GCC workforce surges by 9.4 million as expatriates dominate labour market growth

The workforce across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has expanded sharply over the past four years, adding approximately 9.4 million workers between 2021 and 2025, according to newly released data from the GCC Statistical Centre.

Total employment in the region rose from 27.7 million in 2021 to 37.1 million in 2025, marking a substantial growth of 34.1%. 

The surge has been largely fuelled by expatriate workers, whose numbers grew at an average annual rate of 9.1%, more than double the 4.4% growth recorded among national citizens.

Expatriates continue to form the backbone of the region’s labour market, accounting for 66.5% of the total workforce in 2025. The data also highlights a strong gender skew, with male expatriate workers making up a significant proportion of overall employment.

Despite the rapid expansion, unemployment across the GCC remains notably low at 2.5%, well below the global average of around 5.2% estimated by the International Labour Organisation. Officials attribute this resilience to sustained national employment strategies, alongside ongoing investments in human capital development.

Sector-wise, the services industry continues to lead as the region’s largest employer, accounting for 38.8% of total employment in 2025. Construction follows at 19.8%, reflecting continued infrastructure growth across Gulf economies, while the household sector represents 17.4%.

Meanwhile, the combined contribution of trade and industry stands at approximately 22.3% of total employment, underscoring the region’s gradual shift toward more diversified economic activity.

The latest figures point to a labour market undergoing steady transformation, supported by economic diversification agendas and policy efforts aimed at boosting workforce participation and long-term sustainability.

The Gulf’s workforce story is being shaped by two powerful shifts. Female employment has surged to 7.3 million in 2025, with rising participation, lower unemployment, and stronger representation across key sectors signalling that inclusion efforts are delivering real impact. Women are increasingly central to the region’s human capital and diversification agenda. 

At the same time, a booming job market is facing talent strain. Hiring remains strong, but skills shortages, high mobility, and rising expectations around growth, flexibility, and purpose are reshaping how professionals choose employers. Pay alone is no longer enough. 

Together, these shifts mark a turning point, and the GCC’s future growth will depend less on creating jobs and more on building a workforce that is skilled, inclusive, and aligned with evolving talent expectations.