The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have a low population compared with other regions, totaling 45 million people in 2011, less than 1 percent of the global population, a recently published report read.
The report, filed by Kuwait Financial Center (Markaz), highlighting the GCC demographic shift, said the region is young, with 54 percent under the age of 25, although this is expected to rise to 36 years by 2050.
The most populated country is Saudi Arabia with 28 million (65 percent of the total), followed by nearly 8 million in the UAE. The International Monetary Fund forecasts a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.41 percent in the next five years and an increase in population to 49 million in 2016.
The growth rate is substantially lower than the CAGR from 2004 to 2008 of 5.9 percent.
By 2025, the GCC is expected to have a total population of 57 million, which is expected to grow with 14 million by 2050.
As of 2011, the lowest average age in the GCC is 24 years in Oman, and the highest is 31 years in Qatar. The average age in the entire GCC region is 27 years with over 20 percent below the age of 15, the report said.
On the other hand, fertility rate in the GCC has been declining, as there is greater awareness of family planning. With the exception of Oman, all other GCC countries’ fertility rates have decreased by more than 50 percent. This could also be correlated to the increased cost of living as well as increased education opportunities for women.
Moreover, GCC pyramids have a skewed bulge in the male bracket, specifically working age, which is due to the high number of male expatriates in the countries, the report said.
Saudi Arabia’s population pyramid is expansive, showing that the majority of the population is below the age of 30, with an average age of 26. This alludes that there is a high birth rate as well as a high death rate and a relatively short life expectancy.
Oman’s population pyramid is the most expansive in the GCC region. Similar to Saudi Arabia, Oman has the second highest population of nationals compared to expatriates in the region.
Bahrain is the least populated country in the GCC. Its population pyramid shows that there is no huge discrepancy between the age groups. There is also an equal distribution of males to females, with exception of the 40 to 60 years age brackets.
Qatar has the highest expatriate rate in the region. Its population pyramid alludes to it with the higher percentage of males in all working age groups above the age of 20. Qatar’s demographic boom is accompanied by its economic boom that gave rise to many opportunities for expatriates. However, population growth is expected to decrease, as expatriates exit to be replaced by local talent, the report said.
Kuwait’s pyramid is less expansive than Saudi Arabia’s, with most of its population below the age of 35 years, but over 20. There is also more discrepancy between the higher numbers of males to females, particularly in the 20 to 40 age brackets. This is attributed to the high flow of expatriates looking for employment, usually in this age bracket. The high expatriate rate is expected to decrease, as more nationals enter the labor force and demand jobs.
Similar to Kuwait, the UAE also has a very high expatriate rate. UAE’s population pyramid would look more expansive if it was exclusive to the national population. However, its total population, including expatriates, is a more contractive pyramid with the majority of the population between the ages of 20 and 60. The UAE population’s growth is expected to continue, driven by a steady inflow of expatriates, according to the report.
The majority of the GCC population consists of expatriates. Based on 2010 data, Credit Suisse reported Qatar as having 86.5 percent expatriates, followed by 70 percent and 68.8 percent in Kuwait and the UAE, respectively.
The GCC region as a whole has an average of 53.43 percent of expatriates compared to an average of 9.5 percent in the MENA region, the report said.
The positions filled by expatriates range from low-paying, low-skilled construction jobs to highly professional and specialized jobs. Nearly 4.5 million nationals are potentially entering the job market compared to 5 million nationals who were employed in 2010. The IMF predicts that an additional 2 to 3 million nationals will not be able to find employment, according to the report.
More than half of GCC population under age 25
More than half of GCC population under age 25
Saudi transport minister tours Hajj shuttle service for pilgrims
RIYADH: As Hajj rituals continue to take place in the holy sites in Makkah, Saudi Arabia’s transport minister on Friday night toured a shuttle bus service used to move pilgrims from Mina to the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser inspected the shuttle station west of the Jamarat complex, as pilgrims attempt to complete the Tawaf al-Ifadah inside the holy mosque in Makkah.
The services uses a dedicated lane to transport approximately 20,000 passengers per hour on 100 busses on the short 20 minute journey northward to the Ground Mosque.
The minister’s visit is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to ensure the quality of services provided to pilgrims, a report on the Saudi Press Agency said.
Over 1.6 million pilgrims are taking part in this year's Hajj, which is an annual event and a key pillar of Islam.
Saudi authorities have said the event has been a success with various ministries and state institutions taking part in ensuring the safety and timely provision of services to pilgrims.
In an address on Friday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said: “The continued success we witnessed today in serving the Guests of God is the result of our blessed country’s efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques, the holy sites and their visitors.”
The pilgrims, who are affectionately reffered to as the Guests of Allah, are encamped in the tent city of Mina and will be performing the “stoning of the devil” ritual at the Jamarat over the next few days.
They spent Thursday standing at the plain of Arafat, an act considered as the climax of Hajj, supplicating and asking forgiveness from Allah.
On Friday, Muslims across the globe marked Eid Al-Adha, which is always celebrated the day after Arafat.
How pilgrims can embrace sustainability during Hajj to reduce their environmental impact
- Hajj generates millions of tonnes of plastic waste each year, making sustainable solutions critical to protecting the holy sites
- Pilgrims are being encouraged to think beyond convenience and adopt habits that support the health of the planet and community
RIYADH: As millions of Muslims gather in Makkah for Hajj, concern is growing over the environmental toll of one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings — particularly the vast quantities of plastic waste left behind.
From water bottles to shopping bags, single-use plastics are a staple at major public events, and Hajj is no exception. Given the sheer volume of pilgrims, this waste can have lasting environmental consequences, unless mitigated by more sustainable choices.
Fortunately, awareness is growing among individuals and organizations about the harm caused by plastic pollution. Many are now turning to greener alternatives to reduce their footprint during the holy season.
Among the most commonly used items are plastic water bottles. With millions expected to be discarded during Hajj, experts and advocates say it is important to replace single-use items with reusable options or eliminate their use altogether.
One local company working to address the issue is Green Bags Saudi, a Jeddah-based provider of sustainable packaging. The company provides reusable bags made from jute, cotton, and canvas as part of its mission to support Saudi Arabia’s move away from disposable plastics.
“We proudly align our efforts with the Saudi Green Initiative, contributing to a greener future through both innovation and local production,” Aboobacker Yousuf, chairman and managing director of the GP Group of Companies that owns Green Bags Saudi, told Arab News.
Although the company will not be directly involved in this year’s pilgrimage, Yousuf said it strongly advocates for more eco-conscious practices during Hajj.
“We recommend reusable cotton tote bags for carrying personal items, biodegradable hygiene kits, jute or canvas pouches for organizing belongings, and eco-friendly water bottles and cutlery sets,” he said.
“These items not only serve practical needs but also significantly reduce the environmental impact caused by disposable plastics during the event.”
Yousuf also encouraged pilgrims to be more conscious of their consumption and waste, and to choose products that support sustainability.
“Choosing reusable items over disposable ones, properly disposing of waste, and minimizing plastic use can make a significant difference,” he said.
“By carrying cloth bags, refilling water bottles instead of buying plastic ones, and using compostable or biodegradable products, every pilgrim can contribute to preserving the holy sites and supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability vision.”
DID YOU KNOW?
• 506 million tonnes of plastic were produced worldwide in 2022, but only 9 percent were recycled.
• Millions of tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year, posing a threat to marine life.
• Plastic waste affects soil quality, damages plants, and contributes to groundwater pollution.
• By 2050, the weight of plastic waste present in our oceans could surpass that of fish.
While private companies are taking the lead in promoting eco-friendly alternatives, the public sector is also playing a key role in aligning Hajj services with the sustainability goals of Vision 2030 — a national strategy that seeks to boost quality of life across the Kingdom.
One standout example is the Sustainable Ihram Initiative, launched last month by the Fashion Commission. The program focuses on collecting and recycling textile waste generated by pilgrims, including ihrams, pillows, blankets, and sheets.
By embracing the principles of circular fashion, the initiative merges faith, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship — aiming to provide visitors with exceptional experiences while protecting natural resources.
“The Sustainable Ihram Initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration, reflecting the collective efforts of local and international partners committed to advancing the circular economy within the fashion industry,” said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, in comments to the Saudi Press Agency.
As Hajj begins, such efforts underscore a growing sense of shared responsibility for the environment. With the support of private enterprise and government initiatives, more pilgrims are being empowered to make sustainable choices.
By opting for reusable products, minimizing waste, and supporting eco-friendly innovations, pilgrims can help protect the sanctity of the holy sites — and contribute to a more sustainable future for the Kingdom and the planet.
Madinah governor hosts Eid Al-Adha reception, highlights Hajj services
- The governor praised the facilities and services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and commended the efforts of the relevant authorities
MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan received well-wishers celebrating Eid Al-Adha and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to serving pilgrims and maintaining the Two Holy Mosques.
During the reception, the governor underscored the commitment of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensuring exceptional care for pilgrims visiting Islam’s most sacred sites.
The ceremony drew a diverse gathering, including senior clerics, government ministers, tribal chiefs, local officials and citizens, who came to offer their best wishes to the prince.
The governor praised the facilities and services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and commended the efforts of the relevant authorities.
Saudi crown prince praises efforts behind Hajj success
- Prince Mohammed also praised the dedication of government employees and volunteers across all sectors
MINA: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday lauded the success of this year’s Hajj season, crediting it to the Kingdom’s commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims who visit them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“The continued success we witnessed today in serving the Guests of God is the result of our blessed country’s efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques, the holy sites and their visitors,” the crown prince said.
“We will continue to exert all efforts to provide comfort to the Guests of God.”
His remarks came during a reception held at the Royal Court in Mina Palace, where he received Eid Al-Adha well-wishers on behalf of King Salman.
The gathering included senior princes, the Kingdom’s Grand Mufti, high-ranking officials, military commanders involved in the Hajj operation and guests from Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
The crown prince also praised the dedication of government employees and volunteers across all sectors for their role in enabling pilgrims to complete their Hajj rituals safely and peacefully.
Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj entry
- Penalties include imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), public naming of violators, deportation of residents, and a 10-year re-entry ban after sentencing
MAKKAH: The Hajj Security Forces at Makkah’s entrances arrested 18 residents and 31 citizens for transporting 197 individuals without Hajj permits, the Saudi Press Agency reported Friday.
The Ministry of Interior issued administrative decisions through seasonal committees against the transporters, their accomplices, and the unauthorized pilgrims.
Penalties include imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), public naming of violators, deportation of residents, and a 10-year re-entry ban after sentencing.
The ministry also called for the confiscation of vehicles used in unauthorized transport and fines of up to SR20,000 for those attempting Hajj without a permit.
In a separate incident, security forces arrested 119 expatriates holding visit visas for violating Hajj regulations by attempting to enter Makkah on foot via a desert route.
All involved individuals were referred to the relevant authorities for legal action, the SPA reported.
Authorities also arrested an Indonesian resident for transporting 24 residents and 23 expatriates with visit visas, attempting to enter Makkah without permits. All were referred to the competent authority.
Earlier, the ministry urged full compliance with Hajj regulations to ensure pilgrim safety and reminded the public that entering Makkah without a Hajj permit from April 29 to June 10 is prohibited.
