As of 2023, there were **** million people living in the Gulf Cooperation Council. The biggest increase was seen in 2022 when the population grew by three million over the previous year.

This statistic describes the Native population in the Gulf Cooperation Council in 2016, by country. As of 2016, the native population of Saudi Arabia was about **** million people.

In 2023, the annual urban population growth in Qatar amounted to -0.01 percent. Between 1961 and 2023, the figure dropped by 10.2 percentage points, though the decline followed an uneven course rather than a steady trajectory.

In 2020, Saudi Arabia had the highest number of employed population among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries amounting to around ** million. In comparison Bahrain had the least number of employed population among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in which *** thousand were employed.

In 2023, the annual urban population growth in Oman amounted to 7.27 percent. Between 1961 and 2023, the figure dropped by 0.83 percentage points, though the decline followed an uneven course rather than a steady trajectory.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) had over *** million overseas Indians residing in the country as of May 2024. Saudi Arabia had the second-highest Indian population among other GCC countries. ** percent of overseas Indians reside in GCC countries. GCC, or the Gulf Cooperation Council, is a group of six nations – Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.

This Statistic describes the share of population aged 15 to 24 years old in the Gulf Cooperation Council between 2015 and 2020, by country. The share of the Saudi Arabian population aged between ** to ** decreased in 2020 to ****, compared to **** in 2015.

Simple linear and polynomial regression statistics assessing the association between all-cause age-specific mortality trends and age-specific population size trends, Qatar, both genders.

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 2022, the United Arab Emirates had the highest employment rate amongst Gulf Cooperation Countries, at ** percent. This was closely followed by Qatar at **** percent. The remaining four GCC countries had employment figures around ** percent. The overall employment average for the GCC in 2022 was ** percent.

GCC Massive Open Online Course Market size was valued at USD 0.45 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1.3 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 13.1% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Market Drivers:

Digital Transformation Initiatives: GCC countries are undertaking extensive digital transformation initiatives in education, with governments heavily investing in e-learning infrastructure and digital education platforms. According to the Saudi Ministry of Education, digital education investments reached SAR 6.1 billion (approximately USD 1.6 billion) in 2023, with a 125% increase in government-supported MOOC platforms since 2020.

Young Tech-Savvy Population: The GCC region has one of the world's youngest and most digitally connected populations, driving the adoption of online learning platforms and MOOCs. The UAE's Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre reports that 92% of the population aged 18-29 are active internet users, with 78% having participated in at least one online course by 2023.

Background: In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Oman), as in the rest of the world, the COVID-19 has been spreading since 2019, and it had a significant impact on various aspects of life. The outbreak and the restrictive measures imposed by countries to stop the spread of the virus could harm the mental health condition of the general population. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the impact of the pandemic on mental health and investigate the potential risk factors.Methods: An online survey was collected from individuals in GCC countries from May to October 2020. The final sample included 14,171 participants, 67.3% females and 60.4% younger than 35 years old. The survey consisted of depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, and post-traumatic stress questionnaires. Crude and adjusted Odds ratios are calculated using simple and multivariable logistic regressions to investigate the association between risk factors and mental health issues.Results: Endorsement rates for depression were 11,352 (80.1%), 9,544 (67.3%) for anxiety, 8,845 (63.9%) for insomnia and 9,046 (65.2%) for post-traumatic stress. Being female and younger age were associated with a higher likelihood of developing depression, anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress. In addition, participants with underlying psychological problems were three times more likely to develop depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms.Conclusion: According to the findings, women, youth, singles, divorced individuals, and individuals with pre-existing psychological and medical conditions are subject to a higher risk of mental health problems during the pandemic, which policy-makers should consider when imposing restrictive measures.

GCC Faucet Market size is growing at a moderate pace with substantial growth rates over the last few years and is estimated that the market will grow significantly in the forecasted period i.e. 2024 to 2031.

GCC Faucet Market Drivers

Rapid Urbanization and Population Growth: In recent years, the GCC region has seen a notable increase in both urbanization and population. As a result, there are now more residential and commercial structures, which is increasing demand for faucets. Research Across the Board

Growing Disposable Income: As the population of the GCC countries becomes more affluent, more money is being spent on remodeling and home improvement projects. Customers are prepared to spend money on premium faucets that are stylish and long-lasting. Research Across the Board

Technological Developments: Manufacturers are always coming up with new and improved faucets that have features like temperature control, touchless operation, and water-saving technologies. Customers who are looking for efficiency and convenience are drawn to these developments.

This statistic depicts the share of urban population in the Gulf Cooperation Council region from 2005 to 2030. According to forecasts, by 2030 almost ** percent of the GCC population will dwell in an urban setting.

GCC Multifunctional Furniture Market size was valued at USD 1.8 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3.2 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Market Drivers:

Growing Urban Population in Small Living Spaces: The GCC region is experiencing rapid urbanization with a trend toward smaller living spaces in major cities, driving demand for space-saving multifunctional furniture solutions. In 2023, over 65% of new residential developments in major GCC cities featured apartments under 85 square meters, while urban population density increased by 28% in the past 5 years.

Rising Student and Young Professional Population: The increasing number of students and young professionals in GCC countries is driving the demand for affordable, flexible, and multifunctional furniture solutions. The number of university students in GCC countries increased by 45% between 2019-2023, with 72% of them living in private accommodations requiring furniture solutions.

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GCC Packaged Food Market Size 2024-2028

The GCC packaged food market size is forecast to increase by USD 3.89 billion, at a CAGR of 5.45% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. Urbanization and lifestyle changes are driving the demand for convenience and ready-to-eat food options. Additionally, there is a rising trend towards clean-label products as consumers become more health-conscious and aware of the ingredients In their food. Strict food regulations in GCC countries further ensure the safety and quality of packaged food products. Frozen foods, meal replacement options, and snacks, including plant-based, vegan, and dairy-free products, are popular choices among consumers seeking healthier, more sustainable food options. These factors are expected to boost market growth In the coming years. The market analysis report provides an in-depth examination of these trends and their impact on the packaged food industry In the GCC region.

What will be the size of the GCC Packaged Food Market during the forecast period?

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The market region continues to experience strong growth, driven by the region's hectic lifestyle and increasing demand for convenience food. The snacking trend is particularly strong, with consumers opting for nutritious, protein-rich snacks to fuel their active lifestyles. The dairy segment of the packaged food market is also seeing significant growth, as consumers look for alternatives to traditional dairy products. Healthier packaged food products made with quality ingredients are in high demand, as consumers prioritize good health and wellness.
The rise of online grocery shopping and eco-friendly packaging trends are also influencing the market, with consumers increasingly seeking out sustainable and eco-efficient packaged food products. In the GCC region, the packaged food market encompasses a wide range of food and beverage categories, including snacks, sweets, biscuits, and ready-to-eat meals (RTEs). As the vegetarian population continues to grow, there is a greater demand for vegetarian and vegan options, further expanding the market's scope. Supply-chain resilience and sustainability are also key considerations for companies operating in this market, as they strive to meet the evolving needs and preferences of health-conscious consumers.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Supermarket and hypermarket
  Convenience store
  Online


Product

  Bakery and cereals
  Dairy products
  Processed and canned Food
  Meat and fish
  Others


Geography

  GCC

    Saudi Arabia
    Kuwait
    Oman

By Distribution Channel Insights

The supermarket and hypermarket segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by hectic lifestyles and increasing demand for convenience food. Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the distribution landscape, catering to the diverse tastes of the region's population. Frozen foods, meal replacements, and snacking trends are popular, with plant-based, vegan, and dairy-free products gaining traction due to health concerns and ethical considerations. Health benefits, fortified foods, and natural disasters have further fueled the demand for packaged food.

The dairy segment, including snacks, sweets, biscuits, and ready-to-eat meals, is a significant contributor to the market. Consumers prefer healthier packaged food made from quality ingredients, leading to the rise of online grocery shopping and eco-friendly packaging. The market is expected to continue growing due to the convenience and accessibility offered by supermarkets and hypermarkets, the popularity of convenience food, and the availability of plant-based options that cater to various dietary preferences and health-conscious consumers.

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The supermarket and hypermarket segment was valued at USD 5.97 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

What are the key market drivers leading to the rise in adoption of GCC Packaged Food Market?

Urbanization and lifestyle changes is the key driver of the market.

The hectic lifestyle of the growing urban population in the GCC region is fueling the demand for packaged food, particularly In the areas of f

The GCC mutual fund market, encompassing Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Dubai, exhibits robust growth potential, driven by increasing disposable incomes, a burgeoning middle class, and supportive government initiatives promoting financial diversification. The market's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 5.50% indicates a consistently expanding market size, projected to reach significant value over the forecast period (2025-2033). Key drivers include rising awareness of mutual funds as a suitable investment vehicle for wealth creation and risk mitigation, coupled with the increasing penetration of digital financial services, simplifying access and participation. While regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, promoting investor confidence, potential restraints include market volatility, geopolitical uncertainties in the region, and the competitive landscape among established players like Riyad Capital, NCB Capital, and Samba Capital, alongside international firms like HSBC Saudi Arabia and BNP Paribas Asset Management. The market segmentation reveals a dynamic mix of fund types, with equity funds likely holding a significant share, followed by money market and real estate funds. The geographical distribution reflects varying levels of market maturity across the GCC nations, with Saudi Arabia potentially leading in market size due to its larger economy and population. Future growth will depend on factors such as sustained economic growth in the GCC, the introduction of innovative fund products tailored to local preferences, and effective investor education campaigns that increase participation, especially among younger demographics. The market's segmentation by fund type provides opportunities for specialized investment strategies, while the geographic segmentation allows for a nuanced understanding of market penetration and potential expansion in different GCC countries. Competition is expected to intensify, encouraging innovation and potentially leading to mergers and acquisitions to further consolidate market share. The significant projected growth, however, makes the GCC mutual fund market an attractive prospect for both domestic and international players. This report provides a detailed analysis of the GCC mutual fund market, covering the period from 2019 to 2033, with a focus on market size, trends, and future growth prospects. The study encompasses key countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE (Abu Dhabi & Dubai), Qatar, and Kuwait, examining various fund types including equity, money market, real estate, and other asset classes (bonds, commodities, mixed funds). The base year for this analysis is 2025, with estimations for 2025 and forecasts extending to 2033. The historical period covered is 2019-2024. Recent developments include: May 2023: Saudi-based Riyad Capital has launched the Riyad Real Estate Development fund - Durrat Hitteen, in partnership with property developer Al Ramz Real Estate Company. The fund, with a value exceeding SAR0.5 billion (USD 133.3 million), aims to develop a mixed-use project in the Hitteen district in Riyadh with a total area of 27,119 square meters., January 2022: Saudi National Bank (SNB) announced the completion of the merger between NCB and Samba Financial Group, making it the largest and fastest merger in the history of the region. The merger included five key areas consisting of migrating personal and corporate customer accounts, migrating treasury, NCB Capital, and Samba Capital customers, in addition to migrating other administrative sectors and the merger of both banks' branches.. Key drivers for this market are: Economic Growth, Rising Wealth and Income Levels. Potential restraints include: Economic Growth, Rising Wealth and Income Levels. Notable trends are: Emerging Leadership of Saudi Arabia in GCC Capital Markets.

This statistic depicts the urban population growth in Gulf Cooperation Council in 2019, by country. In 2019, the urban population growth rate of the United Arab Emirates was around **** percent, compared to **** percent of Bahrain.

IntroductionInternational labor migrants form a significant part of the global workforce, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which host around 11% of the world’s migrant workforce. This high concentration presents unique challenges in healthcare access and delivery. This systematic review aims to evaluate whether international labor migrants in GCC countries have effective access to healthcare for work-related diseases and injuries and to propose evidence-based recommendations for policy and healthcare interventions.MethodsWe will include studies from 2013 to 2023 published in peer-reviewed journals in English or Arabic (with English abstracts) available on PubMed, Embase and CINAHL. Search strategies are developed using MeSH terms and key terms related to our study population (international labor immigrants), context (the GCC countries), and exposure (migrant status; work-related diseases and injuries). The screening process involves two stages: initial review of titles/abstracts and full-text review. Studies meeting eligibility criteria and focusing on our primary outcome (access to healthcare) will be included. Data extraction will cover study characteristics, population demographics, described exposures, outcomes measured, and key findings. Given the expected heterogeneity, narrative synthesis will be primarily used, with meta-analysis as an option.DiscussionBy considering both migrant workers and expatriate professionals, we provide a culturally tailored perspective. Methodological rigor is ensured through the gold standard screening process, where at least two reviewers independently screen the literature at each stage, with a senior reviewer resolving discrepancies. We will identify barriers, facilitators, and inform targeted interventions for policymakers. Our findings will support evidence-based strategies to improve healthcare access for international labor migrants in the GCC countries.Systematic review registrationThis systematic review protocol was registered on the international registry PROSPERO (CRD42024532851) on April 21, 2024.

The GCC Metal Cans Market is experiencing steady growth, driven by a rising population, increasing urbanization, and a surge in demand for packaged food and beverages. The convenience and preservation offered by metal cans make them a preferred choice across various applications, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, food products (vegetables, fruits, pet food, soups), and aerosols. While the overall global CAGR is 2.83%, the GCC region, fueled by its robust economy and expanding food and beverage sector, likely exhibits a slightly higher growth rate, perhaps in the range of 3.5% - 4%. This is supported by the increasing investment in manufacturing facilities and the growing adoption of sustainable packaging practices within the region. The market is segmented by material (aluminum and steel/tin) and application, with beverage cans holding the largest market share, followed by food cans and aerosols. Key players like Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings, and regional companies like Gulf Cans Industries and Saudi Can Co Ltd are actively competing in this market, driving innovation and capacity expansion. However, fluctuating raw material prices, particularly aluminum and steel, pose a significant challenge to the industry. Furthermore, the growing environmental concerns surrounding single-use packaging are leading to increased interest in sustainable alternatives, which may necessitate investments in recycling and eco-friendly can production. The competitive landscape is dynamic, with both international giants and regional players vying for market share. Companies are focusing on enhancing their production capabilities, exploring innovative can designs, and improving supply chain efficiency to cater to the growing demand. The future of the GCC metal cans market looks promising, contingent upon consistent economic growth and ongoing efforts to address environmental concerns through sustainable practices like increased recycling rates and the exploration of more environmentally friendly can materials. The market's growth is likely to remain robust, driven by the continued expansion of the food and beverage industries and the sustained popularity of metal cans as a reliable packaging solution. Further analysis focusing on specific GCC countries and detailed market segmentation will offer deeper insights into regional variations and opportunities. Recent developments include: February 2022 - The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) announced that participants in the 'Can Collection Day' campaign, which took place on February 24, under the slogan 'Cancel the Linear, Enable the Circular,' was able to collect 6,294 kg of Aluminium Cans to be recycled., February 2022 - RECAPP, a free-of-charge door-to-door recycling service, which was initially launched in Abu Dhabi by Veolia Middle East, a company driving ecological transformation, has announced its expansion into Dubai.. Key drivers for this market are: Improving Income Level and Development of Retail Systems is increasing the Consumption of Packaged Food & Beverages. Potential restraints include: Improving Income Level and Development of Retail Systems is increasing the Consumption of Packaged Food & Beverages. Notable trends are: Aluminium Cans Expected to Hold a Significant Share.