With a population of 61.2 million in 2024, the GCC has experienced one of the fastest demographic recoveries in the world, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to recent data, the Gulf presently accounts for 0.7% of the world’s population, growing at a rate three times faster than the global average (2.1% vs. 0.7%).
What’s Causing the Increase?
Expat Inflow: Since 2022, more than 1.8 million new foreign workers have been drawn to the UAE by its golden visa program and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme.
Birth Rate Surge: Fertility rates are double the average for the West, and nationals make up 45% of increase.
Labour Reforms: Following the COVID exodus, Kuwait’s amnesty programmes and Qatar’s pay protections were diminished.
Saudi Arabia Takes the Lead
KSA alone added 4.3 million residents (7.1% growth), fueled by NEOM and Riyadh’s mega-expansion. The UAE follows at 10.4M, while Qatar’s population rebounded 112% after its World Cup slump.
Infrastructure is strained, yet this increase solidifies the GCC as a demographic hotspot. Governments are rushing to create smarter cities as the demand for housing has increased by 30%.
