GCC statistics: Growth in population, trade, and tourism

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region witnessed significant demographic, economic, and developmental milestones in 2023, as highlighted in the ninth edition of the Atlas of GCC Statistics for 2024, released by the GCC Statistical Centre.

The population of the six GCC countries reached 57.6 million in 2023, an increase from 56.6 million in 2022. Males constituted 62.4% of the population, while females accounted for 37.6%. The population density was recorded at 23.9 people per square kilometre, across the region's 2.4 million square kilometres.

The total workforce in the GCC rose to approximately 33.1 million in 2023, up from 30.3 million in 2022. Meanwhile, the working-age population (15 years and above) reached 45.0 million.

The GCC’s nominal GDP stood at US$2.113 trillion in 2023, with a slight annual growth rate decrease of 3.5% compared to 2022. Inflation in the region remained moderate at 2.2%. Foreign trade volume reached an impressive US$1.482 trillion, with total commodity exports amounting to US$823.1 billion. National oil exports made up 63.8%, non-oil exports 19.3%, and re-exports 16.9% of the total.

Intra-GCC trade was valued at US$131.6 billion, showcasing the importance of regional trade integration.

The GCC welcomed 68.1 million tourists in 2023, supported by 10,900 hotel establishments with 696,600 rooms. In telecommunications, the region had 5.5 million fixed phone lines and 94.9 million mobile subscriptions, reflecting high connectivity levels.

The Gulf Cooperation Council consists of six member countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE).