggest increase in GDP at *** and *** percent, respectively. Apart from Jordan and Yemen, all other countries in the Middle East region were forecast to see a significant drop in GDP growth in 2023 over 2022. GDP contributors Travel and tourism were a key contributor to GDP in the region and it was forecast to see a significant increase in the coming years. Additionally, in three of the six GCC countries, oil and gas production amounted to at least ** percent of GDP contribution. The United Arab Emirates ranked fourth worldwide with a ** percent contribution to GDP coming from oil and gas production. Despite this, the distribution of GDP contribution in the UAE comes from many different sectors and industries, leading to one of the more diversified economies in the region. Diversification and self-sufficiency Countries in the region have been striving for more economic diversity to help future-proof their economies. For example, in 2016 Saudi Arabia launched Vision 2030, a program to introduce new and varied revenue streams in the country, create jobs, and attract foreign investment. Furthermore, food self-sufficiency in the GCC has become a priority, with countries pushing to produce more of their food needs locally.

In general, foreign direct investments (FDIs) play a crucial role in driving a country’s economic development, promoting diversification, and enhancing competitiveness. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which heavily rely on the oil and gas sectors, are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices. However, these countries have recognized the imperative of economic diversification and have increasingly turned to inward FDIs to achieve it. By attracting capital, advanced technology, and expertise from foreign investors, FDIs enable the GCC countries to expand their economic base beyond the oil and gas sectors. This diversification not only creates employment opportunities but also fosters resilient economic growth, ultimately leading to an improvement in the living standards of the local population. This study investigates the macroeconomic and environmental factors that potentially attract foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the long run. Additionally, the study explores the causal relationship between these factors and FDI inflows. The panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to co-integration is the primary analytical technique used, utilizing long time-series data from six GCC countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the period 1990–2019. The empirical results indicate that, in the long run, almost all independent variables significantly influence FDI in GCC countries. Variables such as GDP growth (GDPG), inflation (INFL), carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), and urbanization (URB) are found to be highly significant (p≤0.01) in their impact on FDI. Moreover, unemployment (UNEMP) also positively and significantly influences FDI in these countries in the long run. Based on the key findings, strategies aimed at reducing persistently high unemployment rates, maintaining population growth, viewing FDI as a driver for GDP growth, and continuing with infrastructure development and urbanization are expected to attract more FDI inflows into GCC countries in the long run. Additionally, fostering both long-term economic incentives and creating a conducive business infrastructure for investors are vital for attracting inward FDI into any nation, including those in the GCC. This research would benefit various stakeholders, including governments, local businesses, investors, academia, and the local society, by providing valuable knowledge and informing decision-making processes related to economic development, diversification, and investment promotion.

In general, foreign direct investments (FDIs) play a crucial role in driving a country’s economic development, promoting diversification, and enhancing competitiveness. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which heavily rely on the oil and gas sectors, are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices. However, these countries have recognized the imperative of economic diversification and have increasingly turned to inward FDIs to achieve it. By attracting capital, advanced technology, and expertise from foreign investors, FDIs enable the GCC countries to expand their economic base beyond the oil and gas sectors. This diversification not only creates employment opportunities but also fosters resilient economic growth, ultimately leading to an improvement in the living standards of the local population. This study investigates the macroeconomic and environmental factors that potentially attract foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the long run. Additionally, the study explores the causal relationship between these factors and FDI inflows. The panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to co-integration is the primary analytical technique used, utilizing long time-series data from six GCC countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the period 1990–2019. The empirical results indicate that, in the long run, almost all independent variables significantly influence FDI in GCC countries. Variables such as GDP growth (GDPG), inflation (INFL), carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), and urbanization (URB) are found to be highly significant (p≤0.01) in their impact on FDI. Moreover, unemployment (UNEMP) also positively and significantly influences FDI in these countries in the long run. Based on the key findings, strategies aimed at reducing persistently high unemployment rates, maintaining population growth, viewing FDI as a driver for GDP growth, and continuing with infrastructure development and urbanization are expected to attract more FDI inflows into GCC countries in the long run. Additionally, fostering both long-term economic incentives and creating a conducive business infrastructure for investors are vital for attracting inward FDI into any nation, including those in the GCC. This research would benefit various stakeholders, including governments, local businesses, investors, academia, and the local society, by providing valuable knowledge and informing decision-making processes related to economic development, diversification, and investment promotion.

The GCC International Express Service Market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the region's burgeoning e-commerce sector, expanding logistics infrastructure, and increasing cross-border trade. A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 4% indicates a consistently expanding market, projected to reach significant value by 2033. Key drivers include the rapid adoption of online shopping, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, fueling demand for swift and reliable international shipping solutions. Furthermore, government initiatives aimed at diversifying economies and attracting foreign investment contribute to increased trade volumes, further stimulating market expansion. The market is segmented by shipment weight (light, medium, heavy) and end-user industry (e-commerce, BFSI, healthcare, manufacturing, primary industry, wholesale/retail, others), offering diverse opportunities for service providers. While challenges such as geopolitical instability and fluctuating fuel prices may act as restraints, the overall positive economic outlook and advancements in technology (such as automated sorting and delivery optimization) are expected to mitigate these effects, maintaining a strong growth trajectory. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of global giants like UPS, FedEx, and DHL, alongside regional players such as Aramex and national postal services. These companies are continuously investing in infrastructure improvements, technological upgrades, and strategic partnerships to enhance their service offerings and cater to the evolving needs of customers. The market's regional distribution likely reflects the varying levels of economic development and e-commerce penetration across the GCC countries. Areas with higher GDP per capita and advanced digital infrastructure tend to have a larger share of the market. Future growth will likely be influenced by factors such as the continued expansion of e-commerce, government regulations impacting logistics, and the adoption of innovative technologies within the express delivery sector. Sustained focus on enhancing delivery speed, reliability, and tracking capabilities will be crucial for companies seeking to thrive in this competitive and expanding market. Recent developments include: April 2023: Qatar Post ordered a new parcel sortation system based on autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technology developed and supplied by Libiao Robotics to improve its sortation systems used within parcel service operations.March 2023: Aramex signed a joint venture with AD Ports Group, one of the leading global trade, logistics, and industry facilitators, to develop and operate a new Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (“NVOCC”) enterprise.February 2023: Aramex's annual net profit dropped by 27% to USD 45.02 million due to currency fluctuations in certain markets, primarily in Lebanon and Egypt. Its 2022 revenue was broadly in line with 2021, while Q4 2022 revenue decreased 5% to USD 0.416 billion.. Key drivers for this market are: 4., Increasing production of chemical and allied products driving the market4.; Rising demand for green warehouses. Potential restraints include: 4., Stringent Rules and Regulations4.; Higher Costs. Notable trends are: OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT.

In general, foreign direct investments (FDIs) play a crucial role in driving a country’s economic development, promoting diversification, and enhancing competitiveness. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which heavily rely on the oil and gas sectors, are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices. However, these countries have recognized the imperative of economic diversification and have increasingly turned to inward FDIs to achieve it. By attracting capital, advanced technology, and expertise from foreign investors, FDIs enable the GCC countries to expand their economic base beyond the oil and gas sectors. This diversification not only creates employment opportunities but also fosters resilient economic growth, ultimately leading to an improvement in the living standards of the local population. This study investigates the macroeconomic and environmental factors that potentially attract foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the long run. Additionally, the study explores the causal relationship between these factors and FDI inflows. The panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to co-integration is the primary analytical technique used, utilizing long time-series data from six GCC countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the period 1990–2019. The empirical results indicate that, in the long run, almost all independent variables significantly influence FDI in GCC countries. Variables such as GDP growth (GDPG), inflation (INFL), carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), and urbanization (URB) are found to be highly significant (p≤0.01) in their impact on FDI. Moreover, unemployment (UNEMP) also positively and significantly influences FDI in these countries in the long run. Based on the key findings, strategies aimed at reducing persistently high unemployment rates, maintaining population growth, viewing FDI as a driver for GDP growth, and continuing with infrastructure development and urbanization are expected to attract more FDI inflows into GCC countries in the long run. Additionally, fostering both long-term economic incentives and creating a conducive business infrastructure for investors are vital for attracting inward FDI into any nation, including those in the GCC. This research would benefit various stakeholders, including governments, local businesses, investors, academia, and the local society, by providing valuable knowledge and informing decision-making processes related to economic development, diversification, and investment promotion.

Explore gender statistics data focusing on academic staff, employment, fertility rates, GDP, poverty, and more in the GCC region. Access comprehensive information on key indicators for Bahrain, China, India, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

academic staff, Access to anti-retroviral drugs, Adjusted net enrollment rate, Administration and Law programmes, Age at first marriage, Age dependency ratio, Cause of death, Children out of school, Completeness of birth registration, consumer prices, Cost of business start-up procedures, Employers, Employment in agriculture, Employment in industry, Employment in services, employment or training, Engineering and Mathematics programmes, Female headed households, Female migrants, Fertility planning status: mistimed pregnancy, Fertility planning status: planned pregnancy, Fertility rate, Firms with female participation in ownership, Fisheries and Veterinary programmes, Forestry, GDP, GDP growth, GDP per capita, gender parity index, Gini index, GNI, GNI per capita, Government expenditure on education, Government expenditure per student, Gross graduation ratio, Households with water on the premises, Inflation, Informal employment, Labor force, Labor force with advanced education, Labor force with basic education, Labor force with intermediate education, Learning poverty, Length of paid maternity leave, Life expectancy at birth, Mandatory retirement age, Manufacturing and Construction programmes, Mathematics and Statistics programmes, Number of under-five deaths, Part time employment, Population, Poverty headcount ratio at national poverty lines, PPP, Primary completion rate, Retirement age with full benefits, Retirement age with partial benefits, Rural population, Sex ratio at birth, Unemployment, Unemployment with advanced education, Urban population

Bahrain, China, India, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia

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The GCC Aviation Infrastructure Market, valued at $129.93 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.94% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the region's burgeoning tourism sector necessitates continuous expansion and modernization of airports and related infrastructure to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and air traffic. Secondly, significant government investments in infrastructure development projects across the GCC, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are driving substantial demand for new airport construction, runway upgrades, and air traffic control systems. Thirdly, the strategic focus on enhancing air connectivity within the region and internationally is leading to the development of new airports and expansion of existing ones. While challenges such as fluctuating oil prices and economic volatility could potentially restrain growth, the long-term outlook remains positive, supported by consistent government support and the region’s strategic importance as a global aviation hub. The market segmentation reveals significant opportunities within various sectors. Production analysis indicates strong demand for construction materials and related services. Consumption analysis shows a positive correlation between GDP growth and aviation infrastructure spending. Import and export analyses highlight the reliance on international suppliers for specialized equipment and technology. Finally, price trend analysis shows a stable pricing environment, with potential for slight increases due to material and labor cost pressures. Key players such as Binladin Contracting Group, SMEC Holdings Limited, Al Naboodah Construction, TAV Construction, Al Jaber Group, and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects are actively involved in shaping the market landscape through their participation in major projects. The regional breakdown shows the UAE and Saudi Arabia as the dominant markets, followed by other GCC nations. Future growth is expected to be geographically diversified, with a focus on enhancing air connectivity and infrastructure across the entire region. Key drivers for this market are: Increase in Internet of Things (IoT) and Autonomous Systems, Rise in Demand for Military and Defense Satellite Communication Solutions. Potential restraints include: Cybersecurity Threats to Satellite Communication, Interference in Transmission of Data. Notable trends are: Commercial Airport Segment will Showcase Remarkable Growth during the Forecast Period.

Adjusting for the impact of COVID-19, the real gross domestic product (GDP) forecasted for 2020 for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC) was expected to be *** percent less than that forecasted for 2020 during October 2019. COVID-19 had resulted in a forecasted decrease in GDP across all Middle Eastern countries surveyed.

GCC construction chemicals market is projected to grow at a significant rate in the upcoming years due to expanding infrastructure sector. Additionally, rapid urbanization in the region especially in counties like UAE and Saudi Arabia is further expected to support the growth of the GCC construction chemicals market. Besides, increasing focus on sustainable construction and, the growing tourism industry in the region is further expected to create lucrative opportunities for the growth of the GCC construction chemicals market during the forecast period. The construction sector earns & contributes almost 6.7% to the overall GDP of the GCC region. Construction chemicals, also known as specialty chemicals or building chemicals, are chemical formulations specifically designed for the construction industry.

The growth of the real gross domestic product (GDP) in the United Arab Emirates was estimated at about 3.76 percent in 2024. From 1980 to 2024, the growth rose by approximately 5.54 percentage points, though the increase followed an uneven trajectory rather than a consistent upward trend. Between 2024 and 2030, the growth will rise by around 0.14 percentage points, showing an overall upward trend with periodic ups and downs.This indicator describes the annual change in the gross domestic product at constant prices, expressed in national currency units. Here the gross domestic product represents the total value of the final goods and services produced during a year.

GCC Home Textiles Market size was valued at USD 4.04 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 6.53 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Market Drivers:

Growth in disposable income: Consumers' increasing disposable income is a primary driver of the GCC Home Textiles Market. According to the World Bank, Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita climbed by 4.7% in 2022, while the UAE's GDP per capita has been among the greatest in the world, exceeding $43,000 in 2023. With rising incomes, customers are more prepared to spend on premium and luxury home textile products, boosting demand for quality and creative items in the region.

Middle East Car Rental Market size was valued at USD 3.85 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 7.42 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Market Drivers Tourism Industry Growth: The growth of the Middle East's tourism sector has significantly boosted the demand for car rentals, as more tourists and businesses seek flexible transportation solutions. This surge in demand aligns with the region’s economic development, particularly in the GCC countries. The World Travel and Tourism Council's 2023 report showed a 42% rise in tourism's contribution to the GCC's GDP, with the UAE leading at 56% growth. The Dubai Tourism Board reported a 38% increase in tourist car rentals in 2023, with an average rental duration of 5.2 days per tourist. Corporate Sector Expansion: The expansion of the Middle East's business ecosystem has significantly increased the demand for corporate car rental services. Companies are turning to rentals for flexible, cost-effective transportation solutions as they focus on operational efficiency and business travel needs. In 2023, corporate car rentals in Saudi Arabia rose by 45%, while business rentals in the UAE grew by 35%. Long-term corporate leasing in the GCC increased by 52%. Digital Transformation: The adoption of mobile apps and digital platforms has significantly enhanced the car rental experience. In 2023, online bookings made up 65% of all car rentals, a 55% increase from 2021, according to the GCC Car Rental Association. This shift towards digital solutions highlights the growing preference for easy, on-the-go vehicle bookings. Additionally, mobile app installations for car rentals across the Middle East grew by 92%, underscoring the region's embrace of technology for streamlined rental services.

The statistic shows gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in the countries of the Arab world in 2023. GDP is the total value of all goods and services produced in a country in a year. It is considered to be a very important indicator of the economic strength of a country and a positive change is an indicator of economic growth. In 2023, GDP per capita in Algeria amounted to around ******** U.S. dollars.

As of 2019, over ** percent of Kuwait's GDP was generated from oil rents. At the same time, **** percent of Bahrain's GDP was generated by oil rents. The average share of GDP generated from oil rents in the Middle East and North African region was ** percent. Global oil production The worldwide production of oil has been increasing steadily over the past few years. By the end of 2019, oil production had reached nearly *** billion metric tons. Among the leading oil-producing countries, two Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, had ranked third and tenth, respectively. About Kuwait’s GDP In Kuwait, the gross domestic product (GDP) from oil and gas extraction and services was forecasted to be approximately ** billion Kuwaiti dinars in 2019. In the same year, it was also predicted that Kuwait's GDP growth would reach above four percent.

The market size of non-life insurance in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries was expected to increase from **** billion U.S. dollars in 2021 to **** billion U.S. dollars in 2028. While the market size of life insurance in the GCC was expected to increase from *** billion U.S. dollars in 2023 to *** billion U.S. dollars in 2028. Current GCC insurance industry The insurance industry has experienced positive growth over the years. The market value of both life and non-life insurance almost doubled in the GCC region from 2011 to 2020. Among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the Saudi Arabia had the largest market share of the insurance industry in 2020, followed by the United Arab Emirates. Although the economic conditions during 2016 and 2018 hindered its growth, it is expected to improve during the coming years. GCC insurance industry projections There are optimistic projections for the industry that can be explained by the population growth and stable economic development. The governments have been implementing crucial steps that support the growth of the sector such as the continued application of mandatory insurance coverage, the reinforcement of the regulatory reforms, and economic diversification. The insurance penetration rate in the Gulf Cooperation Council region is expected to remain far below the global average of *** percent until 2026. The insurance penetration rate is the gross written premium measured as a percentage of the gross domestic product. The market size of the insurance industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council was expected to increase from **** billion U.S. dollars in 2021, to **** U.S. billion dollars in 2026. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) among the GCC countries between 2021 and 2026 was expected to be the highest for Kuwait at *** percent, and the lowest for Saudi Arabia at *** percent.