Abu dhabi: Data released by the GCC Statistical Centre (GCC-Stat) on GCC Youth Day reveals that over 23.5 million youth, aged 15-34, represent 38.2% of the GCC population in 2024. The data highlights the significant presence of youth in the region, with 15.1 million males and 8.4 million females.
According to Emirates News Agency, GCC youth are strengthening their roles as key partners in sustainable development, reflecting their demographic, economic, and social importance. The GCC is experiencing demographic transformations similar to global trends, with a slight decline in the youth proportion from 38.9% in 2010 to 38.2% in 2024. Globally, this share decreased from 32.8% to 30.3% during the same period.
The data also indicates an increase in the population aged 35 and above, alongside a decline in children under 15, reflecting demographic changes related to rising life expectancy and declining fertility rates. In the labor market, employed youth across the GCC reached approximately 14.2 million in 2025, representing 38.1% of the workforce, marking a 5.1% growth from 2024.
The number of employed GCC national youth stood at approximately 2.5 million in 2025, making up 43.5% of employed GCC nationals, with a year-on-year growth of 3.1%. The proportion of young people aged 15-24 who were not in education, employment, or training (NEET) decreased from 20.1% in 2010 to 15.7% in 2024, indicating successful policies enhancing youth participation in development.
Looking ahead, United Nations estimates project that the youth population in the GCC will reach 28.6 million by 2050, an increase of approximately 5.9 million from 2024, reflecting a growth of 26%. These indicators underscore the central role of youth in GCC societies and their contributions to economic and social development, innovation, and entrepreneurship, aiming for a sustainable and prosperous future for the Gulf region.