GCC population growth rate is one of the highest internationally
A report issued by Asia Investments Company said that GCC region achieved one of the highest population growth rates around the world in the last decade which is 4 times higher than emerging markets and US rates, 7 times higher than Chinese rates, and 10 times higher than European population growth rates.
The report returned the hiking population growth rates in GCC countries to the large number of expats flowing to the region as expatriates now constitute around 33% of Saudi population, 85% of UAE and Qatar population.
It added also that the population structure in GCC countries will increase by 30% in 2020 and the labor force will continue growing as well which will increase the potential growth rate in the region, however, the exponential population growth will create many challenges like bolstering non-oil economic sectors, encouraging entrepreneurship, and developing infrastructure.
The report noted that inaction towards these challenges will lead to many economic and social problems like high unemployment rates, inflation, and political instability.
